Where to Find Free Public Art in Downtown DSM: Sculpture Edition

Free public art is abundant and accessible to all in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), making it a key artful destination to explore within the Greater Des Moines region. Discover public art on nearly every block Downtown DSM, including sculptures celebrating history, culture, heritage and much more. Looking for things to do? You won’t regret dedicating an afternoon to enjoying these free artistic sculptures in Downtown DSM, each making for an ideal photo op for your Downtown visit!

“Threshold”

Artist: Juanjo Novella
Location: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Stretching 16 feet tall, this lacy leaf steel sculpture honors former Des Moines Mayor Tom Urban and can be viewed in the newly opened outdoor Founders Garden at the Des Moines Botanical Garden.

“Nomade”

Artist: Jaume Plensa
Location: John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Completed in 2007, this large white, human-like sculpture is iconic to Des Moines and is central to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in the heart of the city.

“Shattering Silence”

Artist: James Ellwanger
Location: Iowa State Capitol Grounds
According to the Des Moines Public Art Foundation’s website, the Iowa Art Council describes this piece as commemorative of, “those moments when Iowa has been at the forefront of breaking the silence of inequality.”

“Construction”

Artist: Ivan Chermayeff
Location: American Enterprise Art Park
Commissioned in 1971, this highly visible outdoor art sculpture commands attention, drawing the eye to its brightly colored components from the sidewalk or street — located along 5th Avenue just off Park Street in Downtown DSM.

"Inhale...Exhale..."

Artists: Jordan Weber
Location: Mainframe Studios
“Inhale...Exhale...” is a new installation from artist Jordan Weber. It lights up and lights down, like the inhale and exhale of breath, and is visible in the evenings from sunset through sunrise. Experience the installation from different vantage points throughout the year in Downtown DSM, including Oakridge Neighborhood or UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

“Spectral Liberation”

Artist: Christiane T. Martens
Location: Principal Riverwalk
Prominently located outside the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, this colorful art sculpture provides a lovely view looking southwest towards the skyline along the riverfront.

“Man with the Moon”

Artists: Jay Vigon and James Beardon
Location: Mainframe Studios
Added for display in 2022, this sculpture serves as the first edition of a rotating public art sculpture program providing an avenue for local artists to create and exhibit outdoor art available for purchase; the colorful, mural-clad Mainframe Studios building serves as a vibrant backdrop in Downtown DSM.

"A Monumental Journey"

Artists: Kerry James Marshall
Location: Corner of Grand and 2nd Avenues
In 1925, 12 black lawyers established the National Bar Association in Des Moines after facing discrimination from the American Bar Association on the basis of their race. This sculpture represents the group’s founding. Towering 37 feet high, weighing nearly 25 tons and constructed of black manganese ironspot brick, the structure commemorates, memorializes and recognizes the ongoing push for racial equality.

Photo is courtesy of Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation.

The "Rack-N-Roll" Project

Artist: Various
Location: Historic East Village
Wander the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM and you’ll find several sculptures acting as functional bike racks for the ample visiting bicyclists — a hub of the 800+ miles of connected trails located within the Greater Des Moines region.

“Swirl”

Artist: Jim Campbell
Location: Cowles Commons
This piece is beautiful in the daylight but truly shines after sunset when 8,000 LED lights create a moving light show on the sculpture. Also visible nearby is “Crusoe Umbrella,” a 1979 staple Des Moines sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.

To find a comprehensive list of Downtown Des Moines art including murals, sculpture, light installations, monuments and more, visit the Des Moines Public Art Foundation’s website.