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Museum · Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines Art Center
Museum of modern and contemporary art spread across three buildings by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei and Richard Meier, on the edge of Greenwood Park, west of downtown.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center is about 5 km west of downtown, next to Greenwood Park. The original light-stone building was designed by Eliel Saarinen and opened in 1948. In 1968 I. M. Pei added a concrete wing with a tall gallery for sculptures, and in 1985 Richard Meier designed a white annex with geometric lines.
The collection ranges from 19th-century European painting to contemporary art, with works by names such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, Henri Matisse, Francis Bacon, Jasper Johns, and Andy Warhol. There are rotating temporary exhibitions. It is the museum that manages the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown.
There is no admission charge for the permanent collection. Behind the museum, Greenwood Park has a pond, a rose garden, and trails. The museum has a restaurant and a shop.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one and a half to two hours.
Best time
At any time of year; combine it with a walk through Greenwood Park and its rose garden, which typically blooms from June to September.
How to get there
It’s on Grand Avenue, about 5 km from downtown, roughly a 10-minute drive. There are city buses and on-site parking.
Tip
Look at the three buildings from the outside before going in: the contrast between them is part of the visit.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Des Moines Art Center
Is there an admission fee for the Des Moines Art Center?
There is no admission charge for the permanent collection. Some temporary exhibitions may require a fee; check the website.
Who designed the Des Moines Art Center?
The original building was designed by Eliel Saarinen; the additions are by I. M. Pei and Richard Meier.
What’s near the Des Moines Art Center?
Greenwood Park, with a pond, rose garden, and trails.