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Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Des Moines, IA

Photo: Dsmspence, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingDate NightLocal GemFree

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

1330 Grand Ave · Des Moines, IA

Why you should go…

Opened in 2009 in Western Gateway Park, this 4.4-acre downtown lawn displays works by more than two dozen artists, a gift from John and Mary Pappajohn. You walk concrete paths over gently rolling hills past pieces by Louise Bourgeois, Ai Weiwei and Barry Flanagan. A standout is Nomade by Jaume Plensa, a 27-foot crouching figure of white steel letters that you can step inside. Picnics and photography are welcome and an audio tour is available, but most sculptures are not for touching.

  • #sculpture park
  • #public art
  • #outdoor art
  • #downtown park

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Pappajohn Sculpture Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    Iowa county famous for its historic covered bridges, made famous by The Bridges of Madison County.

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    26 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
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    Roseman Covered Bridge

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    Walk through the 1883 covered bridge over the Middle River made famous by The Bridges of Madison County.

    33 mi awayMore like this