Des Moines Art Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park Review

The Des Moines Art Center is full of pieces from modern art masters. The upper floors hold a collection of pieces that range from surrealism to abstract expressionism. The lower floor is a rotating exhibit that features individual artist exhibits. In this review of the art center, you’ll find that it’s definitely worth the look if you find yourself in Des Moines.

• Iconic Artwork
• Planning Your Visit
• Location and Admission
• Around the Area

The Artwork

Hidden Gems from Modern Masters

While walking through the Des Moines Art Center and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park (“Pappajohn Sculpture park”), you may recognize several pieces from modern art masters. The Des Moines art center contains both the well known color fields of a Rothko, and the iconic silkscreen prints of a Warhol. It’s hard not to feel like you are uncovering hidden gems while walking through the galleries and ‘discovering’ these lesser known pieces.

‘Iconic’ Artworks

There’s lots of interesting artwork from well known artists to discover at the Art Center and Sculpture park in Des Moines.

Below are some of my favorites:

Visiting the Des Moines Art Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Preparing for your visit

The art center and sculpture park are both located in Des Moines and are just a 7 minute drive from each other. Des Moines also has a public transportation system that can take you from one location to the other. You can easily spend a couple of hours admiring the artwork at either the art center or sculpture garden, but it’s more fun to make a day of it and go see both.

Things to do

During your visit, you can request a free guided or self guided tour of the Art Center or Sculpture Park. The Des Moines Art Center also offers sign ups for art classes and opportunities to volunteer for local art lovers and creatives.

Around the area

Des Moines is a city full of hidden gems. Here’s a couple of places to visit in the city.

• Iowa State Fair (10 Days in August)
• Bubba Supper and Spirits
• The Machine Shed