Indoor Arts

“Jazz at the Bistro (AKA Jazz St. Louis) is amazing! So classy and groovy! I’ve been twice so far and I’m dying to go back. The best part about it is the huge discount students get. I think normally a seat is $30 or $40 for an adult, but students get seats for around $15. Both times I’ve been, the music has been incredible (I’d highly recommend going when the Funky Butt Brass Band is playing). The food is slightly on the pricey side, so if you’re on a budget and want a fun night out, get a seat for $15 and enjoy some drinks/appetizers with some friends while listening to some sweet jazz music.” 

John D., M1

[caption id="attachment_12502" align="alignleft" width="350"] Dylan S., Bruin P., and Angela C. seeing Wicked at the Fox.[/caption]

“My favorite thing about St. Louis is access to the same traveling Broadway shows that in theory I could have seen when I lived in D.C. — but in the Midwest they’re affordable enough that I actually go. This year’s lineup at the Fox Theatre, two miles from the med school, includes Dear Evan Hansen (tickets starting at $49), Hamilton ($89), The Band’s Visit ($30), Wicked ($49), and Rent ($29). Treat yourself!”

Angela C., M1

Nationally touring musicals and some big name musicians. Even if you’re not a musical theatre fan, the building is ornate and stunning, so consider taking a backstage tour ($10 departing at 10:30 am T/Th/Sa; Saturday tours include a performance on one of two of the Fox’s famous Wurlitzer organs).

Intimate, Cabaret style space is a classic jazz club (one of the best in the country), and is dedicated to sharing the art of of American jazz with the community. Brings in nationally recognized (i.e., Jazz at Lincoln Center group) and outstanding local (i.e., Funky Butt Brass Band) jazz musicians.

[caption id="attachment_12509" align="alignleft" width="350"] The Modern Art Wing at Saint Louis Art Museum.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_12504" align="alignleft" width="350"] Kehinde Wiley Exhibit at Saint Louis Art Museum.[/caption]

Free (!!!) art museum in the heart of Forest Park (they also bring in a touring exhibit each season, for which you must purchase tickets). The building is gorgeous and the museum is world renowned, with a collection spanning 5,000 years of cultures and genres. Originally founded as an independent entity within WashU and housed downtown, it moved to Forest Park right after our famous 1904 World’s Fair (see the movie Meet Me in St. Louis!), into the Palace of Fine Arts fair building. The museum then separated from the university in 1908. An impressive collection of European masters, the world’s largest Max Beckman collection, and ample artifacts, tools, clothing, weapons, and furniture from various cultures throughout history comprise the permanent collection. A perfect rainy day activity.

[caption id="attachment_12508" align="alignleft" width="350"] At Powell Symphony Hall to see the jazz great Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra perform their holiday set.[/caption]

A beautiful white, gold, and red velvet concert hall (a former vaudeville theater), Powell Hall is home to the internationally recognized and Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (the nation’s second oldest orchestra!). Classical music not your thing? Consider bringing your date to one of their movie nights (The Empire Strikes Back and Harry Potter have been recent showings); they project the movie on a large screen and the orchestra plays the score as the movie progresses. The building is rumoured to be haunted by a ghost named George, who plays with the lights and elevators. Don’t miss their free concert in Forest Park, held every September since 1968 — it’s an incredible event.

Bands, musicals, and nationally touring stand-up comics appear at the newly renovated Stifel Theatre downtown.

Originally located downtown, the Black Rep now performs in the Edison Theater on WashU’s Danforth Campus. It is the largest professional African-American theatre company in the nation!