There are destinations one dreams of traveling to because they are places that belong to the collective imagination. We have seen them so many times (in films, books, magazines, postcards...) and heard so much about them that we may come to feel as though we have already been there. Paris, London, New York, Venice... Everyone can complete the list with the places they long to visit most.
There are other destinations, however, that are not as popular but conceal secrets we cannot even imagine. Such is the case of St. Louis.
We know that St. Louis is in Missouri (United States) and that it is considered “the city of baseball.” Anything else? St. Louis probably did not appear on your list of “100 destinations to visit before you die,” but that is likely to change as soon as you read the following lines. Because St. Louis is home to the Museum of the Dog.
The Museum of the Dog was founded in 1981 by a group of true dog lovers, who took more than eleven years to make their dream come true. The museum was created to preserve, exhibit, and interpret art and literature related to dogs for educational purposes. Its goal is to enhance appreciation for dogs in our society, as well as explore the relationship between dogs and human beings.
Naturally, the museum also offers a historical perspective on dogs and their origins and, from an aesthetic point of view, it is a pleasure to visit because it contains one of the world's finest art collections dedicated to dogs. The museum displays more than 700 original paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, sculptures, and porcelain figures, along with numerous objects representing man's best friend throughout the centuries.
Anyone who wishes can spend hours and hours among the thousands of books and publications related to dogs available in the museum library. There is one catch, though: you have to make an appointment in advance. And, as if that were not enough, the museum provides visitors with a directory of more than 250 artists who create portraits and all kinds of commissioned dog-related works. So if you are eager to immortalize your dog, the best time to do so may be when you visit the museum in St. Louis.
Likewise, from March to October, sessions are held to introduce visitors to the unique characteristics of each dog. Every week, an owner and their dog visit the museum so that visitors can learn more about each breed (temperament, diet, adoption programs, etc.). It is an educational and very authentic encounter designed to help everyone get to know dogs and learn to love them.
Finally, as one would expect, dogs are welcome at the Museum of the Dog. In fact, the museum offers visiting pets all kinds of amenities, such as water, play areas, and long trails in the surrounding area where they can enjoy a good walk after the visit.
So anyone wanting to visit a different destination and discover places that are not yet overcrowded will find the Museum of the Dog in St. Louis to be a fantastic option. And for just $5!
Have any of you been to this museum or another one dedicated to our best friends? If so, we are eager to hear the details!