Must-See Murals in Des Moines

Murals and public art are always a fun way to get to know Des Moines a little better. Artists’ displays tend to reflect the love that we have for our neighborhoods and cities. Whether you’re driving downtown, or heading out to dinner, the Des Moines area is booming with public art. 

Finding murals in Des Moines is a great summer activity. They are fun photo ops with your kids, make great backdrops for family photos, can make up a unique scavenger hunt, and are a great way to visit the corners of Des Moines you may not visit on a regular basis. 

Murals in Des Moines

1. Cheers from Des Moines Mural, by Ben Schuh, Exile Brewing Company, 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines
2. Des Moines Better Together Mural, by Ben Schuh, 5th St and Locust, Des Moines 
3. Timeless Beaverdale, by Ben Schuh, 2714 Beaver Ave, Des Moines
4. Beaverdale Garden, by Geri Boesen and Joshua Spain, near Grounds for Celebration, 2714 Beaver Ave, Des Moines
5. A Place to Grow, by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, Drake University Boys and Girls Club, 25th St and Forest Ave, Des Moines
6. Untitled mural, by Chris Vance, University Library Café, 3506 University Ave, Des Moines
7. Hawkeye Elks Lodge 160 Rose Temple 33, artist unknown, 1401 Walker St, Des Moines
8. Untitled, John Neal and Ken Tynan, Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa, 1961 Indianola Ave, Des Moines
9. Untitled, Jimmy Navarro, Ingersoll Square Dog Park, 1900 High St, Des Moines
10. Wish You Were Here and Stop and Smell the Roses, by Jenna Brownlee, The District at Prairie Trail, 1350 SW Vintage Pkwy
11. My Heart Belongs to Des Moines, by Jenna Brownlee, The Parker at Seventh 7th St. & Park St., Downtown Des Moines, Iowa
12. Altus, by Mila Sketch, 111 2nd St SE, Altoona
13. Nature’s Algorithm by Leon Keer, West side of 901 Grand Facing 10th street between High and Grand
14. Chuck’s Carousel Heritage Hip Hop by Amy Putney Koenig, commissioned by Invest DSM, Highland Park/Oak Park
15. East Village, by Ally Frame, 504 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
16. City in Color Van Holmgren, Elevator’s Des Moines location at 12th and Mulberry Street
17. Expansion, by Jun Kaneko, north exterior wall of the Court Avenue Pump Station (CAPS) between the Des Moines River and Water Street, south of Court Avenue, Des Moines.
18. It’s Good to be Here, by Christine Hilbert, The District at Prairie Trail, 1350 SW Vintage Pkwy

There are so many more great murals in and around Des Moines. What’s your favorite?