Architects Day | John C. Guenther, Architect & Author ~ April 18, 2024

John will be discussing his new book, The Gateway Arch: An Illustrated Timeline.

The book takes a chronological look at the historical foundations of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, beginning in 1699 with the Louisiana Territory, with 90 historical events which led to the realization of the Gateway Arch and the latest refinements to the memorial grounds and new museum.

As Guenther writes in the book’s Introduction: “As impressive as the Gateway Arch is, the story of how this monument came to be is equally remarkable. This book seeks to “connect the dots” of history, illustrating key points in time which led to the creation of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and the Gateway Arch. Within this context, the reader may better understand and appreciate the importance of this site, the historical events that shaped our nation, region, Missouri, and St. Louis across time, and how the Memorial and Gateway Arch grew out of these events, honoring, celebrating, and raising our awareness of them.”

Books will be available afterwards for a book signing. Books are $17, not including sales tax.

About the Speaker:

Architect John C. Guenther, FAIA, LEED AP holds a fellowship in the American Institute of Architects and was a lecturer in the College of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, where he co-founded and taught Mid-Century Modernism in St. Louis 1930–1970. John serves as president of the Society of Architectural Historians–St. Louis Chapter. He wrote “Missouri’s Architectural Treasures,” published by Missouri Life Magazine; “25 Must-See Buildings in Missouri” for USA TODAY; and the introduction to The Lost St. Louis Riverfront 1930-1943, which documents the historic riverfront architecture removed in anticipation of Gateway Arch National Park.