The Old Courthouse Reawakens: A St. Louis Landmark Returns This May

Just steps from our Downtown St. Louis Apartments, The historic Old Courthouse is set to reopen on May 3, 2025, following an extensive multi-year refurbishment. As part of the Gateway Arch National Park, this iconic building has been a silent witness to transformative moments in American history—and now it enters a new chapter. Here are 9 key things to know about its storied past and exciting future:

The Old Courthouse in Downtown St. Louis in 2019, before renovations

1. A Courthouse Since 1828, a Landmark Since 1839

The site of the Old Courthouse has served as a center for justice since 1828, when the first courthouse was completed. As the city grew, it was replaced by the current, grander structure in 1839, which was expanded over several decades into the domed neoclassical building we know today.

2. The Site of Landmark Civil Rights Cases

The Old Courthouse is most famous for hosting the pivotal freedom suits of Dred and Harriet Scott in the 1840s. Their legal battle for emancipation became one of the most significant civil rights cases in U.S. history, ultimately leading to the controversial 1857 Supreme Court decision. Today, their legacy is honored on-site with striking bronze statues of Dred and Harriet Scott, which stand as powerful reminders of their courage and the ongoing fight for justice.

3. A Central Piece of the Gateway Arch National Park

Located just steps from the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse is part of the National Park Service’s effort to preserve America’s defining stories. Its reopening marks the completion of another phase in revitalizing the broader park area.

4. Years in the Making: The Refurbishment Project

The courthouse closed for renovations in 2020. The project included structural repairs, ADA accessibility upgrades, and modernization of exhibit spaces—all designed to respect the building's original architecture while preparing it for future generations.

5. A Fusion of Past and Present

Visitors will see restored courtrooms and grand staircases, now complemented by interactive exhibits and storytelling installations. The renovations blend 19th-century details with 21st-century technology, creating a rich and engaging experience.

6. Honoring Untold Stories

New exhibits will focus more deeply on the lives and legacies of people previously left out of the narrative—particularly enslaved African Americans, women, and Indigenous communities whose lives were shaped by the legal system housed within these walls.

7. A Community Celebration on May 3, 2025

The reopening will be marked by a day of festivities including tours, educational events, music, and a public ceremony. It’s not just a building reopening—it's a civic celebration of resilience, history, and hope.

8. A Boost for Downtown St. Louis

The courthouse’s return is expected to increase foot traffic in downtown, benefiting nearby businesses, hotels, and restaurants. It's also a draw for heritage tourism, complementing other nearby attractions like the Arch and the Mississippi Riverfront.

9. A Place for Reflection and Civic Engagement

More than a museum, the Old Courthouse aims to become a hub for civic dialogue. With expanded programming, school visits, and public forums, it invites the community to explore not just where we’ve been—but where we’re going.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 3, 2025, and be among the first to step back into this national treasure. The Old Courthouse stands again—not just as a monument to history, but as a living space for justice, learning, and reflection.