Samuel Cupples House Explained

Samuel Cupples House
Designated Other1 Name:St. Louis Landmark
Designated Other1 Abbr:STLL
Designated Other1 Link:St. Louis Landmark
Designated Other1 Color:
  1. aaccff
Coordinates:38.6367°N -90.2358°W
Architect:Thomas B. Annan
Architecture:Romanesque Revival
Added:October 21, 1976
Refnum:76002260

The Samuel Cupples House is a historic mansion in St. Louis, Missouri, constructed from 1888 to 1890 by Samuel Cupples. It is now a museum on the campus of Saint Louis University. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

History

Originally designed by Thomas B. Annan[1] in the Romanesque Revival architectural style,[1] construction of the house and stables began in 1888, before being completed in 1890 at an expense of $15 million in 2020 dollars.[2] Originally, the home was the residence of wealthy St. Louis entrepreneur Samuel Cupples. In 1946, the house was bought by Saint Louis University for $50,000 USD and converted to serve as a student center (complete with a bowling alley and bar in the basement) and an office for academic advising.[2] [3]

In 1973, Maurice McNamee, S.J. was tasked with restoring the mansion to its original appearance.[2] Since its restoration, the house has been converted into a museum.[2]

Exhibits

Today, the Eleanor Turshin Glass Collection is shown throughout the house as a permanent exhibit showcasing Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware. The basement of the building houses the McNamee Gallery, which hosts art exhibitions of SLU students and faculty, as well as visiting artists.[2]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cupples House Architecture and Design . Saint Louis University. 25 February 2020.
  2. Web site: Historic Samuel Cupples House and Gallery . Saint Louis University . 25 February 2020.
  3. Web site: Timeline of Saint Louis University . Saint Louis University . 8 July 2020.