Des Moines Civic Center
4.6(350)google
4.0(33)yelp
PerformanceMusicIndoor
Overview
The Des Moines Civic Center is a 2,744-seat performing arts center owned and operated by Des Moines Performing Arts located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It has been Iowa's largest theater since it opened on June 10, 1979, and is used for concerts, Broadway shows, ballets, and other special events. The Civic Center building is also home to the 200-seat Stoner Theater, used for smaller theatrical shows and lectures, located on street level.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat–SunClosed
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeHosting world-class stage shows year-round, this premier performing arts palace is best experienced by securing evening tickets to a major touring Broadway musical during the fall/winter gala season (October to April). Arriving one full hour before the 7:30 PM curtain is highly recommended; the towering modernist floor-to-ceiling glass atrium glows elegantly into the downtown streets, offering a sophisticated pre-show ambiance.
Getting ThereCommanding the central urban block of downtown Des Moines at 221 Walnut Street. If driving, navigate directly to adjacent multi-level paid public ramps like the 3rd & Court Garage or 4th & Locust Garage, both offering swift walking paths to the venue. Thanks to its central location, it is seamlessly encircled by major DART bus routes and the complimentary D-Line Downtown Shuttle loops.
Travel Tips
- The venue enforces a zero-tolerance latecomer cutoff to protect acoustic baselines; once performance hall portals close, late arrivals are sequestered in the lobby to view monitors until mid-act pauses.
- The theater footprint incorporates zero private garages; secure nearby covered spaces at the 4th & Grand ramp via the SpotHero dashboard ahead of time to leverage indoor elevated urban skywalk loops.
- Security screening monitors ban any bag modules exceeding 12x12x6 inches or separate professional camera gear; the on-site coat check lacks geometry for rolling luggage, forcing vehicle stowing.
Reviews
Positive
- The interior acoustics and zero-blind-spot tiered seating are amazing, ensuring perfect sightlines and pristine audio from any row.
- It frequently hosts top-tier national touring Broadway musicals with star-studded casts and world-class stage lighting systems.
- Operations are smooth; entry security is fast, and staff route crowds efficiently during intermission with highly rational restroom layouts.
- Perfect downtown location; surrounding paid parking garages connect directly via indoor Skywalks, protecting guests from weather.
Heads up
- Ticket prices for popular Broadway runs are very steep; paired with hefty online booking fees, family affordability is quite low.
- The legroom between seating rows is a bit cramped; tall adults will find the 3-hour long sitting experience tight and uncomfortable.
- The venue lacks its own free parking; street spots are non-existent on show nights, and nearby garages spike their rates during events.
- The narrow lobby kiosks selling merchandise and drinks get heavily congested during the 15-minute intermission, making lines sluggish.