Title: John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Downtown Des Moines | Expedia.co.uk [John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/John-And-Mary-Pappajohn-Sculpture-Park-Hotels.0-l6287745-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-John-And-Mary-Pappajohn-Sculpture-Park.d6287745.Car-Hire-Guide)[Downtown Des Moines Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown-Des-Moines.d6060027.Holidays-City-Breaks) # John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park ![John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6287745/70da177b-291c-41d5-bfe8-a67bedc0da89.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6287745/70da177b-291c-41d5-bfe8-a67bedc0da89.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring a city, a garden and outdoor art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6287745/4bbfce29-e2d7-4639-95d8-e44e19b905dd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a garden and outdoor art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6287745/c7c6e834-98f4-4681-8a5d-3abd29b06a9e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring a park, outdoor art and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6287745/cdbcee8b-822b-4913-9515-db4588a511e8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park Activities --- --- #### Whimsical, entertaining and provocative can easily describe the artwork at this outdoor gallery that provides new meaning and life to sculptures. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines, Iowa, is a constantly changing art exhibition even though its sculptures are static. This happens because time of day and weather endlessly provide new backdrops and lighting for the pieces, allowing you to become an artist as you practice your photography skills. Walk through the open 4-acre (2-hectare) park and enjoy this “world-class showcase for the art of our time” as mentioned on the information panel at the entrance. Admire the creations of 22 international artists who located their work in the park, which opened in 2009\. The placement of sculptures on small hills, in valleys or among tall grasses with an urban backdrop is spellbinding and thought-provoking. With its location near the city’s downtown area, the park creates a remarkable entrance to the community’s cultural center with its dramatic statement of 28 original art pieces. Enjoy works such as rock faces, the alphabet person *Nomade*, the white tree *air gets into everything even nothing*, a tree spider, snowmen, a white ghost, a gymnast, the *Ancient Forest* wooden horse and many more sculpted in fiberglass, metal, stone and plastic. Have a family picnic among the sculptures. Read about the art using a Smartphone to scan the code located next to each piece. Smoking is prohibited and alcoholic beverages are normally not permitted. Walk all around the three-dimensional pieces, but do not touch or climb on them. The park is named after John Pappajohn, an Iowan entrepreneur and philanthropist, and his wife Mary who are both keen supporters of the arts. Admission is free and the park is open to the public every day from sunrise to midnight, with street parking available. Tours of the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are given at certain times of the year and must be arranged in advance through the Des Moines Art Center. Visit the art center, which adjoins the sculpture park. ### Popular places to visit ![Pappajohn sculpture park in Des Moines,28 sculptures located in a wee park. Worth a wee look if your passing through. Thought these two were quite good/creepy. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/3fd53d65-2892-4196-a7e5-581ca425d8ec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Western Gateway Park After visiting Western Gateway Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theatre scene. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Western-Gateway-Park-Downtown-Des-Moines.d943633316897447936.Attraction) ![The City Of Des Moines](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6182643/5f25345e-4b87-46c8-a453-6ece959e8868.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa Events Center Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-Events-Center-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6182643.Attraction) #### Pappajohn Sculpture Park You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Pappajohn Sculpture Park during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pappajohn-Sculpture-Park-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6188414.Attraction) #### Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden Explore the great outdoors at Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the lively festivals and great live music in this family-friendly area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Better-Homes-And-Gardens-Test-Garden-Downtown-Des-Moines.d553248621532649061.Attraction) #### Des Moines Public Library Des Moines Public Library is just one of the places to see in Des Moines, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Public-Library-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075064.Attraction) #### Hoyt Sherman Place You can make plans for a show at Hoyt Sherman Place on your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event. 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