VISITOR INFORMATION
Recognized by international art critics as a world-class museum in the heart of the Midwest, the Des Moines Art Center has amassed an important collection with a major emphasis on contemporary art. The collection’s overriding principle is a representation of artists of the 19th and 20th century, each through a seminal work. This accounts for an impressive collection that ranges from Edward Hopper’s Automat to Jasper Johns’ Tennyson, Henri Matisse’s Woman in White, Georgia O’Keeffe’s From the Lake No. 1, and Francis Bacon’s Study after Velásquez’s Portrait of Pope Innocent X.
The Art Center’s physical complex marries with the collection for a totally integrated experience. The collection is housed in three major buildings; each designed by a world-renowned architect – Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
The Art Center extends its scope with Des Moines Art Center Downtown, an urban exhibition space and Museum Shop in the heart of downtown Des Moines.
LOCATION & HOURS
Des Moines Art Center
Address
4700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50312-2099
General Information
Tel 515.277.4405
Fax 515.271.0357
informationdesk@desmoinesartcenter.org
Admission to the galleries is free
Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 11 am — 4 pm
Thursday, 11 am — 9 pm
Sunday, Noon — 4 pm
Closed Monday
Closed on the following public holidays:
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day (Fourth of July)
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve
Museum Shop
Visit the Museum Shop for a large selection of cards, books, art magazines, jewelry, pottery, calendars, folk art, educational toys, and unique gifts. Open during museum hours and special events.
Become a member and get a 10% percent discount on all purchases at both Museum Shop locations.
Restaurant
Open Tuesday — Saturday 11 am — 2 pm
On Thursday evenings, the Restaurant is available for group functions.
Please inquire by calling 515.271.0332.
Des Moines Art Center Downtown
Downtown exhibition space and Museum Shop
Address
800 Walnut Street (at the corner of 9th & Walnut Streets)
Street level in the Wells Fargo Financial Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Accessible by the Wells Fargo skywalk
Downtown Gallery Information
Tel 515.557.6109
Hours
Monday — Friday 11 am — 4 pm
Admission
As is the case at the Des Moines Art Center, admission is free.
Parking
Parking is available on the street and in ramps at 10th & Walnut Streets and 9th & Locust Streets.
Membership
Your membership directly supports the arts in your community by allowing the Des Moines Art Center to maintain free admission to the museum for everyone. Many Art Center events, including Community Days related to major exhibitions, gallery talks, lectures, film series, and many more, have no admission fees.
In addition to the satisfaction of supporting the arts, your benefits of membership include discounts on classes and workshops, discounts on purchases in the Museum Shops, and reduced prices for ticketed events. Memberships also support the Art Center’s ongoing outreach initiatives, including partnerships with over forty community organizations.
Please help us continue to engage the community with the art of our times by joining today!
Special Needs
The Art Center is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Signed interpretation is available for any public Art Center event. Please call at least two weeks in advance to request a sign language interpreter, wheelchair seating, and/or other accommodations.
Cameras
Photography is not permitted in the galleries.
515.277.4405