The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
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World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

4.7
·447 reviews·Des Moines, United States

A historic Beaux-Arts gem in Des Moines, celebrating agricultural innovation and hosting elegant events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Beaux-Arts gem in Des Moines, celebrating agricultural innovation and hosting elegant events.

4.7
(447 reviews)

"The building itself is so naturally beautiful. All of our guests loved the venue as well!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Public Hours First

Verify visiting hours on their website before you go, as they can change due to events.

Book Event Tickets Early

For popular candlelight concerts or other performances, secure your tickets in advance.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Magnificent Stained Glass Window

Magnificent Stained Glass Window

Main Hall

A breathtaking centerpiece, this century-old stained glass artwork is a must-see for its intricate detail and vibrant colors.

Exhibits on Global Agriculture

Exhibits on Global Agriculture

Museum Galleries

Discover the impactful achievements of World Food Prize laureates and learn about the ongoing fight against hunger.

Elegant Beaux-Arts Architecture

Elegant Beaux-Arts Architecture

Throughout the building

Admire the stunning Beaux-Arts style, characterized by grand stone columns and a timeless, sophisticated ambiance.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates hosts events year-round, consider visiting during public hours for a self-guided tour. Check their website for specific days and times, as these can vary. For a more intimate experience, aim for weekdays outside of major event bookings. Instagram

Event & Garden Access

The Hall of Laureates is a popular venue for weddings and special events. While these offer a glimpse into its grandeur, public access to the gardens has recently been restricted, impacting casual strolls. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Unique experiences
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#WorldFoodProgramUSAPartner No contribution is too small. Please consider donating to Afghanistan today ❤️ #WFP #WFPUSA @World Food Program USA @World Food Programme | WFP
@zahra
21.9K likes • 2.8M views

Check Public Hours First

Verify visiting hours on their website before you go, as they can change due to events. Instagram

Book Event Tickets Early

For popular candlelight concerts or other performances, secure your tickets in advance. Reddit

ABC FRESHMART! We are open 9am-9pm! #fy #fyp #abcxyz #viral #grocerystore #abcfreshmart #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #desmoines #grandopening #like #share #iowa #visitus #makemefamous
@abcgroceries
16.5K likes • 168.5K views
Imagine YOUR wedding at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates! 💐✨ This beautiful downtown Des Moines venue is truly a one-of-a-kind location for your special day and your guests. Learn more about reserving the Hall of Laureates at www.halloflaureatesevents.org.
halloflaureates
3 likes • 166 views

Explore the Gardens (if open)

Enjoy the surrounding gardens for a peaceful moment, though access may be limited. Reddit

Free Admission for Tours

Self-guided tours of the Hall of Laureates are generally free, making it an accessible cultural experience. Reddit

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates 📍Des Moines, Iowa
iowalovers
34 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Public Hours First

Verify visiting hours on their website before you go, as they can change due to events. Instagram

Book Event Tickets Early

For popular candlelight concerts or other performances, secure your tickets in advance. Reddit

Explore the Gardens (if open)

Enjoy the surrounding gardens for a peaceful moment, though access may be limited. Reddit

Free Admission for Tours

Self-guided tours of the Hall of Laureates are generally free, making it an accessible cultural experience. Reddit

Wedding Venue Perfection

Consider this stunning venue for your special day; it's praised as a perfect, naturally beautiful wedding location. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(447 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and the impactful exhibits on global agriculture. It's a highly recommended venue for weddings and special events, with many guests highlighting the beautiful ambiance and memorable experiences. Some recent changes to garden access have been noted as a drawback for casual visitors.

"Having our wedding reception at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates was the best decision we made! It was truly the most perfect venue for our wedding. The building itself is so naturally beautiful. All of our guests loved the venue as well! We loved working with Monica as well! She was so sweet and helpful. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates was so accommodating and is the perfect place to have your wedding! (Photos by Laura Wills Photography)"

Sophia Stevens

"Went to the Queen tribute and it was amazing. The musicians shared background of the music, played a dozen Queen songs, PLUS pieces from operas and classical selections.

Venue was beautiful with the candlelight. Beverages available for purchase. Comfy chairs. Could see and hear from everywhere. I sat in the way back and could see and hear everything well.

I went early and enjoyed the gardens surrounding the World Food Prize building it was hosted at in Des Moines IA. Cost was $50 for an hour and a half a glorious entertainment. Awesome!"

Ellen Paullin

"They started putting up signs that the garden is closed to the public. I’ve been walking through this garden for several years as it’s my piece of heaven to and from work. Really silly stuff. People can still technically walk through but they might as well install gates up to finish the job. Public should be allowed to walk through."

Q M

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Impactful exhibits
Stunning wedding venue

What People Dislike

Restricted garden access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is located in downtown Des Moines. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transportation routes also serve the downtown area. InstagramReddit

While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the Hall, several public parking garages and street parking options are available in the surrounding downtown Des Moines area. Reddit

Yes, the Hall of Laureates is centrally located downtown, making it a walkable destination from many hotels, restaurants, and other attractions like the Iowa State Capitol. Reddit

If arriving by air, Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is a short drive away. Renting a car or using a rideshare service is convenient for reaching the Hall. TikTok

Des Moines' public bus system, DART, has several routes that stop in the downtown area, providing access to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

For general self-guided tours, admission is typically free. However, for special events like concerts or ticketed performances, you will need to purchase tickets in advance. Reddit+1

Public visiting hours can vary due to events. It's essential to check the official World Food Prize Hall of Laureates website for the most up-to-date schedule before planning your visit. Instagram

Absolutely! The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a highly sought-after venue for weddings and private events, known for its stunning beauty and accommodating services. InstagramReddit

While self-guided tours are common, specific guided tours might be offered during certain events or by appointment. Check their website for details on available tour options. Reddit

The exhibits detailing the achievements of World Food Prize laureates are generally accessible as part of the free public visit to the Hall of Laureates. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can admire the Beaux-Arts architecture, view exhibits on global agriculture and the fight against hunger, and experience the beauty of the stained glass window. It's also a popular venue for events. Instagram+1

The Hall of Laureates is a historic building, but efforts are typically made to ensure accessibility. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility information. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but videography might be restricted, especially during events. Check for posted signs or inquire with staff. Reddit

The World Food Prize is a prestigious award recognizing individuals who have advanced human development by increasing the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world. Instagram

Access to the gardens has become more restricted recently, impacting casual public access. It's best to check current policies or inquire on-site. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Hall of Laureates itself primarily functions as a venue and museum, not a restaurant. However, numerous dining options are available in the surrounding downtown Des Moines area. TikTok+1

Typically, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Hall of Laureates, especially during events. Check their specific policies for details. Reddit

Downtown Des Moines offers a diverse culinary scene, from casual eateries and cafes to upscale dining establishments, catering to various tastes and budgets. TikTok+1

Yes, several coffee shops and cafes are located within walking distance of the Hall of Laureates, perfect for a pre- or post-visit refreshment. TikTok

Yes, the Hall of Laureates is a popular venue for events, and they work with various caterers to provide dining services for weddings and other functions. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The grand entrance, the stained glass window, the elegant interiors, and the surrounding architecture offer fantastic photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Professional photoshoots, especially for weddings, are common and encouraged. It's advisable to coordinate with the venue for any specific requirements or fees. Instagram+1

The stained glass window is a highlight and makes for stunning photographs, especially when light shines through it. Instagram

Generally, personal social media photography is welcome. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any event-specific rules. Instagram

Daytime hours, when natural light can illuminate the interior and exterior features, are ideal. Golden hour can also provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Hall of Laureates is a beautiful historic building, it's primarily geared towards adults interested in history, agriculture, and special events. However, families can still appreciate the impressive architecture and the visual spectacle of the stained glass window. Instagram Consider visiting during public hours for a brief exploration. For younger children, the exhibits might be less engaging, but the sheer scale and beauty of the building can still capture their imagination. Instagram

If attending a special event like a holiday open house, there might be more family-friendly activities available, such as caroling or Santa visits. Instagram Always check the event details beforehand to ensure it aligns with your family's interests and your children's attention spans. Nearby parks and interactive museums in Des Moines might offer more child-centric activities for a full family outing. TikTok

💍 Couples & Event Planners

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is consistently praised as an exceptional venue for weddings and romantic events. Its inherent elegance and stunning architectural features mean less decoration is needed, allowing the venue's beauty to shine. InstagramReddit Couples rave about the memorable atmosphere and the positive guest experiences. Instagram

Event planners will appreciate the venue's capacity for hosting a range of functions, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. The historic charm combined with modern event capabilities makes it a versatile choice. It's recommended to book well in advance due to its popularity. Instagram+1

🎶 Music & Event Enthusiasts

The Hall of Laureates frequently hosts unique candlelight concerts and other performances, offering a magical experience in a beautiful setting. These events often feature classical music, tribute bands, and other artistic showcases. Reddit Attendees frequently highlight the intimate atmosphere, excellent acoustics, and the quality of the musicians. Reddit

For the best experience at concerts, consider sitting in the front sections for optimal viewing and sound. Reddit Keep an eye on their event calendar for upcoming performances, as these ticketed events are a fantastic way to enjoy the Hall of Laureates beyond its museum function. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of the World Food Prize

The World Food Prize is a prestigious international award that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food worldwide. Established by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Norman Borlaug, the award aims to inspire innovation and action in addressing global food security challenges. The Hall of Laureates serves as the permanent home for the World Food Prize Foundation, celebrating the achievements of its laureates and fostering dialogue on critical agricultural and humanitarian issues. Instagram

Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight the groundbreaking work of past recipients, showcasing their dedication to science, policy, and sustainable practices. These displays offer a compelling narrative of human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of hunger and malnutrition. The Hall itself, with its impressive architecture, provides a fittingly grand setting for these inspiring stories. Instagram

Attending events or public tours at the Hall of Laureates offers a unique opportunity to connect with the mission of the World Food Prize and learn more about the ongoing efforts to achieve a hunger-free world. It's a place that inspires hope and underscores the importance of agricultural innovation. Instagram+1

Architectural Grandeur and Event Hosting

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture, a style characterized by its grandeur, symmetry, and ornate detailing. Built in the early 20th century, the building boasts impressive stone columns, elegant interiors, and a truly iconic stained glass window that serves as a breathtaking focal point. Its historical significance and aesthetic appeal make it a landmark in downtown Des Moines. Instagram+1

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Hall of Laureates is a highly sought-after venue for weddings, galas, and corporate events. Its naturally beautiful spaces, combined with excellent service, create unforgettable experiences for guests. Many couples have chosen this venue for their special day, citing its unique ambiance and the memorable impression it leaves on attendees. InstagramReddit+1

Whether you're visiting for a public tour, attending a special event like a candlelight concert, or considering it for your own celebration, the Hall of Laureates offers a blend of historical significance, architectural splendor, and vibrant activity. InstagramReddit+1

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