Des Moines Art Center
A free-admission art museum showcasing modern & contemporary works, celebrated for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Des Moines Art Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free-admission art museum showcasing modern & contemporary works, celebrated for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds.
"A truly satisfying art experience with free admission, stunning architecture, and diverse collections."
🎯 Free Admission All Day!
Enjoy world-class art without spending a dime. Perfect for budget travelers!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the stunning architecture, sculptures, and rose garden. Great for photos!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Architectural Masterpieces
Throughout the center
Explore stunning buildings by renowned architects, a visual feast for art and design lovers.
Diverse Art Collections
Main galleries
Discover a rich array of modern, contemporary, impressionistic, and abstract artworks.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park Adjacent
Outdoor grounds
Enjoy outdoor sculptures and a peaceful rose garden, perfect for a stroll.
Firelei Báez Exhibition
Main gallery
Experience vibrant and thought-provoking works by the Dominican Republic-born artist.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Admission
Beyond the Galleries
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission All Day!
Enjoy world-class art without spending a dime. Perfect for budget travelers!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the stunning architecture, sculptures, and rose garden. Great for photos!
🛍️ Unique Gift Shop Finds
Discover thoughtful, high-quality gifts and creative items beyond typical museum shops.
🍽️ Delicious On-site Dining
The restaurant offers great food with a beautiful view, a perfect stop during your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission All Day!
Enjoy world-class art without spending a dime. Perfect for budget travelers!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the stunning architecture, sculptures, and rose garden. Great for photos!
🛍️ Unique Gift Shop Finds
Discover thoughtful, high-quality gifts and creative items beyond typical museum shops.
🍽️ Delicious On-site Dining
The restaurant offers great food with a beautiful view, a perfect stop during your visit.
📅 Check for Special Events
Look out for unique events like 'Art in the Dark' for a memorable experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Des Moines Art Center for its free admission, stunning architecture, and diverse, high-quality art collections. The friendly staff, beautiful grounds, and excellent on-site restaurant and gift shop further enhance the experience, making it a highly recommended cultural gem. Some visitors note that parts of the main gallery may occasionally be closed, but there is still ample art to enjoy.
"what a lovely art center with quality contemporary, modern, impressionistic, & abstract artwork. the admission is free, but don’t forget to checkout the shop… amazing gifts of all kinds! and the staff… so friendly, energetic, & bring the experience to the next level!"
Jacob Crawford
"Highly recommend visiting this art museum! It is so quiet, clean, and spacious. There are many different exhibits with unique art pieces. We spent a few hours here, but you can easily spend longer depending on how much time you take. There are different sections with floors or elevators to access. The staff are friendly and helpful. I also love and recommend checking out the gift shop inside, which includes so many fun, unique, and interesting items for anyone’s taste and style. I bought this fair trade chocolate bar and a greeting card. Overall, a great experience and I would return. Admission is free."
Megan
"The Des Moines Art Center is truly a gem. Every corner of the museum feels like an aesthetic experience, from the stunning architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei, and Richard Meier, to the outdoor sculptures, rose garden, and reflecting pool that surrounds the building. Admission is free, which makes it even more remarkable.
We especially enjoyed the current exhibition by Firelei Báez, an incredible Dominican Republic–born artist whose work is vibrant, thought-provoking, and beautifully displayed in the main gallery.
The restaurant is a highlight with delicious food, warm service, and a gorgeous view that makes it a perfect stop during a visit. The art shop is equally impressive, offering thoughtful, high-quality gifts and creative finds you won’t see in typical museum shops.
The staff throughout the center are welcoming and knowledgeable, and the workshops, lectures, and film programs make this a lively hub for art and culture in the community.
We highly recommend the Des Moines Art Center. whether you’re coming for the rotating exhibitions, the architecture, the restaurant, or simply the peaceful grounds, it’s an unforgettable experience."
Maren Sinclair
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Des Moines Art Center is located at 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312. It's accessible by car, with parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors at the Des Moines Art Center.
While specific public transport details can vary, the Art Center is a known attraction in Des Moines, so checking local bus routes is recommended.
Yes, it's often visited in conjunction with the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, offering a combined art and outdoor experience.
Driving is common, but ride-sharing services and local buses are also viable options depending on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Des Moines Art Center is completely free for all visitors, making it a fantastic cultural outing.
The Des Moines Art Center is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 AM, with closing times varying by season. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
Since admission is free, advance booking is generally not required for regular visits. However, for special ticketed events like 'Art in the Dark,' booking is necessary.
The Art Center may have adjusted hours or be closed on certain holidays. It's advisable to check their website or call ahead for holiday operating schedules.
While admission is free, the Art Center may offer membership programs that provide benefits like exclusive event access or shop discounts. Inquire directly or check their website for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a diverse collection featuring modern, contemporary, impressionistic, and abstract art, as well as special exhibitions.
Yes, it's a great family-friendly destination with engaging art and beautiful grounds. They also host specific family programs.
The Art Center often offers guided tours or participatory walks, especially for special exhibitions or programs like 'Art for All.' Check their schedule for availability.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in most areas, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or artworks.
The center boasts stunning architecture from renowned architects like Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei, and Richard Meier, making it an architectural highlight.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Des Moines Art Center has a restaurant that is highlighted as a great spot with delicious food and a beautiful view.
Reviews suggest the restaurant offers delicious food with warm service, making it a perfect stop during a visit.
The Art Center is located in a part of Des Moines with various dining options nearby, but the on-site restaurant is highly recommended.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside art museums to protect the artworks. It's best to dine at the on-site restaurant or nearby establishments.
Yes, the restaurant is described as a perfect stop during a visit, implying it's suitable for a relaxed lunch experience with a great view.
📸 📸 Photography
The stunning architecture, outdoor sculptures, rose garden, and reflecting pool offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially during busy times or for specific exhibitions. It's best to check the Art Center's photography policy.
While all art is subject to personal taste, the Firelei Báez exhibition was noted for its vibrant and thought-provoking nature, making it a potential highlight for photographers.
Morning light can be beautiful for the outdoor sculptures and architecture, while evening light might offer a different ambiance. Consider visiting during different times to capture varied moods.
Drone photography is generally not permitted within museum grounds or airspace due to safety and privacy regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for family-friendly programs like the 'Art for All' series, designed to make art accessible and enjoyable for children. The grounds are also perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll, making it a well-rounded family experience. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to allow children more freedom to move and engage with the exhibits. The gift shop also has unique items that might appeal to kids, and the on-site restaurant offers a pleasant dining option if you need a break.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful outdoor spaces, or opt for a more affordable meal at the on-site restaurant if you choose. The free admission policy ensures that everyone can enjoy the beauty and inspiration the Art Center provides, regardless of their budget.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Architecture Buffs
Take your time to appreciate the interplay between the art and the spaces it inhabits. The outdoor sculptures and the meticulously designed grounds add another layer to the experience. Don't miss the chance to explore the gift shop for unique art-related finds and consider dining at the on-site restaurant to complete your immersive visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Journey Through Time
Each addition was carefully integrated with the existing structures and the surrounding landscape, creating a cohesive yet diverse campus. Visitors can appreciate the evolution of architectural styles and how each building contributes to the overall visitor experience. The interplay of natural light, materials, and spatial design is a key feature that enhances the appreciation of the art housed within.
Beyond the main buildings, the grounds themselves are an architectural and artistic experience. The reflecting pool and the rose garden offer tranquil spaces for contemplation, while outdoor sculptures are strategically placed to complement the environment. This thoughtful integration of art, architecture, and nature makes the Des Moines Art Center a destination for more than just its collections.
Exploring the Art Collections
Recent exhibitions have featured prominent artists like Firelei Báez, whose vibrant and thought-provoking self-portraits and commentaries on identity and history have garnered significant attention.
Even when parts of the main gallery might be temporarily closed for updates or renovations, the Art Center ensures there is still ample art to appreciate, showcasing its commitment to providing a fulfilling experience for all visitors.
The Art Center as a Community Hub
Partnerships with local organizations, such as the 'Art for All' Social Equity Participatory Walk for Families, highlight the Art Center's commitment to inclusivity and making art accessible to everyone.
These initiatives aim to build empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives, reinforcing the idea that art is a powerful tool for social understanding. The gift shop is also a reflection of this community focus, offering unique, high-quality gifts and creative finds that go beyond typical museum merchandise, often supporting local artisans or fair-trade practices.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit