On June 21, 2025, St. Louis burst into a full day of arts and cultural activity, offering residents and visitors a vibrant tapestry of visual arts, heritage exhibitions, live music, and theater. The city’s rich cultural ecosystem came alive through an eclectic mix of museum showcases, community events, and evening performances.
The St. Louis Artists’ Guild led the way with a trio of free exhibitions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that drew significant crowds. William H. Thielen’s “Freak Show” explored mental health and self-identity through personal multimedia pieces and expressive drawings. In “Making History – Threads of Time 1925–2025,” the Weaver’s Guild of St. Louis commemorated a century of fiber artistry through intricate historical weavings and modern interpretations. Jade Nguyễn’s “Agora” recreated the atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese market using sculpture and documentary-style photography, offering visitors an immersive, multicultural experience.
Across town, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation debuted “Veronica Ryan: Unruly Objects,” the first major U.S. retrospective of the Montserrat-born British sculptor. Showcasing four decades of work, the exhibit highlighted Ryan’s use of natural materials and themes of memory, displacement, and botanical identity, drawing critical praise from local and national reviewers.
Historical themes also found resonance at the Saint Louis Science Center with the reopening of “Pompeii: The Exhibition.” With more than 150 ancient artifacts and a gripping 4D eruption simulation, the exhibit offered an immersive dive into Roman urban life before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Art and innovation merged at the Saint Louis Art Museum with “Roaring: Art, Fashion and the Automobile in France, 1918–1939.” Visitors explored the intersection of technology, culture, and design through an array of haute couture garments, early automobiles, and paintings reflecting the post-WWI French avant-garde.
As evening approached, the city transitioned from galleries to stages. Jazz icon Diana Krall performed to a packed audience at the Stifel Theatre, showcasing her signature blend of piano and sultry vocals. Meanwhile, the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center entertained theatergoers with “Murder for Two,” a fast-paced two-person musical comedy that kept audiences laughing and guessing.
At Chaifetz Arena, the SERA Black Rodeo delivered a powerful cultural celebration of African American western heritage. The event blended traditional rodeo sports with live music, community tributes, and pageantry, drawing diverse crowds and national talent.
This diverse lineup of events highlighted the breadth and inclusivity of St. Louis’s cultural offerings. From contemporary art and ancient history to musical virtuosity and heritage celebration, the day’s programming reflected the city’s evolving role as a regional arts hub. The mix of free and ticketed events ensured accessibility for all, reinforcing a community-wide appreciation for the arts.
Looking ahead, the city’s cultural momentum continues with summer events such as the Evolution Music Festival, outdoor film screenings, and public art tours. June 21 stands as a vivid reminder that the arts in St. Louis are not only thriving, but flourishing across disciplines and generations.
