The Sheldon facts for kids
The Sheldon is a famous building in St. Louis, Missouri. It was designed by Louis C. Spiering, a well-known architect from the 1904 World's Fair. Built in 1912, it was first home to a group called the Ethical Society of St. Louis.
Over the years, many musicians and speakers have loved performing here. The Sheldon is known for its amazing sound, earning it the nickname "The Carnegie Hall of St. Louis." Famous singers and bands have played on its stage. Important speakers like Margaret Mead and Thurgood Marshall have also shared their ideas there. A group working for women's rights, the St. Louis Chapter of the League of Women Voters, even started in The Sheldon's Green Room.
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The Sheldon's Journey Through Time
When the Ethical Society moved in 1964, The Sheldon became mostly a place for music. Later, in 1974, a former singer bought the building. He turned it into a church and hosted many wonderful jazz and gospel concerts.
In 1984, a lawyer who loved classical music bought the building. He was encouraged by a music group called the Paganini String Quartet. Starting in 1986, The Sheldon became a place for concerts and community events.
Saving The Sheldon
In the mid-1980s, The Sheldon was almost torn down to make space for a parking lot! But a group of community leaders and former Ethical Society members started a campaign called "Save Our Sheldon." This effort even led to a movie called Sweet Sheldon, starring Burt Lancaster. People realized how important The Sheldon was to the city's culture. This public support helped save the building from being demolished.
The Sheldon Arts Foundation
To make sure The Sheldon would always be a cultural treasure, the non-profit Sheldon Arts Foundation was created in 1989 by Walter F. Gunn. This foundation bought the building in 1991. Today, a large group of directors guides the Sheldon Arts Foundation.
What Happens at The Sheldon Today
The Sheldon Concert Hall hosts over 350 events every year. You can hear amazing jazz, folk, and classical music from the world's best musicians. Artists like Dave Brubeck, Diana Krall, and Willie Nelson have performed here.
The Sheldon also offers special Matinee Concerts and educational programs for schools. There are "Coffee Concerts" and a "Notes From Home" series. This series features talented musicians from St. Louis on weekday evenings.
Other parts of the building, like The Sheldon Ballroom and Spiering Room, are busy too. They host workshops, master classes, and parties after concerts. People also use them for weddings, fundraising events, business meetings, and community gatherings.
Expanding the Arts: Galleries and More
In 1998, The Sheldon added five new art galleries. This was part of a big $5 million project. The improvements made the building more accessible for everyone, including new restrooms and two new lobbies. They also added a sculpture garden and more parking. In 1999, the 500-seat Louis Spiering Room was completed.
The art galleries cover a large area, about 6,000 square feet. They show exhibits on jazz history, photography, and architecture. You can also see art by St. Louis artists and children's art.
Beautiful Stained Glass Windows
The Sheldon continued its updates in 2001. Five new stained glass windows were installed. These were designed by a famous artist named Rodney Winfield. His beautiful designs, called "Theme and Variation," look stunning both day and night. This project honors Father Maurice McNamee, S.J.
The Sheldon's Role in the Community
The Sheldon is located in the Grand Center arts district of St. Louis. It continues to provide many cultural resources to the area. As a non-profit organization, The Sheldon relies on public support. Its main goal is to keep the historic Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries running. It presents important local and national events. It also provides space for many cultural, educational, artistic, and community groups.
In 2019, the Steward Family Plaza opened. This includes a walkway and a vertical garden on the west side of The Sheldon. The Sheldon presents over 350 events each year in its concert hall, art galleries, Ballroom, and Konneker Room.
The Sheldon is located in the Grand Center arts district of St. Louis.
Sheldon Art Galleries
The Sheldon Art Galleries cover about 7,000 square feet. They feature different exhibits throughout the year. You can see photography, architecture, and art by St. Louis artists. There are also collections, music history displays, and art by new and emerging artists. Children's art is also a special part of the galleries.
