If you want to expand your mind and creativity, what better place to go to than an art museum? Maybe you are an artist yourself and need some artistic inspiration. Or maybe you just want to do something different from your normal, everyday routine. Well, if any of these things pertain to you, then it would probably be a good idea to supplement your knowledge and skill by visiting your local art museum. To spice up your weekend, you should take trip to Des Moines, a city with many cultural and historic structures, of which the art museums and galleries stand out. Keep reading to check out the best art museums in Des Moines, Iowa, for an exceptional cultural trip.
1. Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center is a contemporary art museum that emphasizes artwork that impact society. Many different exhibitions by various artists are featured throughout the year. The property is also known for its outstanding architecture. Its unique design was drawn by three esteemed architects, including I. M. Pei. Additionally, this museum offers entertainment for the kids with museum BINGO and a sculpture park.
The center’s current exhibit is titled ‘Images Unbound’ and offers insights into the countless photographs that have entered our culture since photography became popular. The photographs exhibited here are usually removed from their original context and sometimes are studied in new narratives.
Further photograph collections are abundant as permanent exhibits at the center. Other exhibits include paintings, print, sculptures, time-based media, and even African-Oceanic-pre-Columbian artifacts.
Des Moines Art Center
Address: 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
Website: Des Moines Art Center
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 11am - 4pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Art galleries in Des Moines, Iowa
2. Kavanaugh Art Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Kavanaugh Art Gallery is a family-owned art gallery and frame shop that offers a spectacular display of fine art pieces from all over the world. The Kavanaughs began collecting from as far back as 1989. Their collection of original works includes oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, and mixed media paintings, as well as sculptures.
Children visiting the gallery can color with crayons while their parents stroll around. Another reason why guests love the Kavanaugh Art Gallery is that they offer high-quality custom frameworks.
Kavanaugh Art Gallery
Address: 228 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States
Website: Kavanaugh Art Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
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3. Moberg Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
https://www.artsy.net/show/moberg-gallery-contemporary-abstraction
Posted by Moberg Gallery on Tuesday, July 5, 2022
The Moberg Gallery hosts exhibits that showcase masterpieces from many talented artists. They also offer various services, including art consultations for corporate, public, or residential use.
Aiding with the client’s choice of art, they evaluate the area and choose artwork that best compliments the building’s architecture and the client’s personal vision and expectations. Another service that the Moberg Gallery offers is customized art framing. The gallery’s current exhibit is the appropriately named Contemporary Abstraction.
Moberg Gallery
Address: 2411 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Website: Moberg Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Sun)
4. Five Monkeys Inc.
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Pottery painting is something that you have to try at least once. Five Monkeys Inc. is a paint-your-own pottery studio that prides itself in bringing out the creativity of its guests. It guarantees a fun outing for a group of friends or a fun day for a family.
In the studio, you can choose from various cute pottery figurines, tableware, mugs, and other paintable options. One of the popular collections here includes mushrooms, which are cast from vintage molds and hand crafted by sculptors across the country.
Five Monkeys Inc.
Address: 134 5th St West Des Moines, Ia 50265 Valley Junction
Website: Five Monkeys Inc
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
5. Olson-Larsen Galleries
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Olson-Larsen Galleries is full of contemporary art pieces from the best artists in the Midwest. This gallery is classy and refined and a great place to find sophisticated and unique contemporary artwork.
Olsen-Larsen Galleries also offers custom frames at competitive prices. Other services include consultation, commissions, security installations, and collection services. Their current exhibitions include the annual landscape show, which includes the works of Dave Gordinier and John P. Moench.
Olson-Larsen Galleries
Address: 120 5th St Suite C, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Website: Olson-Larsen Galleries
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 11am – 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Explore the art museums and galleries of Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa, offers many art museums and galleries to choose from. Whether you’re interested in modern art figurines or traditional-styled paintings, there is something for everyone in this city. Artists from all over the country exhibit their artworks in Des Moines, and so many people are inspired each and every day. So plan a day trip to the city and explore all of its art museums and galleries for a fun time.
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