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Trip Planner:   USA  /  Iowa  /  Des Moines  /  Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Des Moines

4.4
#1 of 15 in Parks in Des Moines
Park · Nature / Park
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The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a 4.4-acre (1.8 ha) park within Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, Iowa. It opened in 2009 with 24 sculptures, with four more acquired later. The sculpture park is administered by the Des Moines Art Center and contains works by artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Jaume Plensa, Ai Weiwei, and Barry Flanagan. It is considered "one of the most significant collections of outdoor sculptures in the United States".
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Pappajohn Sculpture Park reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
727 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • The Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines is like an oasis in the midst of tall buildings. It is relatively small with level grounds and very easy to navigate. There is an audio tour... 
    The Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines is like an oasis in the midst of tall buildings. It is relatively small with level grounds and very easy to navigate. There is an audio tour...  more »
  • Beautiful sculpture garden nestled in Des Moines. It has easy walkable paths and the sculptures were picture worthy. This was easily one of our favorites stops on our short trip. 
    Beautiful sculpture garden nestled in Des Moines. It has easy walkable paths and the sculptures were picture worthy. This was easily one of our favorites stops on our short trip.  more »
Google
  • Awesome park for people to enjoy some cool sculptures. Free admission, street parking all around the park for a small fee. The park is not very big but well maintained by the city. Some people complained in the reviews that all the sculptures are metals and plastics. It kinda has to be because the sculptures are outdoor and the materials has to be able to withstand the test of time. All the sculptures looks pretty new and it’s free to enjoy. The only thing that did bothered me was the amounts of homeless people walking and hanging around the park. I was alone at 9:30am and didn’t feel safe. When I got closed to the girl sculpture by one corner of the park; one homeless guy was yelling “it wasn’t me” repeatedly to me. I was a bit freaked out because there wasn’t anyone else close by at the moment. There was a few people on the other side of the park and some passing by cars though. Overall, I did enjoyed my visit at the sculpture park. I would highly recommend not going there alone if you are a woman.
  • LOVED it. gorgeous views. great distance between all sculptures! kids took amazing photos! sculptures are giants & look even better in person! aBout 70degrees , nice breeze , sunset walk , good views of the downtown city. SUMMER NIGHTS - awesome! the lights coming on around 8/9:00 near sculptures was such a scene. super beautiful! PEACEFUL resting/break space also!

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