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Park · Des Moines, Iowa
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Outdoor sculpture garden in downtown Des Moines with works by artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Jaume Plensa and Keith Haring, open every day.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Pappajohn Sculpture Park occupies about 1.8 hectares of lawn in Western Gateway Park in the western part of downtown Des Moines. It opened in 2009 with a collection donated by John and Mary Pappajohn to the Des Moines Art Center, which manages the park.
There are more than twenty sculptures spread among paths and trees. The most photographed is Nomade by Jaume Plensa, a seated figure made of steel letters through which you can look. There is also a large spider by Louise Bourgeois, colorful figures by Keith Haring, and a giant gardener’s spoon by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.
The park is open every day from dawn until night and has no admission fee. Plaques next to the works explain each piece. Next door are the city’s central library and cafés, and the park often hosts events and markets in summer.
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 an hour.
Best time
In low sun hours, early morning or at sunset, for photographing the works. At night some pieces are lit.
How to get there
It is downtown, between 13th and 15th streets and Grand Avenue, a few minutes on foot from downtown hotels.
Tip
Combine with the central library next door and a walk on the skywalk to the river.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Is there a fee to enter the Pappajohn Sculpture Park?
There is no admission charge. The park is open every day.
What are the best-known sculptures at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park?
Nomade by Jaume Plensa, the spider by Louise Bourgeois, figures by Keith Haring, and the gardener’s spoon by Oldenburg and van Bruggen.
Who manages the Pappajohn Sculpture Park?
The Des Moines Art Center, which received the collection as a donation and organizes guided tours at certain times of the year.