Des Moines Insider — desmoinesinsider.com
Downtown Art Walk
Discover Des Moines' thriving art scene from world-class museums to street murals and gallery districts.
Half Day
Arts & Culture
5 stops
1
Des Moines Art Center
10:00 AM
Three architecturally stunning buildings housing a world-class collection.
Insider Tip: Free admission. Start in the Pei wing for contemporary art.
2
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
11:30 AM
28 sculptures by renowned artists including Ai Weiwei, Barry Flanagan, and Jaume Plensa.
Insider Tip: Download the free audio tour app for artist commentary.
3
East Village Murals
1:00 PM
Self-guided mural walk through the colorful East Village neighborhood.
Insider Tip: Look for murals on E Grand Ave and E Locust St.
4
Mainframe Studios
2:30 PM
The largest artist studio building in the US — 90+ studios in a converted warehouse.
Insider Tip: Open studio events happen monthly — check their calendar.
5
Lua Brewing
4:00 PM
Wind down with craft beer in a gallery-like taproom.
Insider Tip: They host rotating art exhibits alongside their beer releases.