Updated 2023.
If you’re lucky enough to have a world-class art museum right in your hometown…why shouldn’t your whole family take advantage, and explore it together? The Des Moines Art Center was started in 1916 and opened at its current location in 1948. It has been a place for people to learn about and appreciate art ever since. And, with Greenwood/Ashworth Park and the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden right outside its doors, the Art Center is always worth the trip.
If you’re looking for more attractions similar to the Des Moines Art Center, be sure to visit our Event Calendar and Summer Fun Guide.
You’re never too young or old to enjoy the world of art, so read on to find out how to explore the Des Moines Art Center with kids!
Know Before You Go
When To Go
The Des Moines Art Center is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; Thursday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. It’s CLOSED on Mondays and select holidays.
Location
The Des Moines Art Center is located at 4700 Grand Avenue in Des Moines. Visit the Art Center’s website or call (515) 277-4405 for directions or additional information.
Cost
This is the best part, it’s FREE! The Des Moines Art center does NOT charge admission. They do charge for some special events, workshops and art classes. They also have year-long memberships available, which will get you a gift-shop discount, FREE admission to select special events, discounts on classes, invitations to exhibition openings, and more. Your membership also helps the Art Center continue its free admission policy and outreach efforts.
Parking
There is plenty of FREE parking available near the Des Moines Art Center.
Food Policy
Outside food and beverages are not permitted in the Art Center. However, they do have an on-site restaurant, Tangerine at the Art Center, where families can grab a bite to eat. The restaurant doesn’t offer a Kid’s Menu, but they’re quite accommodating offering butter noodles, hamburger or cheeseburgers and grilled cheese at a reduced price. (My daughter ordered a cheeseburger the last time we were there and said it’s the best one she’s ever had; I also think the food is quite good.) The restaurant is open for lunch 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday. It is CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays.
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are located near the Information Desk and by the Education Entrance and in the Richard Meier building.
The Art Center collections are comprised of 19th, 20th, and 21st century works of Modern and contemporary art. In addition, the collection contains singular examples from other styles and cultures including the Renaissance, Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism.
While You’re There
Be Respectful of the Art
For many parents, art museums often aren’t the first places that come to mind as kid-friendly destinations. After all, there’s no touching, no running, and no snacking allowed (even I get upset about that last one;). However, these rules are in place for a reason. Many works of art are fragile and irreplaceable. To minimize the possibility of an accident, have a conversation with your kids before visiting. Talk to them about not touching the art, standing back from the art at least one foot and if they get hungry and need a snack, they can take a break outside.
Let Your Child Be Your Guide
Even though there are a lot of rules, the Des Moines Art Center is still worth a visit with kids! There are limitless opportunities to let your imagination run wild, and incredible worlds of color and shape to explore. Take your time and look closely at just a few things during your visit. Don’t feel like you need to see the whole museum in one day. Ask your child what they would like to see and let them lead your adventure.
Take Advantage of the Art Center’s Family-Friendly Programming
Check out the Art Center’s calendar for family-friendly programs. They host regular, recurring events including Entirely Kids Day, Art Spectrums, Workshops, Camps and more.
Check Out the Current Exhibits
The Des Moines Art Center hosts a selection of temporary special exhibitions annually. These feature works from other museums, institutions, and private collections, or represent an aspect of the Des Moines Art Center’s own permanent collection. Find a list of current exhibits here.
Make Your Visit More Interactive
Use your cell phone or check out an iPod from the Information Desk and take an Audio Tour to learn more about the artwork in the museum. Play Entirely Kids Bingo. You can pick up the “Bingo Card”, a clipboard and pencil at the Information Desk. This simple game will help encourage kids to find unique items in the art and have fun. Also, as you’re browsing be on the lookout for the Entirely Kids plaques. They provide some tips on how kids can interact and engage in different ways with the art. Lastly, try out some of the fun museum games that we’ve listed here.
Art Education
The Des Moines Art Center school provides art classes to preschoolers, youth, and adults that are offered year-round. Both of my kids have attended summer camp at the Art Center and I highly recommend them. Classes are taught by accomplished artists and art educators who are eager to share their artistic insights and technical skills to beginning and advanced artists alike. Subjects and themes change with each season; winter-spring, summer, and fall. Areas of focus include art fundamentals as well as unique art-making experiences. Full-day camps, multiple week classes and one-time workshops allow students to personalize their art-making experience. Scholarships for classes are available.
Des Moines Art Center
Address: 4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: (515) 277-4405
Website: https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org
Have you explored the Des Moines Art Center with your kids? What are your tips for visiting?
