The most visible symbol of St. Louis is its noted Gateway Arch. Designed by the late architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965, the Arch symbolizes St. Louis’ role as Gateway to the West. But St. Louis’ location near the center of the country could just as well make it the Gateway to the East, North, or South.

Washington University has been an integral part of the St. Louis community since its founding in 1853. The Danforth Campus, surrounded by suburbs and facing Forest Park, is seven miles west of the Mississippi riverfront and the Arch. In between, at the eastern end of the park, are the University’s School of Medicine and the affiliated hospitals and clinics of the Washington University Medical Center.

Our students and faculty take advantage of the metropolitan area in many ways—from recreation and cultural offerings and fine dining to internships and clinical experiences to volunteering their time to a variety of worthy causes.