Central Axis

Built in 1917, the unheated pools along this vista feature tropical water lilies and giant Victoria water lilies when the water is a consistent 72 degrees. Water lilies have been a major Garden attraction since before the famed 1904 Saint Louis World's Fair. On average, the Garden produces 250 aquatic plants a year, including more than 50 different cultivars of nymphaea with six or seven spectacular Victorias. The lilies bloom from July through October, depending on Saint Louis weather. In 1988, the pools were renovated to include works by the late Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, with the two Orpheus Fountain figures and a sea nymph, Sunglitter, in the east pool, three Angel Musician sculptures in the center pool, and Two Girls Dancing in the west pool. These pieces were acquired by The Gateway Foundation and are on extended loan. Added in 2007, Dale Chihuly's Walla Walla Onions are a flotilla of onion-shaped glass pieces that adorn the center pool from spring through fall, made possible by the collective contributions of nearly 200 donors.

St. Louis, Missouri · United States