Bob: Yeah, I got a hold of 2,800 mouse cages. And, you know, a mouse cage is kind of like a brick. If you get enough of them, you can build whatever you want. We've sort of developed this system where, if you get enough of almost anything, you can do something with it. My approach goes back to when I was a kid—the first thing I built was a treehouse. We went around, found things up and down the creek—boards and other stuff. So, I figured, if we're going to make this place, we should approach it the same way: like a child would. Let's go find some stuff and build something out of that.
So, that's basically what we've done. Our philosophy is: if you can buy it in a catalog or in a store, we don’t want it. We want to find it. It might not make sense to everyone, but that’s how we do things.
“Dive into the captivating stories behind the creation of the City Museum, a place where art and imagination collide in the heart of St. Louis. Through the eyes of Max Cassilly, his wife Maria, and historian Chris Naffziger, explore the rich legacy of the Cassilly family and their impact on the city's cultural tapestry.”
Episode 1: “Bozzetto”
In our inaugural episode, we delve into the early days of the City Museum, discussing the collaboration of 30 to 40 artists who transformed a downtown warehouse into a vibrant cultural hub. We share stories about Robert Cassilly's adventures, including his honeymoon trip that saved the Pieta from destruction and his efforts in rehabilitating Lafayette Square.
Episode 2: An Artist’s Dilemma Gail Soliwoda Cassilly
Join us as we explore the life of Gail Soliwoda Cassilly, Max's mother, who shares her journey from being a nun in Malawi to her pivotal role in supporting and managing the architectural rehabilitation company Cassilly & Cassilly. Her contributions to the family and the community are highlighted in this heartfelt episode.
Episode 3: “Mostly Dull Conventional People” In this episode, we delve into the colorful world of Bill Christman, an artist whose imagination has significantly influenced St. Louis's cultural scene. From his legendary artworks to his role in the City Museum, we explore Bill's artistic journey and the lasting impact of his work.
And that's not all! We've got exclusive behind-the-scenes content on our Patreon. Join us there to see a special video of Bill Christman and gain access to more unique stories and content. Your support helps us continue sharing these amazing stories.
Get in Touch:
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have stories to share, questions, or just want to connect, feel free to reach out. Choose a storage option for your submissions and let's make some magic happen. This is where legends are made!