Explore the Park
The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by more than two dozen of the world’s most celebrated artists.
This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States.
The 4.4 acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian-friendly entryway to downtown Des Moines. The Pappajohns’ contribution of more than 30 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center. Since the park opened in 2009, it has become a gathering space for the Des Moines Metro community, a beacon for both tourists and residents.
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is located at 1330 Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines.
The park is open during city park hours — sunrise to midnight.
Ample metered street parking is available surrounding the park. The park is accessible by bike via the bike lanes on Grand Avenue. To plan your trip via public transportation, visit the DART trip planner.
Park Guidelines
Photography
Photography is allowed in the sculpture park. Media requests for photographs can be made via e-mail or by calling 515-271-0344.
Preservation
Touching, climbing, and sitting on the sculptures is not allowed, with the exception of Scott Burton’s Seating for Eight. Although many of the sculptures appear sturdy and durable, touching or climbing will damage the sculptures and their finish. Additionally, visitors may get hurt touching or climbing on the sculptures.
Food & Drink
Picnicking is allowed. Please be sure to keep food and drink away from the sculptures and dispose of waste in the receptacles on the perimeter of the park. City park rules prohibit glass bottles and alcohol is allowed by permit only.
Smoking
Smoking inside the sculpture park is prohibited. Smoking is permitted on the exterior public right of way sidewalks.
Get the most from your Sculpture Park visit!
The Sculpture Park Exploration Guide was designed for educators, parents, grandparents, guardians, families, friends, and all ages to interact with the sculptures and one another as a group. It offers activities and various ways of engaging with 11 works of art in the Sculpture Park.
Print Your Own Guide & Go!
The Des Moines Art Center does not provide copies of the Sculpture Park Exploration Guide. Please provide a copy for the leader of your group ahead of time.
Activities for Groups
Activities are for groups of 15 people or less. Groups may not have enough time to do all activities during one visit. Please select your favorite interactive prompts. The activities in the guide need no materials other than a camera, if applicable.
Sculpture Locations
The sculptures are located on a map at the end of the guide for easier navigation. The numbers located on the map correspond to the sculptures in the guide.
Something for Everyone
There are seven symbols that represent the various ways people learn (auditory, creative, emotional, etc.). For example, if you have a child that prefers learning through movement, look for the physical icon.