Kiener Plaza And
Morton D. May Amphitheater
Sitting in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Kiener Plaza and the Morton D. May Memorial Amphitheater command a dramatic view of the Old Court House and the Gateway Arch.
The park’s centerpiece is a pool and fountain containing a statue known as “The Runner” by sculptor William Zorach (1887-1966).
Kiener Plaza is named in honor of Harry J. Kiener, the donor of the sculpture and fountain. Kiener, who was born in St. Louis on February 27, 1881 was an amateur boxer, wrestler and swimmer, but he is most noted for his position on the U.S. track team at the Olympics held in St. Louis in 1904 during the World's Fair. While his main occupation was a steel company executive, he was very generous throughout his life. He served on the Zoological Board and was active at Shriner's Hospital. Kiener died in 1960 at the age of 80.
Architecture defines the plaza and amphitheater, adding formality and providing the character needed to be compatible with the surrounding cityscape. Visitors can find quiet seating areas, paths, and lawn areas for leisurely strolls. The cascade fountain provides a focal point and its background sound provides some acoustic privacy from the sounds of the city. Both the plaza and the amphitheater provide a peaceful haven for tourists, conventioneers, and thousands of workers from downtown who routinely frequent the plaza during the lunch hour to "soak up the sun."
Kiener Plaza is host to countless St. Louis Cardinal, Ram and Blues rallies and victory celebrations. Concerts, festivals and a myriad of other special events hosted by civic, private, marketing, and not-for-profit organizations all take advantage of the plaza and the “best view in town.”
Kiener Plaza Rental Information And Brochure
The maximum capacity for Kiener Plaza and the May Amphitheater is about 3,000 people. The area provides a picturesque setting for festivals, concerts, company picnics, private receptions for conventioneers, fundraising benefits, tailgate parties, pre-game rallies, and marketing events. It can be rented for $300 a day.
The Morton D. May Amphitheater at the foot of the cascading waterfall has a stage that measures 28 x 28 feet. The seating capacity of the amphitheater is 500. Additional programming area is available in the oval area that surrounds the amphitheater stage.
The Overlook Stage at the top of the waterfall measures 22 x 22 feet with a patio area directly in front of the stage that measures 80 x 80 feet. Sidewalk areas on either side of the patio area measure 16 feet with the sidewalk area encircling the Running Man Fountain measuring 25 feet wide. There is a small covered pavilion measuring 25 x 25 feet to the south side of the overlook.
The parks from Kiener Plaza to the Civil Courts building -- are known collectively as "The Gateway Mall," and combine to offer a strip of green space in the heart of downtown St. Louis.
The block between 10th and 11 streets is Serra Sculpture Park, named for Richard Serra who created the large sculpture known as "Twain" on the block.
The Civil Court building occupies the block from 11th to Tucker streets but the parks resume on the other side of Tucker and run non-stop to 21th Street.
 Official Web Site of the City of St. Louis
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