The best arts & culture spots in Des Moines

3 arts & culture spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Arts & Culture · 3 places · showing the latest additions first

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Arts & Culture

More than two dozen heavyweight artists spread across 4.4 carefully landscaped acres, Pappajohn Sculpture Park is the rare spot that makes…

1330 Grand Ave

“4 carefully landscaped acres, Pappajohn Sculpture Park is the rare spot that makes a weekday stroll feel like a field trip. Pack a picnic, queue up the audio tour with Des Moines Symphony vibes, and claim your favorite piece this week.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Science Center of Iowa

Arts & Culture

Science Center of Iowa turns curiosity into action with hands on exhibits, the Makers Studio, and a planetarium lineup from Iowa Skies…

401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy

“Science Center of Iowa turns curiosity into action with hands on exhibits, the Makers Studio, and a planetarium lineup from Iowa Skies Tonight to Black Holes. Take the kids or go solo, tinker with Brick by Brick, then catch a star party.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 10, 2026

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Des Moines Art Center

Arts & Culture

Des Moines Art Center keeps your week interesting with modern and contemporary exhibits, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park stroll, and the…

4700 Grand Ave

“Des Moines Art Center keeps your week interesting with modern and contemporary exhibits, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park stroll, and the current show Topographies: Mapping Being and Belonging on view through September 20, 2026. Admission is always free, so pop in, grab a bite at the café, then wander the shop.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 16, 2026

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