I enjoy how the Des Moines Art Center makes art available to ALL comers with its free entry policy. The have wonderful exhibition openings that allow you to share the local enthusiasm for the arts. I like some of the art works lounging in the storage areas, but am never disappointed with what I find to ponder currently on the gallery walls. From the up and coming to the masters, you will not want for art works to scrutinize. When you take stock of what this regional art center has to offer it is amazingly well stocked. The various wings of the center allow for a smooth transition from one artist or genre to another. In the summer the outdoor gardens allow a relaxed experience to sit and enjoy the roses or to meander through the world class sculptures.
Tried a couple times in the past. Was forced to be there again recently. A bunch of rude, pretentious, liberal "elitist" (elitist only in their own minds) glaring at you with sour-puss faces and following you around like little KGB agents. No greeting, no offering you small talk or information about any art piece, no good bye or thank you at the end. Just a bunch of hateful, delusional, narcissist that like to make believe they are big city, east coast, art intellectuals so they are attempting to play the part. I can see if I was some rube dressed like a black, inner-city gang banger, or a drug-addled, white trash idiot, that that might feel apprehensive (sorry but books are judged by their covers. That's life). But, I'm a normal looking professional man who was wearing a suit that probably cost what they make in 6 months (Ha! now I sound pretentious). As for the art ... much was typical of today's "art". I guess all you need to be today to be called "an artist" is be an overly-eccentric, outwardly-gay, raving narcissist that the weirdo media and progressive, self-appointed "intellectuals" can buy into. Then you can just sweep some crap into a pile, glue some crap from around the house to a board, or stack together some vacuum cleaners you got at Walmart, and wa-la ... you are an artist! There were good pieces. I just wish I didn't have a little-Hitler, creeper staring me down as I viewed them.
We went to the Art center expecting more of a muesum experience I suppose, it's definatly for trendy newage art.. The exhibit at that time was of an African Artist who mostly made things out of shiny rappers and bottle caps. It was not our type of art.
It is fun to visit Des Moines as all top attractions are "free" (excluding seasonal fairground). I did not expect there will be a museum, in mostly rural and no tourist destination like Iowa, built by world class architects and filled with world class arts. Layout itself is amazing and I wish they described more specifically like "Des Moines (Modern Art) Center" as it might not be for some people and avoid subsequent disappointment, although it is free.Artwork of Chinese antigovernment, human right activist, Ai Weiwei is also present at the basement level. I would applaud more for his courage than the actual work of porcelin "sunflower seeds." Sorry, you are nowhere near class of Matisse which is also displayed there. I do not advocate "vandalism" but I think I now understand a bit more why a local artist in Miami destroyed Ai Weiwei's vase.
If you're a fan of mostly modern and contemporary art, the Des Moines Art Center may be just for you. It's a large enough museum for most people to get their fix of fine art for a couple of hours. Some paintings by some very well-known artists (Bellows, Singer Sargent, O' Keefe, Johns, Dubuffet, and Matisse) are definitely there along with 'installation' type art as well. I also recommend stopping by 'Baru at the Art Center,' located in the Art Center, for some nice lunch. I had a pasta dish there and the flavor was excellent.
The building and its annexes have very interesting architecture, I thought it was worth visiting for that reason alone. The permanent collection is somewhat diverse, not focused too much on a particular era although there is quite a bit of modern art.On our visit the special exhibition was a combination of Andy Warhol art and Halston fashion (the two of them were great friends, something I didn't know). It was a fun exhibit.
I went for a visit, knowing only about the Warhol/Halston exhibit. That exhibit was exceptional, but the rest left me rather wanting more. The museum's architecture was interestingly atypical (though cold and drafty in one part). The artwork is definitely geared toward modern and postmodern artists, which is definitely not my preference. It was nice to see some local artists featured, but again, if modern art does not speak to you, you likely won't enjoy it. I'm glad admission was free; paid admission would not have been worth it.
This museum is far from the downtown attractions and make the trip only if you are into modern art. It is a free museum. Modern art always leaves me confused so I didn't spend a lot of time here. Very few people for a Sunday afternoon ... I counted 18 in the entire place excluding staff.
The featured exhibit was about Andy Warhol and Halston. Very interesting exhibit. I liked the Andy Warhol artwork the best. The rest of the museum also had many powerful pieces.
Whenever I want to be surrounded by beautiful art and sculpture, I head over to my favorite place in Des Moines - the Art Center. I have been coming to the Art Center since I was a little girl and have always come away enriched by the experience. The Calder mobile and that giant blue plug, as well as the Pegasus statue in the reflecting pool, are like old, familiar friends. Whether it's revisiting my favorite John Singer Sargent portrait, or seeing what new artist's work is on display, I know the experience will be beautiful and fulfilling. As it always has been.