“At the Pappajohn Sculpture Park”
If it isn't already, Plensa's three-story Nomade may soon become a symbol of Des Moines the same way Oldenburg and van Bruggen's shuttlecocks represent Kansas City and their spoon and cherry represent Minneapolis.The figure's sheer size dominates the park's landscape, and its human form made from scrambled steel letters seems to suit the city's vision of itself in the Information Age. The artist envisioned the letters as building blocks for words and ideas in the same way human cells for tissues, organs and bodies. They're painted with white enamel that appears dark against the sunlit sky and glows at night, thanks to dramatic spotlights at the sculpture's base. The effect is surprisingly ethereal for something that weighs about 4 tons.
Perfect stopping point on our trip from Chicago to Breckenridge, Co for three boys to stretch out, run around, roll down some hills all while appreciating some amazing works of art. Well worth the stop.
Not really a head but a giant figure clutching his knees, cool though. Be sure to check out the whole park it's got a prism to the right of this guy and several other statues. If you walk about three blocks up from him there is a giant trowel. It's worth it to stop and look around.
Such a great and unexpected discovery. Alphabet Heads is located in a huge (two city block), free, open air sculpture garden in the middle of the city.
The heads is the largest piece, but this is an art park with some really awesome pieces. The directions from the Roadtrippers app take you to 9th and locust but it's actually between 13-15th street. There are also some nice restaurants and coffee shops right in the park so it's worth the stop off of the highway to stretch your legs and grab a bite.
Followed the navigation and there was no sculpture in sight... not sure how we could miss it. Perhaps if we had more time we could have driven around to try to find it.
This sculpture is part of the Papajohn Sculpture Park if you are trying to find it using GPS. It's a great place to walk around or relax. The surrounding areas also have a red trowel sculpture and some great murals! I really enjoyed stopping here to stretch while passing through on another trip.
What a great park! Worth the 15-20 minutes to walk the whole block. Highly recommended. Easy to get to, on street parking also easily located.
Stopped here to walk around a bit after a wonderful lunch at Zombie Burger. Fun sculptures, nicely spaced, just the right size for us. We recomend stopping here for some interesting art!
Had friends who took wedding photo's here. She is an English teacher. turned out beautiful!
Spacious outdoor area with cheap parking. Worth a stop if it's on your route.
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Alphabet Heads
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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