World's Fair Pavilion, Forest Park

This pavilion was constructed in 1909, a few years after the St. Louis World's Fair, which was held in Forrest Park in 1904. Located at the top of Government Hill, the pavilion offers wide views of the city's premier park and includes elements designed to reflect the scale and grandeur of the fair. In 1930, an electric fountain and reflecting pool were added, leading the St. Louis Star-Times to declare this decorative water feature to be "a new note in the evening symphony of beauty in Forest Park." In the summer of 1970, a festival sponsored by the Youth International Party was held at the Pavilion, and rock concerts also took place at the pavilion during the 1970s. By the late twentieth century, however, the building was in need of maintenance. In 1980, the pavilion underwent an exterior restoration, and from 1998 to 2007 a full renovation was completed, along with upgrades to other significant areas in Forest Park. Today, the Pavilion is a popular destination for photographers and tourists, as well as a venue for weddings and special events.

The World's Fair Pavilion was constructed in Forest Park in 1909 using proceeds from the World's Fair, which was held in the park in 1904. The building was designed by Henry White. It features an open air colonnade and offers a wide-angle view of Forest Park as it sits atop Government Hill. The Pavilion was built on the site of the fair's original Missouri Building and was intended to commemorate the fair. Following construction, it was presented to the citizens of St. Louis by the Fair Commission.

In 1930, a decorative fountain and reflecting pool were added outside the front of the building. This water feature includes rainbow-colored lighting that partially illuminates the pavilion, surrounding landscape, and walkways. At the time, the St. Louis Star Times newspaper called the elaborate fountain, "a new note in the evening symphony of beauty in Forest Park."

Beginning in 1970, rock concerts were held at the Pavilion, although permits were not always easily obtained. On July 12, 1970, the Youth International Party also held a "Festival of Life" at the site. The exterior of the Pavilion was partially restored in 1980, followed by a full renovation in 1998. The renovation was made possible through a capital campaign by Forest Park Forever, which raised $1.1 million for the project.

A historical marker placed at the site contains images of two historic postcards depicting the Pavilion and the surrounding landscape. One image shows formal gardens that were added between 1910-1930. The caption states, "Formal Gardens of Classical Beauty." The other historic postcard shows the electric fountain with its colorful lighting displays, which was added in 1930.

Today, the Pavilion remains a popular site among photographers, locals, and tourists. It is also used for weddings and other private events.

World's Fair Pavilion, Forest Park Forever. Accessed May 16th 2022. https://forestparkmap.org/world-s-fair-pavilion.

World's Fair Pavilion, St. Louis City Parks. Accessed May 17th 2022. https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/parks/Worlds-Fair-Pavilion.cfm.

Jones, Devry Becker . World's Fair Pavilion, Historical Marker Database. December 19th 2020. Accessed May 17th 2022. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=133327.

"All the World's A Fair", Explore St. Louis. Accessed May 17th 2022. https://explorestlouis.com/itinerary/all-the-worlds-a-fair/.