Des Moines Civic Center Tickets Information

Des Moines Civic Center
Located in Des Moines – Iowa, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is a performing arts center that can accommodate 2,735 people at a time. Since its launch on June 10, 1979, it has been Iowa's largest theater and is used for concerts, Broadway shows and other special events. It is renowned for its auditory and is easily accessible by handicapped. In addition, all seats are on one level with no seat being more than 145 feet away from the stage.

It consists a 28 feet high and 78 feet wide stage with 10 dressing rooms, backstage. With a ceiling height of 50 feet, the theater has two lobbies, each of which contains skylights, glass walls and skywalks linking the theater with most of downtown Des Moines.

Stoner Studio Theater, mostly used for smaller theatrical shows and lectures is located on street level and can accommodate 200 people. After the KRNT Theater’s closure in 1972, keeping in mind the need for some similar place, a plan to develop the Civic Center transpired. With a fundraising from the city, the organizers were able to collect $9.3 million to build the Civic Center, at that time.

Even until 1979, the Civic Center was nothing more than the vision of a small group of Des Moines business leaders in quest of a substitute to the closed KRNT Theater. That dream not only included a new performing arts center but also a rejuvenated downtown of Des Moines.

To materialize the vision the business leaders needed the support of the residents of the city. In order to get the approval from them a ballot was organized in 1974 requiring at least 60% votes but unfortunately they received 54% votes, scarcely defeated. The business leaders lost hope as after the ballot results it appeared that the idea would never be able to materialize.

Though a bit depressed initially by the narrow defeat, the same Des Moines business leaders were courageous enough that they decided to change the original plan and created a privately held non-profit organization to build and run a performing arts facility. It was decided that the property taxes would not be used for the project. In less than 90 days, over $9 million was assured to the project.

What had begun was an un-witnessed exceptional collaboration of public and private support. The Civic Center dream was on its way to becoming a reality. The City of Des Moines dedicated two blocks of property on which to build the theater and an adjoining plaza. Private sources added the money to construct and furnish - both.

In June of 1979, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines opened its doors to the public. A example of brilliant construction - the Center was designed by the Des Moines architectural firm of Charles Hebert & Associates. The Main Hall features a 76-foot wide by 28-foot high proscenium stage, which is the central point for a fan-shaped continental seating area that has room for an audience of 2,735. Spectators can take pleasure in superb view with this seating design and no seat is further than 145 feet from center stage. The public areas of the building feature two impressive, triangle shaped lobbies with 50-foot ceilings, glass walls, skylights and walkways. The Stoner Studio Theatre, located on the ground level with a capacity of as many as 200 people, is another supple performance and meeting space in the Civic Center.

Towards west of the Civic Center, on the bordering block, stands Nollen Plaza. A tree-lined grassy area known as the "Peace Park" and the Brenton Waterfall and Reflecting Pool are main features of this block square amphitheater/park. Broad steps surrounding the pool offer audience-seating areas. On the northeast corner of the Plaza stands the Crusoe Umbrella, designed by Cleas Oldenburg. The steel monument was purchased with private contributions and a matching grant by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Nowadays the Civic Center still functions as a private, not-for-profit corporation. It has become the foundation stone of Des Moines' downtown redevelopment. The Civic Center is the performing home of the Des Moines Symphony, Drama Workshop, Stage West, and the Civic Music Association. Since its initiation in 1979, the Civic Center has been host to major Broadway touring companies, performers and groups. It is on a national scale acknowledged as an excellent facility in which to perform.

A dream couple of years ago – stands in front of the world as an emblem of support and strong will to bring a positive change and inspires people and revives downtown Des Moines that continues to live until today, promising a bright future for the residents and creative change-makers of the locality.

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