State Historical Building

600 East Locust Street

Built in 1987

Brown and Healy Architects.

It is considered a high tech modern styled building.

In 1982 George “Glenn” Herrick left the state $5 million in his will to purchase or build a public improvement of relevant purpose. The state decided to use the entire amount toward this building. Two of the main galleries are named after Mr. Herrick.

The design of the Iowa State Historical Museum preserves the view of the capitol from downtown Des Moines.

The building is built in tiers that step back from Locust Street, creating expansive terraces covered with ivory, red and blue porcelain tile.

The soaring, 65-foot tall atrium lobby with its two-story grand staircase is breathtaking.

The warm oak floor is splashed with sunlight from the pyramidal skylights above.

The outdoor spaces provide the setting for two pieces of art: a 32-foot high sculpture of glass blocks and neon titled “Plains Aurora”, and a sculpture titled “Fluid Boundary/Critical Juncture.”