It certainly didn’t seem “very small” when I rode up in it and looked out from the very top!
Agreed.
Stand near the base, and it’s hard to really take it all in.
Look out from the top, and it becomes QUITE impressive.
Interesting story: Some years back, there was a moderate earthquake in nearby So. Illinois: People visiting the Arch for the 1st time thought the swaying of the structure was normal / just the wind. The employees who happened to be at the top at the time were the ones more worried.
That said, I believe the structure is thought to be fairly earthquake resistant.