Forbes art and travel writer Chadd Scott recently put St. Louis’ art scene back in the national spotlight with his article, Why St. Louis Is A World-Class Art Destination. The article delves into the Saint Louis Art Museum’s landmark exhibition, Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea, running through January 25, 2026, as a major get for St. Louis. It also explores the bevy of free art experiences offered by St. Louis institutions including the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, The Pulitzer, Laumeier Sculpture Park, and KAF’s own Legends’ Gallery and the Walls Off Washington.
This isn’t the first time Scott has touted St. Louis, and the Grand Center Arts District in particular. In June 2023, Scott published his article titled, America’s Most Exciting Emerging Arts District is in…St. Louis?, in which he touted everything the district has to offer from the Angad Arts Hotel to Powell Hall, CAM, The Pulitzer, Jazz St. Louis. The Walls Off Washington, High Low, MATI and more. With his enthusiasm, Scott let the world in on the “secret” many in St. Louis already know—that the arts thrive here.
“Two years ago, Chadd called Grand Center the most exciting ‘emerging,’ arts district in America. Since that time, I believe we have grown further into the most exciting arts district period,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “We are no longer ‘emerging’ – we are here and drawing attention and visitors throughout St. Louis, across the region and from around the country. Our arts scene currently rivals those in any major U.S. city and the passion of our artists is unmatched.”
In its fifth year, the newly expanded MATI Festival & Conference also received national attention, with stellar write-ups in Essence and PopCulture.com. MATI’s new format brought the entire Grand Center Arts District community together to offer programming spanning music, visual arts, poetry, theatre and more.
“As our arts institutions and artists continue to move forward in the spirit of collaboration, there is no limit to the heights we can reach,” Hansen says.
