your reminder to add historical homes in between the sightseeing and museums to round out your next trip

With popular landmarks, sometimes it’s all about checking a box. Places can be so popular; it nearly becomes mandatory when visiting a city. Even if you don’t necessarily care about x, it’ll feel like you missed something. But once you’ve been there, done that a few times, you’re thirsting for something new. Or less popular, something you haven’t heard from everybody. But then you’ll run into something and wonder how it’s not more popular. Or why it was kind of a hassle to find in the first place? If you go by the consensus of the internet, you feel like you hacked something. Peeked at everyone else’s hard work and got all the answers. The only problem: all those people might’ve just done the same.

After visiting St. Louis, Missouri a few times, I was looking for something new to do. I kept scrolling through my phone until I hit the Samuel Cupples House located at St. Louis University. It was multiple pages in. I thought it must not be good or it would’ve popped up sooner. Sure, historical houses are not popular places to visit unless it’s a giant estate with lots of land. But I enjoy seeing the architecture throughout the house. They often feature vintage collections, and you get a little history.

It felt a little strange going on university grounds, especially since it was completely empty on Memorial Day weekend in 2023. But it was open to the public, make sure to donate while you’re visiting. after a few pictures, I needed to see this place in person. But first…

who was samuel cupples?

Samuel Cupples was an entrepreneur in the 1850s, who manufactured, wholesaled, and distributed woodenware and other products. He, along with Harry and Robert Brookings, eventually expanded into 22 warehouses in St. Louis. This area became known as Cupples Station, the warehouses were built next to the railways. Over 40 companies operated in this manufacturing and transportation hub. He and his wife, Martha, were major philanthropists up until their deaths. The Samuel Cupples House, completed in 1890, was eventually donated to Washington University in 1919. Saint Louis University acquired in in 1946.

the pieces of art on the campus of St. Louis University

Passed the gates of said university, I was greeted by a bronze statue of St. Ignatius titled, The Pilgrim surrounded by a circle of flowers. statues were sprinkled along the pathways and more often playful than religious. Saz Player eternally asks for a companion as single seat is available on its bench. Spotting mint on the rounded towers of building in the distance, I headed straight over. Those rounded towers are a major characteristic of Romanesque Architecture.

You can’t help but take a few minutes looking at the exterior before going in. I didn’t even need to go inside before I was taking pictures. Historical homes can often show their age in not only the physical building, but even in its furnishings and decorations. And I often come across historical homes that look stunning in most rooms but you’ll kind of see where a little TLC is needed. I’m happy to report this was not the case at Cupples House. The quality and care remained throughout.

touring the home

The House carries the university’s collection of fine art and a glass collection. It also always pays to looks up as they’re often carefully curated from top to bottom. Place the ceilings themselves can sometimes steal all the focus. Historical estates often have different themes for different rooms so sometimes you’re drastically going from dark to light.

Not sure if this clock would be a considered a little scandalous at the time it was made. Notice the faux columns at each of the fireplace. Windows in the lighter rooms brightened them up and had a feminine feel. The darker rooms came off more masculine to me. Notice the windows had curtains and their shades down.

different takes for different rooms

This glorious room is the conservatory featuring a circular room and a flatter dome ceiling.

This window is at a landing where you can see all three floors.

a look at the details

The second floor featured more of a dining room area, bedrooms, and lots of places to sit. Don’t worry, anything that couldn’t be touched were taped off. First floor had more artwork, I noticed more small sculptures on the second.

There were Celtic details around the home, Samuel Cupples was a child of Irish immigrants.

There were also plenty views of the university buildings and grounds, including a little pond just outside the home. The third floor even had a terrace you can see through the windows. The third floor also seemed the most like a museum with glass coverings over some of the displays.

I don’t remember seeing other visitors, which is a shame. Sure, it’s not family friendly or super exciting. But I like the serenity of historical homes and am glad to enjoy this treasure so freely. One last look at the arches and stonework of the building.

more playful sculptures on the way out of sLU campus

After touring the Cupples House, I came across the clock tower and fountain. Yes, I waited to take this picture.

On my way out, a few more statues graced me with their presence along the pathways. I liked spotting the violinist a bit further out. The piece is called Soulful Expression, and the blank face and instrument gives off a universal feel.

This one is called Accordion Man, which I enjoyed as I passed by.

My apologies, I haven’t been able to find the name of this piece. Not sure what to think of this, as the others had a musical theme. So, a bit of an odd end for me. Although from this angle, it kind of makes me think of dancing.

visit the samuel cupples house

The Samuel Cupples House is a great stop if you’re ever in St. Louis, Missouri. I’ve got lots more pictures since this was a treasure trove. At the time, the resource I was looking at had this around the 30 mark of top things to do in this city. It’s only been 18 months and it’s dropped even further. It’s such a great historical building and is housing a wonderful collection of items. If you never toured a historical home or estate, I highly recommend it if traveling solo or in a small group. This is a great example of why you should skip some of the major landmarks and try something new—or old.