Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
✦ Iconic venue featuring Saarinen, Pei, and Meier architecture
✦ Courtyard with granite reflecting pool, lit trees, and sculptures
✦ Galleries and spaces for intimate ceremonies, receptions, or tours
The Des Moines Art Center is one of my favorite venues in the world. I absolutely adore the architecture here—it’s unlike anything else in Iowa, and every time I walk through the space I find something new to be inspired by. The Art Center is made up of three buildings designed by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier, and each one feels completely different but works together beautifully. The courtyard of the I. M. Pei building, in particular, is one of the most breathtaking spaces in the city. Surrounded by world-class architecture, it feels like stepping into a hidden gem right in the middle of Des Moines.
As a photographer, I love that every angle here feels intentional. The Saarinen lobby, with its travertine floors and oak-paneled walls, glows in the evening light, while the curved glass walls of Richard Meier’s café look directly out to the reflecting pool. The outdoor courtyard itself is extraordinary—a granite pool, lit trees, and sculptures by Carl Milles and Scott Burton framed by three master architects. On a wedding day, it’s magical: you can exchange vows under the open sky, host cocktails by the water, or dance into the night surrounded by light and architecture. I’ve photographed weddings here before, but I can’t say enough how much I’d love to shoot at this venue more often.
Beyond the architecture, the Art Center’s art collection is just as inspiring. The galleries feature work spanning centuries, from the 1500s to the present day, and private tours can even be arranged for guests as part of an event. It’s rare to find a wedding venue that brings together this level of sophistication with genuine warmth from the staff. The history here runs deep—the Art Center was founded in 1948, and since then it’s become a cornerstone of culture in Iowa. To me, it’s not just a venue but a living, breathing piece of art that elevates any wedding held inside its walls.
If you want a wedding setting that feels refined, creative, and unforgettable, the Des Moines Art Center is a place I will always recommend. The mix of architecture, art, and atmosphere is unmatched, and as a photographer, it’s the kind of canvas I dream about working with again and again.
If architecture and design are an important part of how you see the world, this venue brings that energy into your wedding day. Every angle, material, and beam of light feels intentional. If you’re feeling a connection to this space, I’d love to document your wedding here. Reach out and let’s connect! →