The mansion was the first home in Des Moines to have its own private lighting plant.
The theater stage is framed by an original, ornate 1923 proscenium arch that remains largely unchanged.
The onsite art collection includes works by significant regional artists like Grant Wood.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
It served as the first public art gallery in the state of Iowa.
The house foundation was constructed using locally sourced limestone.
The theater's acoustics are specifically designed for intimate performances and live music.
The Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation manages the property as a non-profit entity dedicated to historical preservation.
Hoyt Sherman Place is a historic 1877 mansion in Des Moines that functions as a multi-purpose performing arts venue and public art museum. The original residence was built for Hoyt Sherman, the younger brother of Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman. It features an ornate, 1,250-seat proscenium theater addition constructed in 1923, which maintains its original aesthetic. The mansion interior preserves Victorian-era architecture, including grand fireplaces and intricate woodwork. It houses an extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century American paintings and sculptures. The venue hosts a variety of concerts, comedians, and theatrical productions throughout the year. The Des Moines Women’s Club has managed and preserved the property for over a century. It serves as a rare example of a historic home preserved as a functional cultural center rather than a static house museum. Visitors can view the permanent art gallery collections displayed within the historic rooms.
The grand staircase and the ornate entrance foyer of the original 1877 mansion.
Check the event calendar online before your visit to ensure the mansion rooms are open for public tours, as they may be closed for private rehearsals.
Take time to examine the period-accurate wallpaper and light fixtures, which have undergone extensive restoration.
Park in the designated lot behind the building to avoid street parking congestion.
Do not assume all mansion rooms are accessible during theater events; call ahead if your main interest is viewing the permanent art collection.
The museum portions are frequently closed to the public on weekends or during scheduled theater performances.
Business casual is recommended for theater performances; respectful, quiet conduct is expected during mansion museum tours.
