National Blues Museum closes after downtown traffic decline

ST. LOUIS — The National Blues Museum announced on Friday said it is closing, citing the downtown economic climate.

The museum part of the operation at 615 Washington Ave. downtown is ceasing operations as of Friday. Its will host its final two music performances this weekend.

The museum is closing due to effect of the “economic climate of downtown” on its ability to operate sustainably, the organization said in a press release. The Blues Museum has suffered from a “significant” decline in pedestrian traffic downtown since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the elimination of federal funding sources to support its mission.

The Blues Museum’s board of directors is working to complete a wind-down of its operations and is exploring “a reimagined path forward to preserve the museum’s legacy.” The museum is processing ticket refunds for canceled performances.