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TICKETS

Visitor’s Guide

Tickets & Admission

Welcome

Open yourself to new discoveries and wander down the winding paths at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. From colorful unknowns to hidden gnomes, you’ll be surprised by what you can find in the Botanical Garden’s always friendly climate, no matter the season. Whether it’s yoga under the dome, a reflective moment by the lily pads, or a chance to chill with friends at one of our many events or programs, the Botanical Garden is where you will find your true nature.
See Hours & Admission

The Gardens

North Gallery Art

“BLOOMING”
An Exhibition from Jenna Brownlee
Nov 12 – Jan 26

Jenna Brownlee is a Des Moines, Iowa native, painter and muralist. After studying multiple mediums of art at the Des Moines Art Center, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Entrepreneurship Certificate from the University of Iowa.

Jenna is drawn to flowers as a subject for their many layers, texture and symbolism of growth, resilience and positivity. Her work is an exploration of bold color, contrast, depth and movement through refined brushwork.

Brownlee creates concepts that enliven spaces and serve community needs. She aims to show how women can have an impact and gain success through expressive art and demonstrate that art is an integral, powerful and experiential tool that unifies, energizes and beautifies our communities. With a mission to make people happy through art, her work is often inspired by collages of organic shapes found in nature with uplifting themes using vibrant colors, florals, botanicals and lettering.

No pieces are for sale.

Conservatory Exhibition

Hot Glass
An Exhibition from Joel Ryser
Nov 12 – Mar 30

My new work for the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden explores the use of cane and murrine glass techniques dating back to Venetian glassmakers on the island of Murano in the 17th century. Although not in the traditional format, the murrine and cane pieces created are a celebration of color and pattern. The colors and patterns are allowed to move in the end to create natural variations to the shapes. These glass forms enhance the beautiful gardens and are a perfect environment to showcase both the glass and plants.

These works are great indoors and out. Please consider purchasing a piece to donate to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Your gift to the Garden is tax deductible. Hot Glass Inc. is a recognized 501(c)3 educational organization. Proceeds from sales provide tuition free classes for at-risk youth and Veterans.

All purchases will be made directly with Joel Ryser of Hot Glass Inc. Proceeds will help fund tuition free classes for at risk youth and Veterans. All works will remain on site until March 30 unless other arrangements are made. Contact 563-265-9079 or [email protected]. Work can also be seen at hotglassart.org

  • Joel Ryser Executive Director Hot Glass Inc.
  • Retired Teacher and Fine Arts Chair Moline Senior High School
  • MS Western Illinois University 2000
  • BS Art Education Illinois State University 1985
  • BS Visual Art Eastern Oregon University 1983
  • 2014 Lloyd Schoeneman Community Impact Award presented by Quad City Arts
  • 2004 Illinois Humanities Council Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award

Hot Glass Inc. started after being inspired by a story about Dale Chihuly’s Hilltop Artists program in Tacoma, Washington 30 years ago. We are celebrating our 10th year. Located in Davenport Iowa, Joel and Logan Ryser serve the greater Quad Cities by teaching tuition free classes to at risk youth and Veterans. Glassblowing allows at-risk youth and Veterans to immediately see the results of their labor as adjustments have an immediate impact. 

Shopping

Don’t miss The Garden Shop at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden when you visit. You’ll find one-of-a-kind items for those hard-to-buy-for garden enthusiasts or nature lover in your life. The store emphasizes handmade local goods including books, stationery, houseplants, seeds, children’s toys, and unique home decor. The Garden Shop is stocked with an ever-changing selection of items perfect for every season.

IN THE WORKS: The Garden Shop Goods Online Store —stay tuned for updates.

Botanical Garden Do’s and Don’ts

To make your visit more enjoyable, and protect the Botanical Garden’s beautiful landscape, we ask:

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DO stay on the paths unless otherwise designated. DON’T play, climb on, or attach anything to water features, sculptures, plants, or trees.
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DO take pictures! Monopods are permitted. DON’T use tripods, lighting, and props (see our photography policy here for details).
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DO smell and gently touch the plants, but please DON’T remove leaves, fruit, seeds or flowers from any plants in the garden.
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DO dine with us! Refreshments are available at Flora Cafe and in the Garden Shop. Rental clients may use our approved caterers for food and beverages. DON’T bring in outside food.

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DO enjoy our Nature Play area. DON’T play active sports and games except those provided by the Botanical Garden.
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Please DO admire our bonsai collection, however, DON’T touch any part of the bonsai.
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DO remember the Botanical Garden, including our parking lot, is a tobacco-free zone. DON’T smoke, vape or use any type of nicotine product at our facility.
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DO bring your service animal, but please DON’T bring your pet. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden does not allow pets on the Garden grounds. Service animals are permitted in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service animals are defined by the ADA as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

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Directions

Eastbound on I-235

  • Take Exit 8B for East 6th Street exit
  • Turn right on East 6th Street
  • Turn right on Des Moines Street
  • Continue straight on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive
  • Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive
  • Continue straight, the road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot

Westbound on I-235

  • Take Exit 8B for East 6th Street exit
  • Turn left on East 6th Street
  • Turn right on Des Moines Street
  • Continue straight on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive
  • Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive
  • Continue straight, the road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot.

Eastbound from downtown

  • Take the Grand Avenue bridge over the river
  • Turn left on Robert D. Ray Drive
  • Continue straight, the road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot

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Extra Hours added for Dome for the Holidays! Now starting at 5pm each evening it runs.
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