State Historical Building

The State Historical Building is a history museum in Des Moines that houses collections of artifacts, documents, and photographs spanning different periods of Iowa's past. Its galleries display how the state developed from early settlements to modern times.

The building was established as Iowa developed its identity as a state and later recognized for its architectural and historical value. Its collection documents major transitions in the state's history, from initial settlement through economic growth and change.

The building reflects how communities value their shared past by gathering here to learn about the people who shaped Iowa. Visitors can see how different groups have contributed to the state's development through the stories on display.

The museum includes research areas with old newspapers, photographs, and family records that visitors can explore to research their own heritage. Staff members are available during regular hours to help you navigate the collections and find what you are looking for.

Each floor of the museum focuses on a different time period, allowing visitors to move through various chapters of Iowa's past in sequence. This layout helps you understand the many shifts that shaped the state over time.

Location: Des Moines

Address: 600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319

Phone: +(515)2815111

Website: https://iowaculture.gov

GPS coordinates: 41.59064,-93.60906

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:49