I first visited this place three years ago, it’s the place where my husband met my son for the first time and the place where I first played with his children, I followed them down a hole in the floor to find magical cave beneath the floor.  We threw balls at kids in the greatest ball pit ever and I followed my son as he exhibited rare bravery climbing through the metal maze to get inside the school bus.  We watched them run, we went down every amazing slide, we marveled at the artistic beauty of the entire place and we all shared smiles and laughs for the first time. I have no idea what took me so long to get there, but now it is forever intertwined with the beginning of our quirky, crazy, blended family, just as it should be.

Robert (Bob) Cassilly created many things in his life, he was a sculptor and artist a visionary, he created what is truly one of the most imaginative places I have ever seen.  The City Museum is a work of art.  He inspires us to remain a child at heart, he reminds us to keep playing no matter how old you are (and gave us the space to do it), he gives us the courage to stand up to criticism for what we truly believe is great.  He leaves behind a treasure for all of us to enjoy.

“In the afternoon, when the sun shines on the city, you get this nice reflection. You don’t see all the trash and stuff. It’s the best view of the city.” – Robert Cassilly.  I hope his vision for Cementland becomes reality.  The world can use more of the uninhibited places of joy.

Melissa Jensen

Melissa is a native of the Greater St. Louis region. She is addicted to anything Google, and cannot understand why motion activated paper towel dispensers never see her hands.

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