Noted as a piece of art itself, the Des Moines Art Center was originally designed in 1948 by architects Richard Meier, Eliel Saarinen and I.M. Pei as three distinct parts of an arts complex. The museum's permanent collection features 19th and 20th century pieces, and artists on display include Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, Claude Monet and Henri Matisse. The center also conducts a series of educational and cultural programs such as outreach classes and poetry readings.

This local museum showcases the historic roles African-Americans and women have played in the US military. In 1917, Fort Des Moines trained the Army's first black officers and, during World War II, the site was where the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps was stationed. The museum features a number of educational and informative displays.

An actual UH-1 "Huey" helicopter is just one of the many military artifacts that greet guests at the Iowa Gold Star Museum. The museum, which is sanctioned by the National Guard and located on an operational guard post, honors the Iowa men and women who have served in the US military. Additional items on display include cannons, uniforms, antitank weapons and flags.

With hard work and effort, America's prairie land eventually became its breadbasket, and the Living History Farms chronicle how early settlers and farmers worked the area. Visitors to this 600-acre living museum can see how Native Americans planted maize and lived during the 18th century. Also on display is a pioneer farm with farm workers in authentic dress and costumes. The history museum provides a learning experience on farming and features a number of demonstrations.

What better way to gaze at the stars than at an actual planetarium that also features laser shows? The Science Center of Iowa has been allowing visitors to stargaze for over 30 years. The museum features several interactive exhibits and features displays such as a Foucault pendulum. The IMAX theater shows some first-run movies in addition to specialty presentations.