Des Moines Civic Center | Des Moines

The Des Moines Civic Center is the city’s premier performing arts venue and one of Iowa’s most important cultural institutions, known for hosting Broadway productions, symphony performances, concerts, dance, and community events. Since opening in 1979, it has stood at the heart of Des Moines’ downtown cultural district, playing a central role in elevating the city’s reputation as a regional hub for the arts.

Historical Background
The Civic Center was built in response to a strong community initiative. In the 1970s, when Des Moines lost its ability to host major touring shows due to the closure of older theaters, local leaders launched a grassroots fundraising effort. Within just 90 days, private citizens and businesses raised the necessary funds to construct the new performing arts center. This remarkable display of civic engagement gave the venue its name and enduring identity as a community-driven achievement.

The Civic Center opened on June 10, 1979, with a performance by the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, beginning a tradition of presenting both local and international talent.

Architecture and Design
The building is modern in style, designed to emphasize function, visibility, and accessibility. Its exterior is understated, with clean lines and brick construction that blends with downtown surroundings.

Inside, the main theater seats over 2,700 people, making it one of the largest performing arts spaces in Iowa. The hall is designed with a continental seating arrangement-meaning no center aisle-which ensures unobstructed views from every seat. State-of-the-art acoustics and lighting systems enhance the audience experience, making it suitable for a wide range of performances, from spoken theater to full symphony concerts.

The lobby is spacious and often used for receptions, community gatherings, and art displays, while adjacent meeting rooms and smaller spaces accommodate educational and cultural programs.

Programming and Performances
The Civic Center is best known as the home of Broadway in Des Moines, presenting national touring productions of top Broadway shows. Performances of musicals such as The Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked, and Les Misérables have drawn audiences from across the state.

Beyond Broadway, the Civic Center hosts:

Des Moines Symphony Orchestra performances

Ballet and modern dance companies from around the world

Concerts spanning classical, jazz, pop, and rock genres

Lectures and speaking engagements featuring national and international figures

Local arts organizations and school performances, supporting community arts development

This wide variety of programming ensures that the Civic Center appeals to diverse audiences.

Education and Community Engagement
A defining aspect of the Civic Center’s mission is its focus on education. Through its Applause Series, the center provides thousands of Iowa students each year with access to live theater, music, and dance performances tailored to young audiences. Partnerships with schools encourage arts learning and foster an early appreciation for the performing arts.

Workshops, artist residencies, and family programming further extend its educational impact, making it a cultural classroom as much as a performance venue.

Civic and Economic Role
The Civic Center is part of Des Moines Performing Arts, a nonprofit organization that also manages other cultural venues in the city. Together, these institutions contribute significantly to downtown revitalization, tourism, and economic activity. Restaurants, hotels, and businesses benefit from the steady stream of visitors attending performances, making the center a vital contributor to the city’s cultural and commercial landscape.

Modern Identity
Today, the Des Moines Civic Center stands as a symbol of civic pride and cultural ambition, embodying the community spirit that made it possible. With its large seating capacity, cutting-edge facilities, and diverse programming, it has become a cultural anchor not only for Des Moines but for the entire state of Iowa.

It represents the idea that the arts can thrive even in mid-sized cities when supported by strong community commitment, and it continues to be a place where world-class performances and local creativity meet in a shared space for audiences of all ages.