Cementland facts for kids
Cementland is a special art project that was never fully finished. It's located on a large piece of land, about 54 acres, which used to be a cement factory. This unique spot is just north of St. Louis, Missouri.
The idea for Cementland came from a talented artist named Bob Cassilly. He also created the famous City Museum in St. Louis. Cementland was planned to have huge concrete sculptures, old machines, and even waterways where boats could travel. It was meant to be a place full of adventure and discovery.
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Discovering Cementland
What is Cementland?
Cementland is like a giant outdoor art park, but it's still a work in progress. It features many large sculptures made from concrete and old industrial equipment. Bob Cassilly wanted it to be a place where people could explore and imagine.
Who Created Cementland?
The amazing artist behind Cementland was Bob Cassilly. He was known for his creative and often playful art. His most famous work, the City Museum, is a popular attraction in St. Louis, known for its tunnels, slides, and unique art installations. Cementland was another one of his big, imaginative ideas.
How Was Cementland Built?
A lot of the land for Cementland was built up using dirt. Local construction companies would pay Bob Cassilly to dump their extra dirt there. This helped him get free building materials and some money. Cassilly said this helped him afford the project, which would have been too expensive otherwise.
A Special View from Cementland
The Cementland site is located outside the main city, in a small place called Riverview. From this spot, you can get a fantastic view of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Bob Cassilly loved this view, especially in the afternoon. He said, "When the sun shines on the city, you get this nice reflection. You don’t see all the trash and stuff. It’s the best view of the city."
What Happened to Cementland?
On September 26, 2011, Bob Cassilly passed away at the Cementland site. Initially, it was reported that he died in an accident involving a bulldozer. However, later, in October 2016, some experts questioned this. They suggested that his death might not have been an accident. Despite these questions, the official cause of death remained an accident.
Bob Cassilly's family had hoped to continue building Cementland after his passing. They wanted to see his vision come to life. However, in 2022, the site was sold at an auction for $785,000. A photographer from St. Louis, Richard Sprengeler, took many pictures of the site in 2022, capturing its unique state.
