Missouri History Museum North Plaza

The Missouri History Museum’s recent building enhancements have earned it recognition as a Green Museum, dedicated to raising awareness about our planet’s finite resources and the impact of human actions.

DG2 Design collaborated with the project team to transform the north plaza into an accessible, welcoming space for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The redesign thoughtfully integrates elements of Missouri’s native landscape, providing seasonal interest throughout the year and guiding visitors visually and physically toward the museum entrance. A key feature of the project is the reconstruction of the monumental stairway, which preserves original design elements while accommodating the museum’s growing visitor base and diverse usage needs. By removing the stairs near the fountain and avoiding the need for a large ramp, we improved accessibility and maintained the historic character of the plaza. Additionally, the lawn was regraded to offer expanded gathering areas for events like the Twilight Tuesday Concerts.

This project reflects our commitment to fostering sustainability and inclusion, reinforcing the museum’s role as a community-centered institution.

Project Team: Tao + Lee Associates, H2Lighting, BSI
Sunset Photo Credit: STL From Above