The park contains the largest collection of works by Jaume Plensa in a public setting in the United States.
The sculptures were selected by the Des Moines Art Center to create an educational dialogue between modern art and the public.
The land was originally a series of neglected lots before the city-wide redevelopment project transformed it into a cultural hub.
The park features 'Nomade' by Jaume Plensa, a large, hollow, white steel figure that visitors can walk inside.
It is one of the few sculpture parks in the world located in the high-density center of a capital city.
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a 4.4-acre outdoor exhibition space situated in the Western Gateway Park of downtown Des Moines. It features over 30 works of art by internationally renowned sculptors, including Jaume Plensa, Louise Bourgeois, and Keith Haring. The collection is managed by the Des Moines Art Center and was established through a gift from John and Mary Pappajohn. The park is integrated into a public pedestrian space that connects the city's central business district to the neighborhood of Sherman Hill. Works are arranged on a rolling landscape designed to provide accessible pathways for pedestrians. The site serves as a permanent open-air museum without perimeter fencing or entry gates. It is integrated into the city’s urban core and remains open to the public throughout the year.
The interior of Jaume Plensa’s 'Nomade' sculpture, which frames the downtown skyline through its lettered structure.
Bring a portable chair or blanket if you plan to stay, as permanent seating is limited to perimeter benches.
Download the Des Moines Art Center’s mobile app beforehand to access audio tours and artist information while on-site.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the extreme heat or cold typical of Iowa summers and winters.
Do not assume all sculptures are interactive; many are strictly for visual observation and are monitored for damage.
Do not touch, climb on, or lean against the sculptures, as many are fragile or treated with sensitive patinas.
