The Samuel Cupples House is a historic mansion in St
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 in the Romanesque Revival architectural style, construction of the house and stables began in 1888, before being completed in 1890 at an expense of $15 million in 2020 dollars. 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.
In 1973, Maurice McNamee, S.J. was tasked with restoring the mansion to its original appearance. Since its restoration, the House has been converted into a museum.
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.
https://en.wikipedia.org/
Cupples' house was designed by Thomas Annan. Construction began in 1888, and the house was ready for the family by 1890. There are 42 rooms in Cupples House and 22 fireplaces. Entertainments and galas, though no dancing, were held in the formal rooms of the first floor while the second and third floors were reserved for the family. In 1904, a conservatory was added to the rear of the house.
Vintage photographs illustrate how the house was furnished when the family lived here from 1890 to 1919. Although typically described as a Victorian-era home because of its date of construction, the Cupples House's interiors in the family's days in the home reflect a variety of decorating styles and tastes. Family comfort catalyzed a rather eclectic collection of furnishings. So, too, changing taste encouraged the purchase of art and furniture which did not necessarily coordinate with what was already in the home or what would be later added to the home. As a strict Methodist, Cupples did not approve of dancing. Therefore, the third floor of the house did not have the traditional ballroom. However, society articles in the newspaper report that after Cupples' death, champagne and oyster parties were held in the house to celebrate New Years' Eve.
https://www.slu.edu/
2.00 USD/hr
Free
Free
Free
- Audio tour
- Castle Garden
museumsandgalleries@slu.edu
- It is used by a university as a museum
- Guided tours are offered: 5.00 USD