Five of St. Louis’ top cultural institutions – the Missouri Botanical Garden, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo – will join together on Saturday, April 17, to observe “Des Lee Day” in honor of St. Louis philanthropist E. Desmond Lee, who died earlier this year at age 92.
Lee embodied great collaborative vision for the community, enabling numerous organizations to conduct community outreach programs, establish professorships with universities and develop projects that would not otherwise have been possible. In his spirit, on April 17, the five cultural institutions will offer the following discounts:
• Missouri Botanical Garden: 20 percent off merchandise at the Garden Gate Shop.
• Missouri History Museum: 20 percent off merchandise at the Museum Shop, (excluding music, videos, DVDs, sale items, John Pils and Jim Trotter products).
• Saint Louis Art Museum: Free family tours beginning at 2:30 p.m.
• Saint Louis Science Center: Free admission to Moon Rock, the brand-new musical version of The Space Show at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium.
• Saint Louis Zoo: Free Zooline Railroad rides.
Lee began building educational and community partnerships in 1996, encouraging institutions to establish programs and share resources that would benefit the entire community, but particularly the underserved. Because of his work, today there are more than 100 organizations, more than 30 endowed professors and a number of government agencies and businesses in the St. Louis area involved in the Des Lee Collaborative Vision.
Get out with the kids and take advantage of these special offers while teaching them valuable lessons about philanthropy, community and culture in honor of this very special St. Louisan.
By Amy Burger, Events Blogger for SmartParenting
Amy Burger is a mom, freelance writer and communications professional with nearly 20 years experience working in St. Louis. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets including STL Parent, Missouri Life magazine, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Town & Style and kdhx.org, among others. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful girls at home in Kirkwood.
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Juneteenth, Sweet Treats, Summer and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
Join in on First Art, a free art program for toddlers where the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Explore songs, finger plays, music and more during this Music & Movement class for ages 0-6. Some sessions are held in person at various branches of the St. Louis County Library. Some sessions are virtual.
