Des Moines Art Center

As a VENUE: Host your event…

We are delighted you are considering the Art Center for your next special occasion. From wedding receptions to elegant corporate soirées, the Des Moines Art Center’s world-class architecture, beautiful ambiance, and staff will make your event unforgettable. Unique, sophisticated, and home to some of the most important art of our time, the Des Moines Art Center boasts a variety of spaces to accommodate your personal tastes: * a gorgeous lobby * a 220-seat theater * an open air courtyard and reflecting pool plus, * striking backdrops featuring our iconic buildings. These artful accommodations can be customized to create a memorable and inspiring event. Four distinctive spaces are available:

• Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Lobby and Bookey Family Courtyard: Celebrate your event in style in the stunning lobby designed by Eliel Saarinen with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, access to the courtyard, and artwork right around the corner. The 2,000 square foot lobby features travertine floors and oak paneled walls. The lobby is sun soaked during the early evening hours, and is directly adjacent to the galleries. The courtyard features lit trees, a granite reflecting pool, and the iconic sculpture, “Man and Pegasus” (1949) by Carl Milles. It is surrounded by the architecture of Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier. It is the perfect space to dance the night away underneath the stars, or to kick off your evening with passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
  • Capacity: Seated – up to 160 guests / Cocktail Style – up to 200 guests

•  Art Center Café and Bookey Family Courtyard: The 950 square foot restaurant, designed by Richard Meier, has a curved glass wall looking out onto the courtyard and Maytag Reflecting Pool. This space is ideal for formal suppers, rehearsal dinners, birthday dinners, or other intimate events. The courtyard and Maytag Reflecting Pool can be used as an elegant cocktail space or memorable way to serve dessert underneath the stars, when weather allows, without additional cost. The courtyard features lit trees, a granite reflecting pool, and the iconic sculpture, “Man and Pegasus” (1949) by Carl Milles. It is surrounded by the architecture of Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
  • Capacity: Plated or Buffet Style – 50 guests / Cocktail Style – 75 guests

• Levitt Auditorium: The 220-seat auditorium is well suited for symposia, lectures, performances, film or video previews. The theater has limited ADA-accessible seating. The rental fee includes use of the theater’s integrated technology package; however, audio visual technicians of the Art Center’s choosing must be hired at the renter’s expense. No food or drinks are allowed in Levitt Auditorium, except for water.
  • Capacity: 220 seats / Standing room also available

Support the Des Moines Art Center… by simply booking your next special occasion here:

https://desmoinesartcenter.org/venue-rental/

As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…

Explore our extensive collection of books, jewelry, exhibition catalogs, and so much more. Shop for unique items and support the Des Moines Art Center at the same time. Merchandise is catalogued within these collections: * Books * Fashion * Home * Art Center Exclusives * Catalogues * Food & Beverage * Art Supplies * Paper Goods & Writing Supplies * Plush, and * Toys. 

Support the Des Moines Art Center... by simply purchasing your specialty merchandise here:

https://desmoinesartcentershop.org/

As an Eatery: Food for thought…

 Art Center Café: In partnership with la mie and its owners, Joe and Christina Logsdon, the Art Center Café features a counter service eatery operating in the Art Center’s distinctive, light-filled café. The menu, built on seasonality and freshness, features la mie’s artisan-made * patisserie alongside * hand-crafted plated dishes * sandwiches * pastas * salads, and * more. A wide range of * espresso and * tea drinks, plus a selection of * wine and beer, will be offered. Marketplace items such as * packaged sandwiches * pastas, and * baked goods are available to enjoy in the café or to take home. On Sundays, the Art Center Café offers artisan sandwiches, pastas, and salads and a selection of fresh pastries and desserts along with our full espresso and beverage menu. The kitchen is closed for plated meals.

Support the Des Moines Art Center... by simply dining here:

https://desmoinesartcenter.org/restaurant/

Be a DONOR: Show that you care…

Your gift supports Des Moines Art Center’s mission to provide opportunities for transformational art experiences, through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programming. Giving makes possible everything we do, from educational programming and caring for our permanent collections to free tours and community outreach.

Membership

Benefits of membership include discounts on shopping, classes, camps, and workshops, invitations to exhibition openings, an Art Center NEWS subscription, invitation to the Art Center gala, and more. Gift memberships are encouraged. Membership at specified levels is offered: * Individual * Dual/Household * Ambassador * Salon * Curator’s Circle, and * Director’s Circle. NOTE: Print Club: The Print Club member group encourages the study and appreciation of fine prints. Print Club members have the opportunity to directly enhance the Art Center’s permanent collection with gifts of prints and the conservation of works.

Donations

There are many ways to support the Des Moines Art Center! Annual Fund gifts provide essential operating support and help make possible everything we do, from educational programming and caring for our permanent collections to free tours and community access:

• General operating Support: Supporting general operating expenses ensures that we are able to provide a world-class experience for everyone! From maintenance to security to keeping the lights on, you can ensure that the Des Moines Art Center remains a gem in the community.
• Honorary or Memorial Support: Honoring a friend or family member in life or in death is a meaningful gift. Thank you for considering the Des Moines Art Center in this way.
• Planned Giving: Consider the Des Moines Art Center in your long-term financial planning. Planned gifts help us to meet our immediate, as well as future goals.
• Pappajohn Sculpture Park  Campaign: Since opening in 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park has welcomed more than 3.2 million visitors. As we approach its 20th anniversary, please consider supporting the Friends of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park Campaign.Your gift helps us accomplish the following: * Protect and conserve our iconic sculptures, and * Improve accessibility and safety throughout the park.

Volunteer:

The Des Moines Art Center builds a team of ongoing volunteers for education programming, museum tours, and event support. There are many ways to volunteer at the Des Moines Art Center throughout the year. General roles include greeting visitors, event support, and promotion. If you are interested in volunteering and would like to receive information on upcoming volunteer opportunities, please submit the online form.

Support the Des Moines Art Center… by simply joining, giving, and volunteering here: 

https://desmoinesartcenter.org/support/give/