Sphinx atop Civil Courts Building - St. Louis, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 37.635 W 090° 11.815
15S E 744013 N 4279141
Built as part of City Beautiful campaign.
Waymark Code: WM10QP8
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 06/12/2019
Views: 2
County of building: St. Louis Independent City
Location of building: Tucker St & Market St., St. Louis
Built: 1930
"An ancient pyramid appears to loom over downtown St. Louis high atop this building. Built in 1930 as part of the City Beautiful movement to open monumental structures in city centers, the rooftop temple was designed to resemble one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. A pair of sphinxes guard the top and winged creatures sit at the four corners." ~ Explore St. Louis
Proper Description: "Two sphinx creatures lie with their backs to each other. Each sphinx has a female head with an ancient Greek or Roman helmet, the body of a lion, wings of a bird, and fleur-de-lis of St. Louis emblazoned on its chest. The sculptures are placed atop the courthouse, some 380 feet above ground. The sphinx are mounted on a stepped-pyramid base, with a hand-railing around it. A trap door on the back of each sphinx, allows access to the sculpture's interior." ~ Smithsonian American Art Museum
Remarks: "The Civil Courthouse Building cost $4,520,000. It was designed by the architectural staff of the City of St. Louis Plaza Commission and paid for through the issue an 87 million dollar bond. The building was dedicated June 21, 1930 and is a replica of the tomb of Mausolus in Halicarnassus.
The sculptures are a cross between griffins (half lions, half eagles), and sphinx, with human faces to signify justice. During construction, the two sculptures were named 'Sadie' and 'Sue'. The sculptures and their pyramidal bases act as lightning conductors for the building." ~ Smithsonian American Art Museum