Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a global leader in plant science research. Entering a new era, the Garden engaged Ayers Saint Gross to design an iconic visitor center as the primary gateway for more than one million annual visitors. This state-of-the-art facility represents a bold, transformative vision for Missouri Botanical Garden, their mission of “plants are life,” and the revitalization of St. Louis. Reinforced by a strong design concept with special attention to accessibility for all, the center features elemental building blocks of air, water, and soil. The lobby of this beloved cultural attraction provides immersive moments of arriving, admiring, exploring, and learning punctuated throughout the entry experience. This intuitive guest journey, named Gateway to the Garden, was completed in collaboration with Michael Vergason Landscape Architects.