The Sheldon facts for kids
The Sheldon is a famous concert hall and art gallery in St. Louis, Missouri. It was built in 1912 and is known for its amazing sound quality. Many famous musicians and speakers have performed here over the years. People even call it "The Carnegie Hall of St. Louis" because it's so special!
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A Century of Music and Art
The Sheldon was designed by Louis C. Spiering, a well-known architect from the 1904 World's Fair. It first opened in 1912 as a meeting place for the Ethical Society of St. Louis. Musicians and public speakers quickly discovered its perfect acoustics. This helped The Sheldon earn its nickname, "The Carnegie Hall of St. Louis." Famous people like Margaret Mead and Thurgood Marshall have spoken from its stage.
In 1964, the Ethical Society moved to a new location. The Sheldon then became mostly a place for music concerts. Later, in 1974, a former singer bought the building. He turned it into a church and hosted many wonderful jazz and gospel concerts.
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." Their efforts helped save the building. People realized how important The Sheldon was as a cultural landmark.
To make sure The Sheldon would be preserved, the non-profit Sheldon Arts Foundation was created in 1989. This foundation bought the building in 1991. Today, a large group of directors helps guide The Sheldon Arts Foundation.
What Happens at The Sheldon Today?
The Sheldon Concert Hall hosts over 350 events every year. You can enjoy great jazz, folk, and classical music there. Some of the world's best musicians have performed at The Sheldon. These include artists like Dave Brubeck, Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, Joan Baez, and Willie Nelson.
The Sheldon also offers special programs. These include Matinee Concerts and educational programs for schools. There are also Coffee Concerts and the "Notes From Home" series. This series features talented musicians from St. Louis.
More Than Just Concerts
Besides the main concert hall, The Sheldon has other spaces. The Sheldon Ballroom, Spiering Room, and Art Galleries are used for many different activities. These include workshops, master classes, and parties after concerts. They also host weddings, fundraising events, and community meetings.
Expanding the Arts
In 1998, The Sheldon grew even bigger! A $5 million project added five new art galleries. This expansion also made the building fully accessible for wheelchairs. New restrooms, two new lobbies, and a sculpture garden were also added. In 1999, the 500-seat Louis Spiering Room opened.
The art galleries cover a large area, about 6,000 square feet. They feature exciting exhibits on jazz history, photography, and architecture. You can also see art by St. Louis artists and special children's art.
Beautiful Stained Glass
In 2001, The Sheldon continued its improvements. Five new stained glass windows were installed. These beautiful windows were designed by artist Rodney Winfield. They are called "Theme and Variation" and look amazing both day and night.
The Sheldon's Location and Mission
The Sheldon is located in the heart of St. Louis' Grand Center arts district. It continues to offer many cultural resources to the St. Louis area. As a non-profit organization, The Sheldon relies on public support. Its main goal is to preserve and operate the historic Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries. It also aims to present important local and national events. The Sheldon provides facilities for many cultural, educational, and artistic groups.
In 2019, the Steward Family Plaza opened on the west side of The Sheldon. This area includes a walkway and a vertical garden. The Sheldon presents over 350 events each year in its concert hall, art galleries, Ballroom, and Konneker Room.
Fun Events: Golf the Galleries
A popular summer tradition at The Sheldon is "Golf the Galleries." This event features a mini golf course with nine holes. Local artists and architects design and build a completely new course every year. It's a fun way to experience art and play golf at the same time!
Sheldon Art Galleries
The Sheldon Art Galleries cover about 7,000 square feet. They feature exhibits on photography, architecture, and St. Louis artists. You can also see collections, music history, and art by new artists. There are also special exhibits for children's art. The exhibitions change with the seasons each year.
