Scott Joplin House State Historic Site - St. Louis, Missouri

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site: A Musical Landmark in St. Louis

The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, situated at 2658 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri, is a must-visit destination for history buffs, music enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of the United States. This historic site pays tribute to the legendary ragtime composer and pianist, Scott Joplin, who earned the moniker "King of Ragtime."

Main Services

• Historical Museum: Explore the life and works of Scott Joplin through exhibits that include personal artifacts, photographs, and original sheet music.
• Guided Tours: Learn about Joplin's significance in American music history from knowledgeable guides who lead visitors through the house and museum.
• Educational Programs: School groups and other organizations can arrange tours and educational programs that align with state learning standards.
• Special Events: Attend seasonal events, concerts, and workshops that celebrate Scott Joplin's legacy and ragtime music.

Location and Access

The Scott Joplin House is conveniently located in the historic Delmar Loop neighborhood, just west of St. Louis's Central West End. The site is easily accessible by car, with on-site parking available for visitors. Public transportation is also an option, with the MetroLink's Delmar Loop Station located just a short walk from the historic site.

Address: 2658 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States
Phone: 314-340-5790
Website: mostateparks.com

Featured Characteristics

• Historic House Museum: The site includes the modest two-family flat where Scott Joplin and his wife Freddie lived from 1901 to 1903. The house has been meticulously restored to its early 20th-century appearance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Extensive Collections: The museum's collection includes an impressive array of Joplin's original compositions, personal correspondence, and other artifacts that offer insights into his life and creative process.
• Outdoor Space: Visitors can enjoy a peaceful, landscaped courtyard that serves as an ideal setting for picnics, concerts, and other special events.

Practical Information

Standard admission to the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site is free, making it an affordable and accessible destination for visitors of all ages. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with guided tours available at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM. The site is closed on major holidays and during inclement weather.

The facility is wheelchair-accessible, with an elevator to the second floor and accessible restrooms. On-site parking is available, and the site is also served by the MetroLink's Delmar Loop Station. For the latest information on hours, tours, and special events, visitors are encouraged to consult the website or call ahead.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.5/5 from 187 reviews on Google My Business, the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site receives high praise for its dedication to preserving and sharing Scott Joplin's musical legacy. Visitors consistently commend the site's knowledgeable and engaging guides, well-curated exhibits, and the historic house's authentic atmosphere. Many also appreciate the site's accessibility and affordability, making it an excellent educational and cultural resource for both Missouri residents and out-of-town visitors.

One reviewer, "HistoryBuff2020", raves, "The Scott Joplin House is a hidden gem! The guides are incredibly knowledgeable, and the house itself is beautifully preserved. I left feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this important figure in American music history."

Another visitor, "MusicianInTraining", writes, "As a musician, I found the Scott Joplin House to be an absolute treasure. The exhibits are engaging and informative, and the house itself is a fascinating glimpse into the early 20th century. I can't recommend it highly enough – it's a must-visit for anyone interested in music or history."

The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site is more than just a museum; it's a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect people across generations. A visit to this unique and inspiring destination offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the rich cultural heritage of the United States and celebrate the enduring legacy of Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime.

👍 Reviews of Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

Jennifer C.

5/5

I was so lucky to have a private tour on Nov 2 when the museum was actually closed because I called ahead. I learned so much about Scott Joplin and his times from the tour guide. It was great to learn that the royalties he earned from the sales of the Maple Leaf Rag enabled him to compose and teach during the day rather than have to play at the bars. It was interesting to learn that he taught piano and composed in the communal room on the second floor. He didn't have a private practice room. I enjoyed learning to play ragtime music as a teen so it was very exciting to learn about this period of his life when he lived in the house. It was great to get an overview of his whole life as well. From his bedroom you can now see the Gateway Arch. So having been there first, it was a fun perspective to see it from Scott Joplin's his window.

wineguy2351

5/5

I've been meaning to see the Scott Joplin House for years; thanks to my friend Emma Prince (Backlog Archivists) for getting me on the tour today! Definitely worth visiting. The young man who started us out and played some of Joplin's music on the piano for us was excellent!

Mark Z.

3/5

The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site was home to Joplin, the King of Ragtime, from 1901 to 1903 while he wrote several notable ragtime classics like “The Entertainer” and “Easy Winners.” The home is furnished with period fixtures to recreate for visitors what it was like while Joplin lived here -- cast iron stove in the kitchen, cupboard, sitting room couches, manual sewing machine, gas lights, and bedroom items including bed, shaving wash basin, bureau, bed and thundermug. One of the centerpieces is the functioning player piano with several other pianos in the house.

Rose C.

5/5

What a cool little museum! We got a tour from Nina who really knew a lot about Scott Joplin, the era & the area. We were extra lucky that their resident musician Royce was in town and played Mapleleaf Rag for us! It’s so cool that this amazing piece of St Louis history has been preserved for everyone to experience.

Tacoma ?. S.

5/5

well done. tour guide has a great passion for tour and history of Joplin and this historic site. parking was easy on the street. books and items available also to purchase with even more valuable info.

Joshua V.

5/5

Yes, the connection to Scott Joplin is small (he only lived here 2 years, as it turns out, subletting a tiny room). Yes, there isn't much/any physical items connected to him. Yes, it's a bit off the beaten path. But the docents and staff are SO knowledgeable about Joplin's life and legacy as well as St. Louis history, and so friendly, and unless you're a Joplin scholar, you'll learn something. They are also very accommodating - I had the pleasure of getting a private tour since I was the only person there at that hour. Do note that tours start on the hour, have a small fee, and last 45 minutes, so budget for that. You can't see any of the house unless you do the guided tour. The tours end with getting to hear a player piano play one of Joplin's rags with a piano roll, or, if you're lucky, the resident pianist and Joplin scholar, Royce Martin, will be there and will play you his fantastic interpretations of Joplin's work and give a deep dive into the musicological and cultural significance of ragtime as a genre. Whether you get a chance to see him or not, look up his album, "Memories on Morgan Street: Scott Joplin Reimagined" - it is one of the superlative recordings of Joplin's rags - I imagine close to how the master played them himself in his youth.

Katie O.

4/5

I was pleasantly surprised on our tour of the Scott Joplin house. interesting my first piano recital I played one of his well-known tunes, The Entertainer.

Alex D.

5/5

We really enjoyed our little tour here. We got to learn a lot about Scott Joplin and what St. Louis at that time was like, as well as what life as an itinerant musician was like.

The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and I loved getting to listen to an old player piano and finally find out how they work.

They do tours on the hour every hour, so if the website that lets you make reservations only shows tours in the afternoon, call and they’ll add you to a morning tour if you want.