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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Des Moines Art Center
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TZID:America/Chicago
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DTSTART:20260308T080000
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DTSTART:20261101T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20251202T221401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T204631Z
UID:12683-1777726800-1777730400@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Museum Highlights Tour
DESCRIPTION:Discover the vast variety of the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collection during our Museum Highlights Tour. This tour offers a unique journey through our galleries\, featuring a selection of timeless paintings\, sculptures\, and more. Join our knowledgeable guides to uncover the stories\, techniques\, and inspirations behind the art on view\, and experience the highlights of the Art Center in a fresh and engaging way. This guided tour is perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages! \nPublic guided tours are offered every Saturday from 1 – 2 pm. Free; no registration required. \nPhoto: Erik Brockmeyer
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/museum-highlights-tour/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guided Tours
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260503T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260503T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20260303T204840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T204840Z
UID:13569-1777806000-1777809600@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Art for Brunch!
DESCRIPTION:We invite you to join us at Art for Brunch! Come hang out with us at this monthly meetup for adults of all ages and enjoy thoughtful conversation as we unpack a different work of art each month. A docent will guide the dialogue with questions and prompts\, but each discussion will be as unique and varied as those who attend. We’ll go where the conversation leads us. No art background needed. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to look a little longer. \nWhile brunch is not provided as part of this free program\, we encourage you to make it a date and pair this event with a visit to the Art Center Café for coffee drinks\, teas\, and irresistible la mie pastries before or after. \nArt for Brunch! is held on the first Sunday of each month. Free; registration required. \nREGISTER
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/art-for-brunch-2/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20260327T175409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T175409Z
UID:13542-1778324400-1778335200@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Social Saturday: Toons and Tunes
DESCRIPTION:Join the Des Moines Art Center’s May Social Saturday event: Toons and Tunes! Who loves Saturday morning cartoons? Watch short animations created by local artists! Musical majesty? Listen to unique and fun tunes by the Des Moines Gamer Symphony! Enjoy crafts in the Art School studios\, musical storytime\, a free guided tour\, treats in the Café\, and so much more! \nSchedule of Events:\n11:15 am | Musical Storytime\nLevitt Auditorium\n11:45 am – 12:15 pm | Des Moines Gamer Symphony Small Ensembles\nLevitt Auditorium\nCome hear the Des Moines Gamer Symphony brass and woodwind ensembles perform music from video games you know and love! From Mario to Zelda to Halo\, we will cover generations of games in just 30-minutes to celebrate this rising genre.\n12:30 – 1:30 pm | Live Music in Galleries\nFind various solo artists performing throughout the museum gallery spaces.\n1 – 2 pm | Guided Tour (all ages)\nMeet in the Macomber Lobby\n1:30 pm | Community Animation Showcase\nLevitt Auditorium\nInspired by the exhibition\, “Honey\, You’re a Wonderful Model: Maria Lassnig’s Animated Films” this showcase presents creativity in motion. The film screening will feature a mix of short\, animated works made by local artists. Animation submissions are open to all Iowa creators\, due April 10\, 2026.\nRegistrations recommended. \nDrop-in Activities (11 am – 2 pm):\nMuseum Galleries\nFind the Social Saturday interactive Art Cart in the galleries.\nMacomber Lobby\nBrowse the Museum Shop and find the perfect gift for Mom just in time for Mother’s Day! Art Center members get 10% off every day in the Museum Shop.\nArt School Studios\nExplore creativity and your inner artist! Free drawing available in the studio space\, as well as mini mosaic making.\nArt Center Café\nStop by for a sit-down lunch or a delicious la mie pastry; a full hot/cold espresso menu is available. Art Center members receive a 10% in the café every day.\nSee our special exhibitions before they close!\n“Honey\, You’re a Wonderful Model: Maria Lassnig’s Animated Films” (Anna K. Meredith Gallery)\n“Iowa Artists 2026: Henry Payer: Aagakinąk Haciwi: We Live Opposite Each Other” (A.H. Blank Gallery and Krause Atrium)\n“Christine Rebet: Sound of Time” (Pamela Bass-Bookey and Harry Bookey Gallery)\n“Artists Around a Table: Artmaking and Merrymaking\, 1927-1952” (John Brady Print Gallery) \nSocial Saturdays occur at the Des Moines Art Center on the second Saturday of the month. This event is free to attend\, and no registration is required. Social Saturdays will be documented with photography. \nFor programs in Levitt Auditorium:\nWe strive to provide live captioning for all events offered in Levitt Auditorium. Due to interpreter shortages throughout Iowa\, American Sign Language interpretation is only available upon request. ASL and other accommodation requests can be made by emailing jfeatherstone@desmoinesartcenter.org. \nGenerous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/social-saturday-toons-and-tunes/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Family Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T133000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20260120T090722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T090715Z
UID:13213-1778333400-1778333400@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Community Animation Showcase
DESCRIPTION:Inspired by the exhibition\, “Honey\, You’re a Wonderful Model: Maria Lassnig’s Animated Films”  this Community Animation Showcase presents creativity in motion during our May 9 Social Saturday. The film screening will feature a mix of short\, animated works made by local artists. \nAnimation submissions are open to all Iowa creators\, due April 10\, 2026. Email Mia Buch\, Senior Museum Learning and Engagement Manager\, at mbuch@desmoinesartcenter.org with questions or for more information on how to participate. Learn about how to enter HERE.   \nEntry into the showcase and attendance to the film screening are free. Registration is required. \nWe strive to provide live captioning for all events offered in Levitt Auditorium. Due to interpreter shortages throughout Iowa\, American Sign Language interpretation is only available upon request. ASL and other accommodation requests can be made by emailing jfeatherstone@desmoinesartcenter.org.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/community-animation-showcase/
LOCATION:Levitt Auditorium\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20260319T153843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T090709Z
UID:13936-1778344200-1778344200@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Get Ready For Safe Space Prom
DESCRIPTION:Before the dance begins\, join us for a special Get Ready for Safe Space Prom session designed to help you feel confident\, celebrated\, and ready for the night! \nParticipants can enjoy a welcoming space with free makeup artists\, hair styling\, and a creative station to make your own corsage or boutonnière-style piece to wear to prom. This is a fun opportunity to get ready with friends\, express your style\, and start the evening feeling your best. Spots for the Get Ready sessions are limited\, so be sure to sign up in advance! \nRegistration for Safe Space Prom requires a separate sign up. Please find details for that here. \nWhile participating in one of the Get Ready for Safe Space Prom sessions\, there will be a no leave/return policy for guests\, other than the arrival to Safe Space Prom at 7 pm. Participants are permitted to remain in the Art Center studio space while they wait for the prom to begin. \nPhoto: Jovisuals
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/get-ready-for-safe-space-prom/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20260320T090713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T090708Z
UID:13948-1778347800-1778347800@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Get Ready For Safe Space Prom
DESCRIPTION:Before the dance begins\, join us for a special Get Ready for Safe Space Prom session designed to help you feel confident\, celebrated\, and ready for the night! \nParticipants can enjoy a welcoming space with free makeup artists\, hair styling\, and a creative station to make your own corsage or boutonnière-style piece to wear to prom. This is a fun opportunity to get ready with friends\, express your style\, and start the evening feeling your best. Spots for the Get Ready sessions are limited\, so be sure to sign up in advance! \nRegistration for Safe Space Prom requires a separate sign up. Please find details for that here. \nWhile participating in one of the Get Ready for Safe Space Prom sessions\, there will be a no leave/return policy for guests\, other than the arrival to Safe Space Prom at 7 pm. Participants are permitted to remain in the Art Center studio space while they wait for the prom to begin. \nPhoto: Jovisuals
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/get-ready-for-safe-space-prom-2/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/web-tile-8.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260509T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20260319T153841Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T090710Z
UID:13935-1778353200-1778353200@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Safe Space Prom
DESCRIPTION:High schoolers are invited to attend the fourth annual Safe Space Prom! This event\, co-hosted by the Des Moines Art Center and the Queer Youth Resource Center\, is for LGBTQIA+ high schoolers to enjoy a classic prom experience while being their whole\, beautiful selves in community with other LGBTQIA+ high school students. \nThis year\, Safe Space Prom will offer two “Get Ready for Safe Space Prom” sessions before the dance! We will provide makeup artists\, hair styling\, and an opportunity to create a corsage. Find registration on our Event Calendar. Space is limited. \nSafe Space Prom will feature a DJ and photo booth. The event will provide pizza\, desserts\, soda\, and water to guests. \nSafe Space Prom is for high schoolers age 14 – 18. This event is free; registration and a signed waiver are required. \nWe are committed to providing a safe environment for Safe Space Prom attendees. The event will include: a required bag check upon entry\, an off-duty police officer on the premises\, and Des Moines Art Center security staff\, trained in first aid and CPR\, present through the entirety of the event. If participating in one of the Get Ready for Safe Space Prom sessions\, there will be a no leave/return policy for guests\, other than the arrival to Safe Space Prom at 7 pm. Participants are permitted to remain in the Art Center studio space while they wait for the prom to begin.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/safe-space-prom/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20260317T192543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T192543Z
UID:13911-1778680800-1778680800@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Dance Performance: “Interwoven Worlds: A Dance Journey Between Three Cities in Iowa”
DESCRIPTION:“Interwoven Worlds: A Dance Journey Between Three Cities in Iowa” is a dance program inspired by works from three Iowa art museums: “Manos (Hands)” by José Clemente Orozco at the Des Moines Art Center; “Woman Ironing (Isis)” by Vik Muniz at the Figge Art Museum; and “Which Way?” by Elizabeth Catlett at the Stanley Museum of Art. Audiences will experience three original dances\, each paired with projected images of the artworks\, weaving movement and visual art together in a performance that includes contextual commentary. The project will culminate in a screen-dance film\, expanding the work beyond the stage and making it accessible online via the Des Moines Art Center’s website later this summer. \n“Interwoven Worlds: A Dance Journey Between Three Cities in Iowa” is designed by Eloy Barragan\, Associate Professor of Dance at the University of Iowa and generously supported by the Iowa Arts Council Fellowship Award (2025-2026). \nFree; no registration required. \nWe strive to provide live captioning for all events offered in Levitt Auditorium. Due to interpreter shortages throughout Iowa\, American Sign Language interpretation is only available upon request. ASL and other accommodation requests can be made by emailing jfeatherstone@desmoinesartcenter.org. \nJosé Clemente Orozco (Mexican\, 1883 – 1949)\n“Manos (Hands)” (detail)\, 1930\nLithograph on paper\nDes Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Gift of Carl Weeks\, 1954.165
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/interwoven-worlds-a-dance-journey-between-three-cities-in-iowa/
LOCATION:Levitt Auditorium\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20260323T191539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T191539Z
UID:13926-1778778000-1778778000@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Art Center Café\, Dinner with Friends: French Cuisine with Ben Easter
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to continue the Art Center Café\, presented by la mie’s signature culinary experience: Joe and Christina Logsdon’s Dinner With Friends series! Be our guest as Joe and Christina gather around the table with friends for a lighthearted evening of laughter\, conversation\, and live music in the cozy setting of the café. Each dinner features a unique menu developed in collaboration with our special guest host. \nFor the third installment of our spring dinner series\, we’re welcoming Des Moines based professional photographer Ben Easter! A longtime friend of the Art Center\, Ben’s evening will offer a menu from the south of France where his passion for photography began. Live music for the evening provided by The Peels. \n$125/person; all-inclusive. \nOther Upcoming Dates:\nMay 21: Liz Lidgett \nReservations are required. Tickets include a four-course meal\, beverages\, and gratuity. First seating begins at 5 pm and seating ends at 6:15 pm. Call 515.271.0313 or email cafe@desmoinesartcenter.org to reserve your seat and arrival time. Please share any dietary restrictions when making your reservation. Limited capacity. Tables seat 6; smaller parties will be seated together for a festive evening of community and and togetherness. \nPhoto: Rick Lozier
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/art-center-cafe-dinner-with-friends-french-cuisine-with-ben-easter/
LOCATION:The Art Center Café\, 4700 Grand Ave.\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20260318T194850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T194850Z
UID:13919-1779382800-1779382800@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Art Center Café\, Dinner with Friends: Artful Delights with Liz Lidgett
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to continue the Art Center Café\, presented by la mie’s signature culinary experience: Joe and Christina Logsdon’s Dinner With Friends series! Be our guest as Joe and Christina gather around the table with friends for a lighthearted evening of laughter\, conversation\, and live music in the cozy setting of the café. Each dinner features a unique menu developed in collaboration with our special guest host. \nFor the final date of our spring dinner series\, we’re welcoming host Liz Lidgett\, owner of Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design in Des Moines and author of “Art for Everyone.” Inspired by a favorite in the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collection\, Edward Hopper’s 1927 painting “Automat\,” this menu will feature upscale diner classics and new takes on old favorites. Live music for the evening provided by Max Welllman. \n$125/person; all-inclusive. \nReservations are required. Tickets include a four-course meal\, beverages\, and gratuity. First seating begins at 5 pm and seating ends at 6:15 pm. Call 515.271.0313 or email cafe@desmoinesartcenter.org to reserve your seat and arrival time. Please share any dietary restrictions when making your reservation. Limited capacity. Tables seat 6; smaller parties will be seated together for a festive evening of community and and togetherness. \nPhoto: Rick Lozier
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/art-center-cafe-dinner-with-friends-artful-delights-with-liz-lidgett/
LOCATION:The Art Center Café\, 4700 Grand Ave.\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T160229
CREATED:20260219T215607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T225147Z
UID:13369-1782558000-1782558000@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:AViD Presents: Patrick Bringley at the Des Moines Art Festival - Moderated by Kelly Baum
DESCRIPTION:Patrick Bringley is the New York Times bestselling author of “All the Beauty in the World\,” a memoir about his decade as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This special Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) event is being hosted in partnership with the Des Moines Public Library\, Des Moines Arts Festival\, and the Des Moines Art Center. The event will be moderated by Dr. Kelly Baum\, John and Mary Pappajohn Director and CEO of the Des Moines Art Center. Baum was formerly a curator at The MET before coming to the Des Moines Art Center in 2023. \nABOUT AUTHORS VISITING IN DES MOINES \nWhat to expect:\nDoors will open at 10 am\, and the author talk will begin at 11 am. This program will be hosted at Central Library\, and seating is on a first come\, first-serve basis. At the end of the program\, there will be a question and answer period. A book signing will follow. \nThis event is free to attend thanks to the support of the DMPL Foundation and its donors.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/patrick-bringley-at-the-des-moines-art-festival/
LOCATION:Des Moines Public Library – Central Library\, 1000 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, Iowa\, 50309\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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