Citygarden, which opened July 1, is an oasis in downtown St. Louis. It features two dozen works of modern and contemporary sculpture by some of the worldÍs most highly regarded artists -- including Fernand Leger, Mark di Suvero, Keith Haring, Tony Smith, and Aristide Maillol -- but it is more than a sculpture garden. The 2.9 acre site has been gorgeously landscaped by Nelson Byrd Woltz, of Charlottesville, Va., which also designed the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. Warren Byrd, principal, calls the project "by far the most important and interesting urban project we have ever worked on." The landscaping features imaginative uses of water and stone that play off of the St. Louis area's chief natural feature, its great rivers; Citygarden is in the shadow of the Gateway Arch and within walking distance of the Mississippi River. The landscaping also features diverse, lush plantings, selected and arranged both to complement the sculpture and to provide a beauty and power of their own. A strong emphasis on native plants and six rain gardens, among other features, locate the garden in the horticultural vanguard.

Citygarden's complete openness and accessiblity is part of what makes it unique. No fences or gates surround it, and admission is free. Pedestrians have multiple points of pedestrian entrance, and there is no prescribed circulatiojn path, although there are beautiful bluestone and granite walkways.

It makes a great first impression. Seating is abundant, in part because of an 1,100 foot-long "seat wall" that meanders across the site. Maintenance is excellent. Security is present and visible. The one street through the site is blocked to traffic except at night.

It attracts a remarkable cross-section of the public -- children, adults, all races, art lovers, nature lovers; in fact, it has immediately become one of, if not the best, people-watching places in St. Louis. Uses include viewing the sculpture, for which there is an audio tour; frolicking in the spray plaza; admiring the flowers, trees, and other plantings; viewing the art videos on the video wall; picnicking; dining at the beautiful Terrace View cafe (opening August 17); taking a nap; conversing quietly with a friend or business associate.

Citygarden clearly makes people happy. Many St. Louisans have commented that they are pleasantly surprised to find such an astonishingly urbane and yet welcoming attraction in their downtown. Strangers are interacting as they react to the sculpture and other features. People use the place both in groups and individually. Locals no doubt outnumber tourists, but Citygarden should pull in many out-of-towners visiting the nearby Gateway Arch.

Citygarden is a joint project of the City of St. Louis, which owns the land, and Gateway Foundation, a St. Louis-based philanthropy that conceived, planned, and financed the effort. Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, of Charlottesville, Va., served as the landscape architect. Studio Durham Associates, of St. Louis, served as the building architect. BSI Constructors, St. Louis, was the general contractor.