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Des Moines, IA
Best Museums (Attractions & Activities)
(10 Overall Closest) |
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Des Moines Art Center |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines 50312-2099 • 515-277-4405 |
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Description:
Noted as a piece of art itself, the Des Moines Art Center was originally designed in 1948 by architects Richard Meier, Eliel Saarinen and I.M. Pei as three distinct parts of an arts complex. The museum's permanent collection features 19th and 20th century pieces, and artists on display include Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, Claude Monet and Henri Matisse. The center also conducts a series of educational and cultural programs such as outreach classes and poetry readings. |
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User Rating: 10 / 10
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Fort Des Moines Museum |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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75 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines 50315 • 888-828-3678 |
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Description:
This local museum showcases the historic roles African-Americans and women have played in the US military. In 1917, Fort Des Moines trained the Army's first black officers and, during World War II, the site was where the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps was stationed. The museum features a number of educational and informative displays. |
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Iowa Gold Star Museum |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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7105 NW 70th Ave Camp Dodge, Johnston 50131-1902 • 515-252-4531 |
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Description:
An actual UH-1 "Huey" helicopter is just one of the many military artifacts that greet guests at the Iowa Gold Star Museum. The museum, which is sanctioned by the National Guard and located on an operational guard post, honors the Iowa men and women who have served in the US military. Additional items on display include cannons, uniforms, antitank weapons and flags. |
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Living History Farms |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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2600 111th St NW, Urbandale 50322 • 515-278-2400 |
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Description:
With hard work and effort, America's prairie land eventually became its breadbasket, and the Living History Farms chronicle how early settlers and farmers worked the area. Visitors to this 600-acre living museum can see how Native Americans planted maize and lived during the 18th century. Also on display is a pioneer farm with farm workers in authentic dress and costumes. The history museum provides a learning experience on farming and features a number of demonstrations. |
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Science Center of Iowa |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines 50309 • 515-274-4629 |
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Description:
What better way to gaze at the stars than at an actual planetarium that also features laser shows? The Science Center of Iowa has been allowing visitors to stargaze for over 30 years. The museum features several interactive exhibits and features displays such as a Foucault pendulum. The IMAX theater shows some first-run movies in addition to specialty presentations. |
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State Historical Museum |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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600 E Locust St Iowa Historical Bldg, Des Moines 50319-0290 • 515-281-5111 |
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Description:
This local museum, located in an impressive granite and glass building, houses a number of exhibits. The Iowa Historical Building features an elaborate atrium where three antique airplanes hang on display, as well as a replica of actual coalmines. The museum features a number of historical items, including fossils, military memorabilia, and several hands-on exhibits designed for children. |
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Wallace House |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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756 16th St, Des Moines 50314-1601 • 515-243-7063 |
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Description:
Located on Sherman Hill and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Des Moines landmark is impressive. The Wallace House dates back to 1882 and features Italianate Victorian architecture. The site now serves as a museum and displays various exhibits that showcase owner Henry Wallace's involvement in conservation and farming issues. The Wallace House is also available for hire for meetings. |
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