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Museums #14 in Des Moines, Iowa

Salisbury House & Gardens

4.7 · 538 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Salisbury House & Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
Interesting facts
1

The house features a collection of rare books including a 1611 King James Bible and works by Marie Antoinette.

2

The Great Hall contains original 16th-century carved oak panels imported from the Old Palace of Bromley-by-Bow in London.

3

The estate was constructed with a steel frame, an advanced engineering choice for a residential home in the 1920s.

4

Carl Weeks, the founder, made his fortune through the Armand cosmetics company.

5

The mansion contains a collection of nearly 500 pieces of fine art, including works by artists like Matisse and Whistler.

6

The gardens feature a 'Sunken Garden' design element common to the English landscape tradition.

7

The property contains a 'hidden' passage used by the original owners for service access.

8

Architectural components like doors and mantels were sourced from various English manor houses during the construction phase.

Overview

Salisbury House & Gardens is a 1920s English Tudor-style manor modeled after the King’s House in Salisbury, England. Built by Carl and Edith Weeks between 1923 and 1928, the house features 42 rooms and sits on 10 acres of woodland gardens. The estate serves as a historic house museum, housing an extensive collection of fine art, rare books, and 16th-century tapestries. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, which contains a massive stone fireplace and authentic medieval wood carvings. The gardens are designed with a combination of formal landscaping and naturalistic trails. The property operates as a non-profit cultural center hosting concerts, weddings, and community events throughout the year. Its architectural design incorporates recycled structural elements imported from historic British estates.

Photo spot

The central stone staircase in the Great Hall, which offers a symmetric view of the manor's intricate wood carvings.

Insider tips

Check the event calendar online before arriving to ensure the house is not closed for a private wedding or concert.

Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate both the multi-level interior and the varying terrain of the outdoor garden trails.

Bring a camera, as photography is permitted in most areas, though flash is prohibited near delicate antique textiles.

What to avoid

Assuming the house is open for self-guided walk-ins without checking the daily event schedule first.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and major holidays; occasionally closed to the public for private events.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume and refrain from touching the historic artifacts, tapestries, or furniture.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn for optimal garden blooms and comfortable outdoor exploration.
Address
Salisbury House & Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
41.579, -93.672
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits16th-century tapestries, rare 17th-century books, and fine art collection
Architectural styleEnglish Tudor manor based on the King's House in Salisbury

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early autumn for optimal garden blooms and comfortable outdoor exploration..

The central stone staircase in the Great Hall, which offers a symmetric view of the manor's intricate wood carvings.

Close by you'll find Des Moines Water Works Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greenwood - Ashworth Park.