ST. LOUIS — The National Blues Museum is closing its doors Friday after nearly 10 years in downtown St. Louis, due to ongoing economic challenges and decline in visitors.
The museum’s board of directors announced the decision, saying they can no longer continue as their visitor numbers continue to lag behind pre-pandemic amounts. The board also said that the loss of federal funding added to the strain on their finances.
The museum, which opened in 2016 on Washington Avenue, has served as a place to celebrate the history and influence of blues music. It has hosted visitors, educators, and artists while showcasing legends, as well as lesser-known performers who contributed to the genre…