When was the Gateway Arch started?
February 12, 1963
The Gateway Arch/Construction started
Who created the Gateway Arch?
Eero Saarinen
The Gateway Arch/Architects
During a nation-wide competition in 1947-48, architect Eero Saarinen’s inspired design for a 630-foot stainless steel arch was chosen as a perfect monument to the spirit of the western pioneers. Construction of the Arch began in 1963, and was completed on October 28, 1965, for a total cost of less than $15 million.
What is the history behind the Gateway Arch?
The Gateway Arch, designed by Finnish-born, American-educated architect Eero Saarinen, was erected to commemorate President Thomas Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and to celebrate St. Louis’ central role in the rapid westward expansion that followed.
What construction company built the St Louis Arch?
| Gateway Arch | |
|---|---|
| Architect | Eero Saarinen |
| Architecture firm | Eero Saarinen and Associates |
| Structural engineer | Severud Associates |
| Main contractor | Mcddsa |
What is so special about the Gateway Arch?
The Gateway Arch is 630 feet high, making it the tallest monument in the United States. It is as wide as it is tall. Built to withstand earthquakes and high winds, the monument was designed to sway up to 18 inches. And it has swayed 1.5 inches when subjected to 50 mph winds.
How much does it cost to go in the Gateway Arch?
Park visitors 16 and up pay the $3.00 entrance fee, visitors 15 and under the entrance fee is waived. On Fee Free Days, periodically throughout the year the $3.00 entrance fee may be waived. Due to security measures at the Gateway Arch, all visitors to the Arch must pass through an airport style security checkpoint.
How much does the St Louis Arch sway?
The Arch is designed to sway as much as 18 inches, and can withstand an earthquake, however under normal conditions the Arch does not sway. It takes a 50-mile an hour wind to move the top 1 1/2 inches each side of center.
Can you go to the top of the St Louis Arch?
Since its completion in 1965, the monument has taken millions of visitors on the trip to the top to enjoy stunning views stretching up to 30 miles to the east and west. Then, be transported 630 feet to the top of America’s tallest monument. Each tram tour has an anticipated duration of 45-60 minutes.
Why is the Gateway Arch famous?
As part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Gateway Arch serves to commemorate the accomplishments of 19th-century westward pioneers and celebrate the city’s role as the ‘Gateway to the West. From 1947-1948, the city held a nationwide competition to design the new monument.
Can you walk up the Gateway Arch?
Can we walk down the stairs? There are 1076 steps in the stairways of each leg, and they are used by maintenance personnel only; visitors are not allowed to walk up or down.
How much does it cost to see the Arch in St Louis?
Does the Arch sway?
Is the Arch moving? The Arch is designed to sway as much as 18 inches, and can withstand an earthquake, however under normal conditions the Arch does not sway. It takes a 50-mile an hour wind to move the top 1 1/2 inches each side of center.
Why was the Gateway Arch built in St.Louis?
Gateway Arch. Built as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States, and officially dedicated to “the American people,” it is the centerpiece of the Gateway Arch National Park and has become an internationally recognized symbol of St. Louis, as well as a popular tourist destination.
Why did Eero Saarinen design the Gateway Arch?
Speaking of his design, Saarinen said, “The arch symbolized the gateway to the West, the national expansion, and whatnot.” Saarinen’s design was chosen from 172 submissions, which included animal sculptures, a statue of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase, and Eero’s father Eliel’s own entry depicting a tall, rectangular stone gate.
Who are the designers of the Gateway Arch?
Saarinen’s team included himself as designer, J. Henderson Barr as associate designer, and Dan Kiley as landscape architect, as well as Lily Swann Saarinen as sculptor and Alexander Girard as painter.
How big is the base of the Gateway Arch?
The Arch has foundations sunk 60 feet into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds; it sways up to 1 inch in a 20 mph wind, and is built to sway up to 18 inches. A Grand Staircase leads from the St. Louis levee up to the base of the Gateway Arch.