Union Depot display with historical transit items in glass cases; black wall features gold text about the depots history and a vintage photo, with a train illustration in the background.

Historic Stair Museum

Union Depot | St. Paul, MN

The Creative Brief

Union Depot partnered with West Design to refresh the Historic Stairs museum in downtown St. Paul, creating a more cohesive and visually engaging exhibit that highlights the depot’s railroad heritage, architecture and legacy. West Design reimagined the space with a unified visual identity, improved storytelling and better visitor flow while honoring the building’s historic character.

The project scope included comprehensive museum exhibit design and historical curation, with archival photographs, documents and artifacts reorganized into a clear and engaging visitor experience. West Design planned and styled custom display cases, developed interpretive signage and environmental graphics, and incorporated dimensional Union Depot lettering, historic wall graphics and large-scale locomotive imagery. The project also included digital media integration, improved seating and visitor flow, and full coordination of fabrication and installation.

The Results

The completed Historic Stairs renovation gives Union Depot’s history a stronger visual presence through curated archival photography, historic artifacts, custom display cases, dimensional signage and environmental graphics. Improved seating, circulation and historical interpretation create a more engaging and accessible visitor experience while complementing the landmark’s original architecture. West Design managed the project from concept through installation, transforming the former exhibit area into a polished museum destination celebrating Union Depot’s transportation, architectural and community legacy.

Before & After

Museum Update: Final Views

  • Historic railroad artifacts, framed archival photographs and custom museum display cases in the renovated Historic Stair Museum at Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota, curated by West Design.

  • Historic Union Depot photographs and original architectural blueprint displayed in the updated Historic Stair Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota, curated by West Design.

  • Historic Stair Museum at Union Depot in Saint Paul, Minnesota, featuring a restored Lamson pneumatic tube station, historic artifacts, and interpretive exhibit design curated by West Design.

  • Union Depot Saint Paul Minnesota reconstruction images from past fires and rebuilds along with artifacts recovered from the renovation that were curated by West Design

  • Historic Stair Museum exhibit update at Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota, featuring curated railroad artifacts, custom display cases, historic imagery and dimensional gold signage by West Design.

Next

DG Pilot