Pappajohn Sculpture Park

JOHN AND MARY PAPPAJOHN SCULPTURE PARK

Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 21 of the world's most celebrated artists. The 4.4 acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. 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 Pappajohns' contribution of 27 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.

Hours

• The sculpture park, located at 1330 Grand Avenue, is open during city park hours, which are sunrise to midnight.

Tours

Guided tours are available from April 1 through October 31. Please see the Guided Tours page for more information. Three or more weeks advance notice is needed to schedule a guided tour. Guided tours are not needed to view the sculptures; anyone is welcome to walk through the park and view the sculptures during open hours.

Audio Tours

• Please see the Audio Tours page for information about the Pappajohn Sculpture Park Audio Tours.

Teachers & Families

• Please see the Educator Resources page for an Educator's Guide to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. A drawing guide about the park is also available.

Photography

• Photography is allowed. Media requests for photographs can be made via e-mail or 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 and 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 park is prohibited. Smoking is permitted on the exterior public right of way sidewalks.

Reserve the Park for Special Events

The park can be reserved for private events. Inquiries should be directed to the City of Des Moines Information Center at 515.237.1386 or shelters@dmgov.org.

• Pappajohn Sculpture Park Visitor Guide & Family Activities brochure
• Available at the Sculpture Park or download the Front, Back, or Map only
• The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a collaborative effort of the Pappajohns, the City of Des Moines, the Des Moines Art Center, and numerous corporate and private funders.

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