Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Outdoor sculpture museum in downtown Des Moines, United States.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park is an outdoor art museum in downtown Des Moines, occupying several city blocks in the heart of the urban center. The collection features large-scale bronze and steel sculptures created by established artists working in different artistic traditions.
The park began in 2009 when John and Mary Pappajohn donated their private collection of outdoor sculptures to the Des Moines Art Center. This gift established the foundation for what would become one of the city's major cultural spaces.
The collection includes works from multiple artistic movements, featuring pieces that represent contemporary interpretations of human figures, abstract forms, and geometric patterns.
The park is in the downtown area and remains open from sunrise to midnight, making it accessible for visits throughout the day. The grounds are flat and easy to navigate, with pathways connecting the artworks that accommodate different walking abilities.
A recent sculpture added in 2023 was created to honor Mary Pappajohn, the co-founder of the park. This artwork represents an ongoing evolution of the collection.
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