Scott Joplin House State Historic Park

The Scott Joplin House  seems to be a museum in progress.  Joplin lived here for only a few years, early in his first marriage.  The museum is working on furnishing and decorating with period household goods.  The exhibit on the main floor, in fact, explains that few of Joplin's belongings are available, and describes how they are trying to locate and refurbish items that accurately reflect the era--according to the website, 1902.  Copies of Joplin's sheet music and other memorabilia decorate the walls.

The museum experience begins with a film on Joplin's life, which we found informative--if a bit too long.  A guide escorts visitors upstairs, where they can see a re-creation of the bedrooms.  One room holds a period piano.  Back downstairs, the guide takes requests for the player piano.

I would like to visit this museum again in 5 or 6 years, just because I think there is a potential there for much more, and it hasn't quite been achieved yet.  The introductory video, for example, could be edited to cut about 10 minutes.  The guides, while friendly and informative, could be more helpful with a little more background knowledge about the music.  Also, according to one of the brochures available, the museum is associated with The Rosebud Cafe, a performance venue for Joplin's works, including his opera Treemonisha.  I'm hoping that soon the connection will be made more explicit, and visitors will be offered more assistance in combining the museum with the performance.


Update, 30 March 11--The museum has updated its website, and has a new video with a tour preview and information about the Rosebud Cafe, which is available to rent for performances or events.

Info from website:

2658A Delmar
St. Louis, MO 63103

314-340-5790

Hours:

Summer Hours (On-Season)

• March through October - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday (closed Sunday)

Winter Hours (Off-Season)

• November through January - Closed
• February - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday)

Tours are offered every hour.

Tour Prices:

Adults: $4.00

Children 6-12: $2.50

Under 6: Free

Group Rates (15 or more; reserve 1 week in advance @ 314-340-5790):  

Adults:  $3.00

Children 6-12: $1.50