Whether you are looking to explore something new or simply excite your mind in a new way, museums are a fun way for families to spend time together while learning about our world. From art to history and more, Des Moines offers a wealth of high quality museums, many of which are completely FREE.
Of course, even though these museums do not charge admission, donations are always appreciated!
Here is a list of Des Moines museums that always offer FREE admission:
Des Moines Art Center
Location: 4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: (515) 277-4405
Hours: Monday: CLOSED; Tuesday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; Wednesday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; Thursday: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Friday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday: 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.
Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
Location: 75 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Phone: (515) 282-8060
Hours: The public is welcome to visit the museum by appointment only.
Hoyt Sherman Place
Location: 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: (515) 244-0507
Hours: The public is welcome to conduct self-guided tours during operating hours, Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please call ahead to make sure there is not an event happening when you’d like to visit.
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Location: 7105 NW 70th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: (515) 252-4531
Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm; Saturday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; Sunday: CLOSED.
Italian-American Cultural Center Museum
Location: 1961 Indianola Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315
Phone: (515) 280-3719
Hours: Wednesday: 1:30 to 3:30 pm; Sunday: 2:30 to 4:30 pm or by appointment.
Polk County Heritage Gallery
Location: 111 Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 286-2242
Hours: Monday through Friday: 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Location: 600 E Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 281-5111
Hours: Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; Sunday: CLOSED.
Wells Fargo History Museum
Location: Financial Center, 666 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 245-8400
Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Location: 100 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 245-3735
Hours: The Hall is open to the public on Tuesdays 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Guided Tours are available on Tuesdays at 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 noon and 1:30 pm.
Want even more ideas for FREE things to do with your family? Check out our Events Calendar.
Know of any FREE museums that we missed? If so, please email nicole@dsm4kids.com and we’ll research them!
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