ST. LOUIS (May 19, 2016)—The Arch Store is now open to the public. Operated by Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA), the 4,000-square-foot retail space, built on the site of the former Odyssey Theater underneath the Arch, is a contemporary environment that offers visitors numerous ways to connect with the stories of the Gateway Arch, and features an expanded selection of new products and returning museum store favorites.

“This sparkling new space represents one of the first completed interior portions of the massive CityArchRiver renovation project at the Arch.” says David Grove, President and CEO, Jefferson National Parks Association.  “We are quite proud of our expanded ability to serve park visitors in our new store and also for the opportunity to generate additional financial support for Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.  We’re sure our exciting array of one-of-a-kind items will appeal to Arch enthusiasts, history buffs, and to the local St. Louis audience.”

Designed by award-winning architectural firm Charles Sparks & Co., which specializes in the design of museum stores, the store features 14-foot-high ceilings, custom-built retail fixtures and architect-designed lighting.  Six lower ceilings or “clouds” designate themed areas in the store and feature products dedicated to themes such as the American West, early days of St. Louis, and the building of the Arch.  These themes echo interpretive stories that will be featured in the new museum under the Arch, which is currently under construction.

“In addition to offering shoppers a unique space in which to purchase Arch souvenirs, gifts and apparel, and Western-themed products, The Arch Store honors the monument’s 1960s origins and features items such as the iconic Eero Saarinen-designed Tulip chair and table, Eames stacking cards and new mid-century modern architectural books,” says Grove.  Customers can also buy a high-end reproduction Remington bronze statue, a bust of Jefferson, and numerous Native American crafts. The new store features the old-fashioned, homemade fudge counter from the former Levee Mercantile store.

Constructed by St. Louis-based ICS Construction Services, the store is located on the main level of the Arch Visitor Center, with retail offices and stock rooms in two lower levels.  The new store replaces JNPA’s previous two retail spaces at the Arch and represents a $1 million-plus investment by JNPA. In addition, the store fulfills JNPA’s mission of funding the educational and interpretive programs at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

The entire month of June, shoppers can enjoy a one-time 20 percent savings on their entire storewide purchase. Sign up at archstore.jnpa.com to receive a coupon for this special discount. 

The Arch Store is open daily during Gateway Arch hours of operation, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 27.  Beginning Saturday May 28 through Labor Day, it is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Customers can call The Arch Store at 314-678-1530. The Gateway Arch offers Journey to the Top tram rides, as well as showings of the award-winning documentary Monument to the Dream. Visitors are encouraged to purchase Arch tickets in advance at gatewayarch.com/buytickets.

Visitors can also shop for Arch Store products online at shop.jnpa.com. Products offered online do not reflect all of the products found in store.

About Jefferson National Parks Association: As a non-profit organization, JNPA’s purpose is to ensure that visitors to the nation’s public lands will enjoy, experience, and engage with the places they treasure.   The organization’s signature programs include retailing, publishing, product development, museum and curriculum-based experiences, facility improvements, and member and donor engagement. The proceeds from JNPA’s work programs results in an average investment of $3 million annually in its nine partner parks, including Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. Louis.

About the Gateway Arch: The Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse are part of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. The Gateway Arch features the Journey to the Top tram ride and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend, and 8 a.m. and to 10 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Most programs are FREE of charge and open to the public. To purchase Arch tickets, go online to www.gatewayarch.com, or call 877-982-1410, or visit the Arch Ticketing & Visitor Center at the Old Courthouse. The Arch’s museum exhibits are closed for renovations until mid-2017.

About the CityArchRiver project: CityArchRiver is a transformational project that will enhance the Gateway Arch experience for all visitors. The project will create a seamless park experience from the city to the Mississippi River, providing visitors with a more vibrant place to visit, enjoy, and return. CityArchRiver is a public-private partnership including the National Park Service, Missouri Department of Transportation, Great Rivers Greenway, City of St. Louis, Bi-State Development, Jefferson National Parks Association, CityArchRiver Foundation and many other organizations. For more information, please visit www.cityarchriver.org.

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