The museum was founded in New York in 1982 and moved to St. Louis in 1986. It is housed in the Jarville House in Queeny Park, which was once owned by Edgar Queeny, the president of Monsanto Chemical Company. The museum's collection soon outgrew the original house, and an addition was built in 1989.
I especially enjoyed the selection of posters from mid-20th century movies featuring Lassie and Old Yeller, among others, and the All-Star Dogs Hall of Fame exhibit which showcased champion show and field dogs, famous dogs from movies (such as Lassie and Toto from the Wizard of Oz), and dogs that have contributed to society, such as the rescue dogs of 9/11 and drug-sniffing dogs who work at airports.
I think the most outrageous artifact was a Palladian style doghouse by the Chilean decorator Juan Pablo Molyneux. I'm guessing it was at least three feet square, with a columned portico in front, windows on all four sides, and faux-painted decorations. The special exhibition was a display of dogs featured on matchbook covers. I actually remembered seeing some of themwhen I was a kid!
What would a museum be without a gift shop? This one was staffed by a friendly lady and her canine companion, who was delighted when I gave her a scratch on the head.
I love hearing about non-traditional museums!
ReplyDeleteSweet! thank you...smiles.
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