Gateway Arch turns gold for 50th anniversary

The golden arches had a different meaning this Wednesday.

St. Louis’ Gateway Arch went gold for the 50th anniversary of its topping day.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the fitting of the last piece to the 630-foot monument took place to great fanfare on the morning of Oct. 28, 1965, as thousands cheered from the unfinished riverfront park and nearby streets.

In celebration, rides to the top of the arch, which normally sell for $10, cost only $1, the ticket price when the park first opened. The museum also will host the annual “Meet the Builders” gathering with men who worked on the project.

According to the Post-Dispatch, the stainless-steel skin of the Arch turned gold for one day, compliments of special coatings to its floodlight system. It was lit in gold from 12:01 a.m. Wednesday until dawn, and again at sunset until midnight.

Read more from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.