Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch, aka Saint Louis Arch, is a monument.  It’s not a functional building, per se, but a monument built for tourist to visit.  Okay… It’s a government owned tourist trap.  The structure was built as a monument to the vision of Thomas Jefferson and St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States.

As a mathemetician, it attracts me.  At the same time, the stainless steel exterior is very cool too.  I don’t mind paying the money to visit it.

Stainless Steel Exterior

It is fun to take pictures at the Gateway Arch.  Just those faint reflections above could keep me busy all day.

Real and Reflected

This picture of Paul is fun.  The arch’s exterior wall makes a cool backdrop that changes based on what’s being reflected.  I’m visible just to the left (your left) of Paul.  I kept the lady in the frame because the color of her clothing works with the image.  As a result, it has this blue look.

TALL

The arch is tall.  VERY TALL.  It is 63 stories (630 feet) tall.  That’s about 2x taller than the tallest building in San Francisco!

The Gateway Arch Eclipsing the Sun

Arching Over the Plaza

Tickets

Tickets are required to get in.  We had to wait over an hour for our appointment time.  (Yes, there are appointed times on the tickets.)  We got lucky and didn’t have to wait as long as others who came after us.  I recommend you purchase tickets on-line BEFORE you get there.  That way you know what time you must get in line.

Waiting in Line

Oh, yeah.  After you arrive at your appointed time, you still wait in line.

Up Next…

Inside the Arch.