Located on the eastern edge of Forest Park and on the south end of Delmar Boulevard, this affluent commercial district is over a century old. That old pedigree is evident in the turn of the 20th century lamp posts and cobblestone streets. It was once the site of the 1904 World's Fair which was held in adjacent Forest Park. Other cultural institutions in this neighborhood include is the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (the New Cathedral) on Lindell Boulevard at Newstead Avenue. This church houses the largest collection of mosaics in the world.
Literary fans can visit the home of poet T. S. Eliot, located in the Central West End. Beat writer William S. Burroughs's childhood home sits on Pershing Avenue (formerly Berlin Avenue) in the neighborhood. Playwright Tennessee Williams also grew up in the neighborhood and the family apartment said to be the setting of his play The Glass Menagerie is here. Some residential areas are included in the National Register of Historic Places like Fullerton's Westminster Place. Most of these architect-designed homes were built in the period between 1890 and 1910. Another scenic historical site is the private place called Washington Terrace, which was laid out in 1892. Art lovers in the city look to the Atrium Gallery for its grand variety of contemporary artwork and the Duane Reed Gallery for its collection of photographic, ceramic, glass, paint and fiber art works.
For more about the city’s backstory, the Missouri History Museum has everything from independent film viewings to poignant exhibits to concerts on the front lawn. Even the traveling exhibits are free on Tuesdays. Annual events include a popular house tour in the spring, an Art Fair & Taste Festival in June, a Greek Festival during Labor Day weekend and Halloween festivities in October. After sampling all the sidewalk cafés, galleries, antique shops, restaurants and pubs the neighborhood has in great supply, Choice Hotels near Central West End will extend the good times of your vacation with friendly customer service and spectacular accommodations. Book a room with us today.