Des Moines Art Center
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I absolutely loved my (free!) visit to the Des Moines Art Center. I came when they were working on installing a few new exhibits, but there was still plenty to see and ponder here. The staff were overall friendly and kind without being overbearing or interruptive; the fellow who welcomed me in was pleasant and talkative, but at no time did I feel beleagured by our chat. My only complaint is that in the Richard Meier building, one of the staff seemed to get very close to me as I viewed the artpieces, and another staffperson was playing music or a video on his phone, which was quite loud to begin with and echoed up into the top floor. The art on display was quite captivating and lovely to view, and it spans a wide variety of styles, eras, and cultural origins. The temporary exhibit, Double Take, was interesting, tho I wish there had been clear signage on which photo was staged and which was candid; not knowing made it difficult for me to engage fully with the exhibit. I absolutely fell in love with Water Woman by Wangechi Mutu and kept physically and mentally returning to her. And there were plenty of other stunning pieces I keep thinking about as well. A stroll thru the Rose Garden afterward was nice; I remain unsure as to where the sculpture garden is. Exterior signage in this way could be improved. I also was delighted by the Little Free Art Gallery by the Center's parking lot. I wish there had been materials provided to make my own piece to add, but I did take a delightful little turtle painting by an artist of the name of Alleighlee. One major issue I noted was the Center's accesibility. I can see that this museum is trying to be an accessible space, but a few major issues stood out to me. One is that one of two disabled entrances (the one on the north side) appears to be more of a sidedoor and afterthought. The entrance on the south side of the parking lot is a closer choice, but I'd love to see a solution worked out so that people with wheelchairs or strollers can enter thru the main set of doors. Also, the single elevator in the Meier building was not operating the day I visited. This means that the lower and upper floors could not be accessed by anyone who is unable to use the stairs. The bathroom on the lower level of the Meier building also is *mostly* accessible (plenty of space, lower paper towel dispenser, etc), aside from the heavy doors that could be an issue for some folks to get open. Overall I absolutely loved my visit to this museum, but as an ablebodied person, I also had a lot more freedom to roam and explore than some people may have. The artwork here is beautiful and diverse, and has given me so much to ponder.
EllisEllis
00
I have had the pleasure to expeience the Des Moines Art Center since I was a child 60+ years ago. It is a lovely original building, with a new large expansion added a few years ago that was designed by the famous architect Pei. Inside is a fantastic array of art of all ages, from the "permanent collection" featuring a huge Goya portrait, Constantin Brancusi, Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Eva Hesse, Jeff Koons, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The rest of the collection has everything from paintings from the Renaissance to master paintings of the 18th, 19th and early 20th century, both European and American. They also have a very impressive collection of sculpture, including fine examples by Rodin, Calder, De Kooning, Giacometti, Lachaise, Rodin and so many others. This museum is in a smaller city (Des Moines) but it has some of the very best examples of work by famous artists in the country and perhaps the world. It also has a cafe, library, gift shop and other amenities. It's a place where one could spend many hours looking and reading and even eating. It is a very surprising, magical place.
Dennis TesdellDennis Tesdell
20
One should definitely visit the art centre if you're in Des Moines. The exhibits are truly a work of art! Also, there is ample of parking space available outside. Free admission is a bonus!
Satyam NalawadeSatyam Nalawade
10
Nearby Attractions Of Des Moines Art Center
Greenwood - Ashworth Park
Salisbury House & Gardens
Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden

Greenwood - Ashworth Park
4.7
(314)Click for details

Salisbury House & Gardens
4.7
(267)Click for details

Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden
4.6
(52)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Des Moines Art Center
Oak Park
Tangerine at the Art Center

Oak Park
4.9
(119)Click for details

Tangerine at the Art Center
4.5
(5)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Map
Phone
(515) 277-4405
Call
Website
desmoinesartcenter.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(275 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The Des Moines Art Center is an art museum with an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture, modern art and mixed media. It was established in 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa.
attractions: Greenwood - Ashworth Park, Salisbury House & Gardens, Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden, restaurants: Oak Park, Tangerine at the Art Center
