Des Moines Art Center facts for kids
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| Established | 1948 |
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| Location | 4700 Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa |
The Des Moines Art Center is an exciting art museum in Des Moines, Iowa. It has a huge collection of paintings, sculpture, modern art, and art made with different materials, called mixed media. The museum first opened its doors in 1948.
History of the Art Center
The story of the Art Center began way back in 1916. That's when the Des Moines Association of Fine Arts started showing art in a gallery space. This first gallery was at the Public Library of Des Moines downtown. They held several art shows each year. They also bought artworks to build their own collection.
In 1938, the art collection moved to a new building. Then, in 1943, a big gift from James D. Edmundson helped them plan for a permanent museum building. By 1945, the Des Moines Association of Fine Arts became the Des Moines Art Center we know today.
The perfect spot for the new museum was chosen in Greenwood Park. Building started in 1945, and the museum officially opened in 1948. Later, more parts were added to the museum in 1968 and 1985.
In 2009, the Art Center also started looking after the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. This cool outdoor park is located downtown and features many amazing sculptures.
Amazing Art Collection
The Des Moines Art Center has a fantastic collection of art. You can see works by many famous artists from around the world. Some of these artists include Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe.
You'll also find art by Francis Bacon, Gerhard Richter, Claes Oldenburg, Mary Cassatt, and Auguste Rodin. American artists like Grant Wood and John Singer Sargent are also part of the collection. Other artists featured are Deborah Butterfield, Paul Gauguin, Eva Hesse, Ronnie Landfield, Roy Lichtenstein, George Segal, Mark Rothko, Joseph Cornell, and Takashi Murakami.
Some paintings in the collection are very famous examples of their artists' work. For example, Edward Hopper's Automat from 1927 is well-known. It even appeared on a postage stamp and a Time magazine cover! Francis Bacon's Portrait of Pope Innocent from 1953 is another important piece. It's considered one of his most famous works.
What You'll Find Inside
The Art Center has a large main gallery that often changes its exhibits. These shows might feature art by one famous artist or traveling exhibits from other museums. They also have group shows based on different themes.
Other parts of the museum show off the permanent collection. There are smaller spaces for short-term shows of prints and photos. You can also find a video gallery and long-term art displays. Outside, you'll discover cool outdoor sculptures and a beautiful rose garden. There's even a reflecting pool that surrounds parts of the museum building.
The museum's buildings are interesting too!
- The first part of the museum was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1945. It was finished in 1948 and has a mix of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.
- A second part was added in 1968. This section was designed by I.M. Pei in a Modernist style. It was meant for large sculptures.
- The third part was completed in 1985. It was designed by Richard Meier to let in as much natural light as possible.
The Art Center also has a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat. There's a gift shop too, where you can find unique items. The museum offers workshops, film festivals, and lectures regularly. They have a big studio program with art classes for people of all ages.
