Des Moines Art Center
- Attraction
- Regional draw
- Des Moines
Des Moines Art Center combines modern and contemporary art with buildings by notable architects, creating a visit in which space and artwork reinforce one another.
Paintings, sculpture, and changing exhibitions invite different routes through the galleries, while architectural contrasts remain visible between sections. The museum rewards both a focused exhibition visit and a slower exploration.
Check current galleries and exhibitions before planning around particular works. Allow time to notice the buildings as well as the collection, and confirm separate locations and access if you intend to include affiliated outdoor sculpture elsewhere in the city.
Visitor details reviewed October 17, 2026. Check official visitor information for current access, admission, and operating arrangements. View on OpenStreetMap.
Image credit: Nhandler at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons. Original source. CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and converted to WebP; may be cropped for display.
Nearby
More places nearby
Salisbury House and GardensSalisbury House and Gardens preserves a Des Moines mansion whose architecture draws on historic English styles.
Pappajohn Sculpture ParkThe John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park places large-scale contemporary art within an open downtown Des Moines landscape.
Science Center of IowaThe Science Center of Iowa brings interactive science and educational programs to downtown Des Moines.
Greater Des Moines Botanical GardenThe Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden combines a recognizable glass dome with living plant collections and outdoor garden spaces beside the river.
Iowa State CapitolThe Iowa State Capitol gives Des Moines a prominent civic landmark with a gilded dome, historic interiors, and grounds overlooking the city.
Walnut Woods State ParkWalnut Woods State Park offers woodland and river scenery beside the Raccoon River near West Des Moines.