Bob Cassilly

HOW BOB CASSILLY SAVED MICHELANGELO' S PIETA

The late American sculptor Bob Cassilly was famous not only for creating great art himself, but also for saving the masterpiece of another great artist. We all owe Bob much gratitude. On May 21, 1972, Bob Cassilly and his first wife Cecelia Davidson were visiting St. Peter's Basilica while on their honeymoon. The same day, a Hungarian named Laszlo Toth, claiming to be Jesus Christ, attacked Michelangelo's Pieta with a chisel. It was Bob...

I adore his sculptures! He must have been part human and part magic and a lot of fun.

Thank you, Bob Cassilly, for creating City Museum, a corner of the world where children of all ages go to claim their inner, creative spirit, face their fears, and experience awe, joy, and wonder in a space that encourages co-creation, co-discovery, and re-imagination in each moment. You helped to change the way I perceive the "adult world," and to unmask part of the person I see when I look in the mirror. To the Cassilly family, may you come to find solace and peace in your grief.

It was by accident that I learned about Bob's passing. My husband and I had been neighbors of Bob's on Hickory Street many years ago. Over the years, we enjoyed reading about all of Bob's creative ventures including the article in the Wall Street Journal. Without a doubt, Bob was a true genius with a mission to be creative and daring. I am sorry that we didn't get to visit the museum and see your creative genius first hand. What I will cherish most is the surprise that he placed on our moving...

Thanks to Bob for making New City School, Dog Town Turtle Park, City Museum places that my sons and I lived with and played/play on. We volunteered for a few years at the City Museum and love it and you. We will miss you.

'Wonderful family memories at the Ciy Museum, a St. Louis treasure - thanks Cassilly family for your legacy that gives families an opportunity to have their imaginations soar.

St. Louis lost a very cool and creative man. My family has had some of our best adventures at City Museum. Thank You Mr. Cassilly for your imagination and innovation.

My circus, my children (biological and circus) and my day-to-day life would absolutely not have been the same if Bob had not included us in the wonderland that is City Museum. For this, for the hippo on the roof, the frog that contains Corinne's ashes and for all Bob's work and inspiration, I will be forever grateful. Jessica Hentoff, the St. Louis Arches, Circus Harmony and everydaycircus