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Borealis Light Art Installation

  • For DSM Visitors and Residents Looking for Something New
  • Under the Eighth Street Viaduct
  • Admission: Free and Open to the Public
  • Collaborators: Operation Downtown, Polk County, Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, EMC Insurance, City of Des Moines

Borealis by Alex Braden - Des Moines, IA from Group Creatives on Vimeo.

Created by artist/musician Alex Braden, “Borealis” is a shifting light experience visible at the Eighth Street Viaduct beneath the bridge at Eighth and Cherry Streets in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). The light art installation uses advanced color-changing technology to create a memorable design reminiscent of the Northern Lights. It helps advance Operation Downtown’s mission to keep Downtown safe, clean, welcoming and beautiful by adding public art to brighten the viaduct.

“Borealis” uses durable architectural lights that enhance the vibrancy of Downtown DSM. More than 30 national and local artists applied in the search for an artist to design the experience, confirming that the desire to create unique art in unexpected places is high, and that more permanent art installations are in Downtown DSM’s future.

When visiting “Borealis,” visitors and residents are encouraged to seek out other public art in Downtown DSM and visit local restaurants and shops in the area. The DSM Local Downtown DSM Buying Guide and DSM Local Historic East Village Buying Guide can assist with choosing restaurants and shops to visit near “Borealis” in order to make the most of time spent Downtown.

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