Peer Into the Past With the Virtual Reality Theater

Take a trip into the past in our Virtual Reality Theater and let a 3D headset transport you to the historic St. Louis Riverfront of the 1850s. As you experience our award-winning VR program Cobblestones & Courage, you’ll witness how the St. Louis riverfront served as an important crossroads for America’s westward migration.

Are you ready to try our virtual reality movie?

Buy Tickets
Hero for the Virtual Reality Theater page, two girls lifting a VR headset off their heads following the end of the experience.

Virtual Reality Theater Highlights

  • Illustration of wristwatch 10-Minute 3D Virtual Reality Movie
  • Illustration of arrow pointing to ticket Award-Winning Production
  • Illustration of book showing number 3 3 Inspiring Stories
  • Illustration of 360 degrees 360° View of 1850s Historic St. Louis Riverfront
  • Illustration of wheelchair Wheelchair Accessible
Entrance to virtual reality theater with a staff member ready to scan tickets at the desk. Travel back in time to the St. Louis Mississippi River levee of the 1850s.
Two children trying on VR headsets in the virtual reality theater. Explore the past in a simulated visual and auditory environment.
VR headsets on the stools ready for the next visitors to experience the theater. Your headset will transport you to the St. Louis riverfront in the 1850s.
A virtual reality theater clip of the bustling St. Louis riverfront on the Mississippi River. Watch steamboats deliver travelers and goods from around the world.
Virtual reality clip featuring two people in period dress coming off of a steamboat and motioning for their children to follow. Hear the stories of the people who experienced it firsthand.
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Travel Back to the 1850s St. Louis Riverfront

In Cobblestones & Courage, you’ll witness how the St. Louis riverfront served as an important crossroads for America’s westward migration. Slip on a headset and be immersed in the sights and sounds of the bustling cobblestone levee of the Mississippi River in our Virtual Reality Theater. You will also hear the stories of people along the riverfront including Anna Hormann, John Parker, and James B. Eads. Experience the courage, determination, and hope from the diverse people who walked where the Gateway Arch now stands.

Get your tickets before your visit.

Buy Tickets
Jefferson National Parks Association logo on a blue background.

Brought to You by JNPA

The Virtual Reality Theater is operated by Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA), a non-profit partner of Gateway Arch National Park. JNPA helps people enjoy, learn about, and support their national parks and public lands. As a non-profit organization, JNPA provides for engaging and educational experiences at the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse. JNPA also operates The Arch Store within the Arch Visitor Center, where visitors can purchase items relating to the Arch and to the historical themes presented in the museum.

View JNPA Website

Virtual Reality Theater FAQs

Before visiting the Virtual Reality Theater, here are commonly asked questions:

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  • Ages 3+

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  • Illustration of the Gateway Arch with ticket

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Explore More Below The Gateway Arch

It’s easy to plan a full day at Gateway Arch National Park! An experience in our Virtual Reality Theater is just the first stop on your adventure with us.

Family of four inside a tram car smiling.

Tram Ride to the Top

Travel to the top of the Gateway Arch inside one of our trams.

Visit the Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch before putting in the last piece

“Monument to the Dream” Documentary Movie

Discover how the Gateway Arch came to be in the Academy Award nominated documentary movie.

Watch the Documentary
View of the inside of the Gateway Arch museum

Museum under the Gateway Arch

Explore our free museum during your next visit.

Visit the Museum
View of riverboat and Gateway Arch

Riverboat Cruises

Cruise along the Mississippi River on a replica paddlewheel boat.

Book a Riverboat Cruise
Woman walking dog in Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park

Stroll our 91 acre national park grounds.

Explore the Park Grounds
View of the Old Courthouse.

The Old Courthouse

Witness history unfold inside our remodeled courtrooms and four interactive exhibit galleries.

Visit the Old Courthouse

Have additional questions before you immerse yourself in our Virtual Reality Theater? Contact us about our hours, parking information or other Gateway Arch activities by calling our Call Center at 877-982-1410 or emailing us at info@gatewayarch.com