The Steedman Architectural Collection at the St. Louis Public Library is a small but remarkable library of influential and rare architectural publications. Donated in 1928, it has grown through purchases and gifts from nucleus of 600 to an impressive library of over 1500 titles. The express purpose of George Steedman’s gift was to make these great works available to the local architectural community, so that they would be inspired to create better architectural work in St. Louis.

This online exhibit provides not only St. Louis architects, but also everyone who visits it, with a glimpse inside a selection of the collection’s most beautiful and important works. St. Louis Public Library hopes that you will enjoy learning about some of the major architects, styles, and movements of western architectural history through magnificent illustrations taken from the collection itself. In fulfillment of the gift’s original purpose, we present this rich and unique resource for your inspiration and study. Welcome to one of the treasures of the St. Louis Public Library.