City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (515) 277-4405

Description: One of downtown’s newer gems, this lovely, free sculpture garden in Western Gateway, operated by the Des Moines Art Center, is a lovely place to stroll among an eclectic selection of artwork. The pieces here are largely modern, including William de Kooning’s Reclining Figure, a fine example of abstract expressionism, and Barry Hannah’s whimsical Thinker on a Rock, which may give children visions of Alice in Wonderland. Take your time moseying along to appreciate the sculptures along the winding paths. One of the most popular spots is at Jaume Piensa’s Nomade, a large, open figure where you can stand and examine the pileup of painted white metal letters that make up the sculpture (although touching the sculptures is not allowed, with the exception of Scott Burton’s Seating for Eight and Cafe Table I, a minimalist circle of chairs that’s a nice place to take a break from walking). Guided tours of the sculpture garden are available Apr. 1 through Oct. 1—contact the art center at (515) 271-0328 to arrange a tour. Three or more weeks’ advance notice is required to schedule a guided tour, for which there is a fee.