Grand Reopening of Old Courthouse Ushers in New Era

The Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation are having a ribbon-cutting and programming to celebrate the reopening of the Park’s historic Old Courthouse, following only the second major renovation in the building’s history, the Old Courthouse will reopen its doors on May 3, 2025, ushering in a new era of accessibility, educational programming, and community engagement.

Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation will commemorate the reopening of this historic landmark with a free community festival honoring the St. Louis landmark’s significant role in American history.

Ribbon Cutting Kicks of Day of Celebration

The celebration begins that day with a ribbon cutting ceremony, which will begin at 10 a.m. on the western steps of the Old Courthouse. St. Louis’ own Carol Daniel will emcee the ribbon cutting ceremony, introducing Gateway Arch National Park Superintendent Jeremy Sweat, who will give remarks, and performances from the St. Louis Symphony’s IN UNISON Chorus. After paying homage to the building, dignitaries will gather to cut the ribbon and invite the public into the Old Courthouse for the first time since 2020.

“I could not be more pleased to reopen this important building to the public,” said Jeremy Sweat, Gateway Arch National Park superintendent. “The new exhibit galleries, accessibility improvements and building modernization have transformed the visitor experience, while protecting the historic character of the building, and I can’t wait to share that with our visitors.”

“The Old Courthouse has been the site of some of the most pivotal moments in American history, and now it will offer visitors an even deeper connection to its past,” Sweat also said. “With the new exhibits, enhanced accessibility, and structural updates, the Old Courthouse will continue to be a vital educational and cultural resource for generations to come.”

The grand reopening will feature a full day of activities honoring the Old Courthouse’s rich history and continued relevance. In addition to the dignitary remarks, the festival thoughtfully planned to engage individuals of all ages and abilities, interactive educational programming, and more. Celebrated artist Cbabi Bayoc has partnered with Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation to craft the vibrant branding for this year’s festival.

“Monumental things happen when we invest in the conservation and preservation of our national parks and iconic landmarks like the Old Courthouse,” said Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “Through our longstanding partnership with the National Park Service and the generous support of our philanthropic donors, together, we have ensured this building will remain vibrant and accessible for future generations. We look forward to standing alongside our partners as the St. Louis community and its visitors rediscover the Old Courthouse.”

The Old Courthouse Renovation is the Final Phase of CityArchRiver Project

As the final phase of the $380 million CityArchRiver Project—the largest public-private partnership in National Park Service history—the Old Courthouse renovation is focused on preserving its architectural beauty while enhancing visitor experiences. The updates include:

New Accessibility Features

Installation of the first elevator in the building’s history and accessible ramps to ensure visitors can experience the building together.

Structural and System Improvements

Renovated ceilings and flooring, a state-of-the-art fire suppression system, upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and general restoration and improvements.

All-New Exhibits

Compelling galleries that delve into the stories of Dred and Harriet Scott, African American life in St. Louis, the continued struggle for civil rights, and the courthouse’s architectural and legal legacy.

Please visit nps.gov/jeff or archpark.org for the latest information on the Old Courthouse.

About Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park, one of America’s 430+ national parks, commemorates Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a unified continental nation and St. Louis’ role as the gateway to the American West during the 19th century. The park also preserves the Old Courthouse, the site of the first two trials of the pivotal Dred Scott v. Sandford case. The park includes the Gateway Arch, the Arch grounds and the Old Courthouse, located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. Admission to the Museum at the Gateway Arch is free, and most programs are free of charge and open to the public. Many programs and events at the park benefit from the generous support from park partners Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Jefferson National Parks Association and Bi-State Development. The Gateway Arch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the regular season and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer season. The Old Courthouse is currently closed. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For more information about Gateway Arch National Park, visit NPS.gov/jeff.

About Gateway Arch Park Foundation

Gateway Arch Park Foundation is the official philanthropic partner and nonprofit conservancy for Gateway Arch National Park. Its mission is to ensure the Gateway Arch, its grounds, neighboring public spaces, and attractions are a vital, welcoming, well-supported resource to the community and nation for generations to come. It seeks to fulfill its mission by providing for ongoing conservation, preservation and education at the park, in addition to hosting, facilitating and promoting community programs that bring the park and its surrounding areas in Downtown St. Louis to life. The Foundation is part of an alliance that helps meet this mission, which includes the National Park Service, Bi-State Development, Great Rivers Greenway, Jefferson National Parks Association, and the City of St. Louis. For more information, visit archpark.org.