How much did it cost to build the Arch?

The total building cost of the Arch was $13 million. The $11 million cost of the Arch itself was made up of 75% Federal funds and 25% City of St.

How many people died building the Arch?

But somehow, no one died during construction. The only death associated with the Gateway Arch was that of Kenneth Swyers, who in 1980 leaped from a plane, parachuted to the top of the arch, and attempted to BASE-jump to the ground.

How long did it take to build the Gateway Arch?

Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen's unqiue and simplistic arch won. (Eero even beat his famous architect dad, Eliel Saarinen!) 2.5 years: How long it took to build the Arch. $13.4 million: How much it cost to build the Arch in the early 1960s.

How did the Arch get built?

The Gateway Arch was erected section-by-section (a total of 142 sections) on foundations that are about 60 feet deep. Each section resembled a steel triangle that narrowed as they got closer to the top. Huge cranes and derricks were used to raise the sections into place.

How was the St Louis Arch funded?

The total building cost of the Arch was $13 million. The $11 million cost of the Arch itself was made up of 75% Federal funds and 25% City of St. Louis funds. The $2 million Arch transportation system was financed by the Bi-State Development Agency.

Cost/price/how much to build an arch?

How deep does the Arch go into the ground?

Foundation: 60 Feet Deep

Structural engineers Severud, Elstad, Krueger and Associates report that under a wind load of 55 psf (equivalent to a 150-mph wind), the Arch will deflect at the top only 18 inches in the east-west direction.

Why was the Arch built?

The Gateway Arch, designed by Finnish-born, American-educated architect Eero Saarinen, was erected to commemorate President Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and to celebrate St. Louis' central role in the rapid westward expansion that followed.

When was the Arch built?

In 1948, a nationwide design competition determined what shape the Memorial would take, and in 1963, construction began on architect Eero Saarinen's design for a stainless steel arch. Completed in 1965, the Gateway Arch stands as a symbol of national identity and an iconic example of mid-century modern design.

How tall is the Arch?

The Gateway Arch is one of the newest monuments in the National Park system, and at 630 feet, it is certainly the tallest! The Arch is 75 feet taller than the Washington Monument and over twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty.

Who developed the Arch?

The arch was designed by Finnish-born American architect Eero Saarinen in 1948 and was constructed between 1963 and 1965. The strong, elegant shape of the arch represents a door to the western part of the country. The arch is 630 feet (192 metres) tall, and the distance between its two legs is equal to its height.

What type of material is the Arch made of?

All that can be seen is its sparkling stainless steel outside skin and inner skin of carbon steel, which combine to carry the gravity and wind loads to the ground. The Arch has no real structural skeleton. Its inner and outer steel skins, joined to form a composite structure, give it its strength and permanence.

Has anyone jumped off the St. Louis arch?

Swyers, 33, of Overland, who parachuted from an airplane on the morning of Nov. 22, 1980, and touched the top of the Arch. But before he could jump with a second parachute, he slid down the north leg of the Arch and struck the pavement. He was dead before anyone could rush to his side.

What Landmark has the most deaths?

Can you go inside the Arch?

A: The Museum at the Gateway Arch is free, and a ticket is not required to enter the museum or Arch visitor center. However, as in the past, tickets are required for the Tram Ride to the Top and documentary movie, which can be purchased online at www.gateawayarch.com/buytickets.

How wide is the Arch?

The Arch is as wide as it is tall. That's right! The Arch is 630 feet wide and 630 feet tall.

Was the St. Louis Arch built for a World's Fair?

Louis was rebuilt with brick and iron rather than wood. Louis was home to the 1904 World's Fair.

How much does it cost to visit the Gateway Arch?

Park visitors 16 and up pay the $3.00 entrance fee, visitors 15 and under the entrance fee is waived. On Fee Free Days, periodically throughout the year the $3.00 entrance fee may be waived. Due to security measures at the Gateway Arch, all visitors to the Arch must pass through an airport style security checkpoint.

What does arch symbolize?

They embody and symbolize strength and support. The arch is basically a male motif. In mythology, it represents the door between time and space through which one passes to enter another world. The arch signifies the opening to new perspectives, the fact of seeing on the other side.

When was the last piece of the Arch installed?

28, 1965: The last piece of the Arch is fitted into place. See the stunning construction photos. The Gateway Arch is strikingly simple in design — a sweeping curve of stainless steel rising 630 feet above the ground.

How was the St. Louis Arch welded?

The inner plates of carbon steel were welded with low hydrogen electrodes using a normal welding procedure. Semiautomatic gas-shielded welding was used to join the outside stainless-steel surfaces. After welding, concrete was placed in the walls and post-tensioned.

Can you still go up in the Arch?

To reach the top and return, you must be able to manage at least 96 steps, divided into six flights, and you may need to stand for 30–60 minutes. No seating or restrooms are located at the top of the Arch.