Opening reception: October 8
In the ruins of a nearby church, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation in St. Louis, Missouri, has launched the Spring Church, a new outdoor public place for artistic projects and neighborhood gatherings. In 2001, a fire completely destroyed the Gothic revival building, leaving only the exterior shell standing. The building that is still standing has developed into a well-known icon in the neighborhood and a popular venue for parties and other events during the past 20 years.
The church had upgrades beginning in 2020 with the intention of stabilizing the building while preserving its architectural style. The design was carried out by Kiku Obata & Company and McNealey Engineering, Inc. of St. Louis.
The Church, which has no roof and is still exposed to the sky, has retained the characteristic that has made it a well-known landmark in the area. Accessible paths, masonry restorations, new electrical and lighting infrastructure, and other improvements are included in the updates. The plan includes the Church as well as a nearby lot that has undergone improvements and will continue to be a publicly accessible green area. This area was created by Granite City, Illinois-based Studio Land Arts and incorporates seating and plants as well as architectural features that were discovered during construction.
Jordan Weber, a multidisciplinary artist and activist, unveiled an installation during the opening of The Spring Church earlier this month. The artwork, titled All Our Liberations, was a three-tiered sculpture that served as the focal point for events and activities, energizing the area for group learning, introspection, and healing. As a part of Counterpublic, a St. Louis-wide arts triennial, Weber will increase the size of All Our Liberations in April 2023. Diya Vij, Associate Curator at Creative Time, will plan the project.
The Pulitzer’s transformation of the Spring Church follows that of Park-Like, a sustainably designed green space located across the street from the museum. Like Park-Like, the Spring Church will be open daily, free of charge, from sunrise to sunset. Pulitzer Executive Director Cara Starke notes, “The Pulitzer is deeply committed to contributing to our neighborhood, expanding the visitor experience of the Foundation to include not only the museum at its heart, but also Park-Like and now the Spring Church. We look forward to welcoming our neighbors and visitors, whether it be to spend time in the space on their own terms or to experience public art in the Spring Church’s unique architecture.”
On October 8, there will be a performance by the InUnison Chorus of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as well as tours. This fall, further collaborations and projects will be revealed.
The Spring Church
620 North Spring Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63108
United States