After the 2009 opening of the renowned John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in the Western Gateway of downtown Des Moines, The Avenues formed a committee to study how public art on Ingersoll and Grand Avenues could create a stronger link between the new sculpture garden and the Des Moines Art Center.

Working with Moberg Gallery, a successful art gallery located in the district featuring regional and national artists, the committee has identified over 50 locations on both Grand and Ingersoll Avenues that would be appropriate for public art pieces.

Since then, The Avenues: Ingersoll & Grand Restoration’s Public Art Committee has worked tirelessly to place art along the Ingersoll and Grand Avenue corridors. Procurement and installation of these works has been funded through generous grants from the Iowa Arts Council, private donors, and contributions from area property owners.

Support Art on The Avenues

Any contribution – big or small – to our Public Art Fund goes towards creative placemaking initiatives in our district. The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand – Restoration is a 501(c)3 organization.

Mail a check to The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand: 558 28th Street Des Moines, IA 50312 or donate here:

View an interactive map of the art along The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand:

Cultural and Entertainment District

In 2020, The Avenues was designated an official Cultural and Entertainment District by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. This honors the places in Iowa already recognized as hubs of cultural activity through a concentration of arts facilities, creative businesses, and gathering places.

Black Crown of Recurring Loss

The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand commissioned acclaimed artist Larassa Kabel to create her first sculpture, The Black Crown of Recurring Loss. It was installed at 42nd and Ingersoll in November 2019. Hear Kabel discuss her work in this Art Talk video.

Thank You

Jim & Ellen Hubbell
Renee & Steve Schaaf
Kathy & Bill Fehrman
O’Halloran Family Foundation
Connor Delaney
Rusty Hubbell
John & Penny Krantz
Mary & Dan Kelly
Bill & Pauline Niebur
Frank Levy
Plymouth Place
BRAVO Greater Des Moines
Iowa Arts Council