Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

Twenty Years of CAM

Twenty years ago, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (formerly the Forum for Contemporary Art) opened its extraordinary new building designed by Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works in the Grand Center Arts District. Ever since, CAM has been a site for possibility—always creating meaningful engagement with the most relevant and innovative art being made today. 

At this anniversary milestone, we’re taking a moment to reflect on our exceptional history of exhibitions, artist talks, performances, educational programs, block parties, dance parties, town halls, conversations, commissions, studio-visits, publications, and more. We’re also celebrating the many, many artists, educators, community and cultural partners, students, neighbors, creatives, volunteers, interns, fellows, Resident Teaching Artists, installation crews, staff members, board members, the many hundreds of thousands of CAM visitors who have walked through our doors—and the incredibly generous support of our many donors, funders, and members—without whom none of this would have been possible.

Your support has allowed us to present the work of nearly 700 artists, produce 260+ exhibitions, and welcome 550,000+ visitors since opening in 2003. At this 20th anniversary milestone, we celebrate the impact of our history and look forward to the next 20 years of continuing to ensure that vital creative voices are included, heard, and shared.

Take a look back at some of the memorable moments in our history and the next big ideas for CAM.