Krause Gateway Center
A modern architectural marvel by Renzo Piano, blending glass, light, and nature with stunning views of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden hour light on glass
Krause Gateway Center
Best Time
Golden hour light on glass
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern architectural marvel by Renzo Piano, blending glass, light, and nature with stunning views of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
"The glass architecture building overlooking the sculpture park is a breathtaking structure that seamlessly blends modernity and elegance."
📸 Capture the Light
The glass architecture shines in the late afternoon sun. Visit then for stunning photos!
🍽️ Dine with a View
The first-floor restaurant offers incredible views of the sculpture park. Perfect for a special meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Renzo Piano's Architectural Vision
Experience the lightness and transparency of this iconic building, designed by a Pritzker Prize-winning architect.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park Views
Overlooking the park
Enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed views of the expansive sculpture park from the building's glass walls.
Second Floor Art Gallery
Second Floor
A showcase of contemporary art in a space with ample natural light and unique glass backdrops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Architectural Marvel with a View
Event Space & Dining Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Light
The glass architecture shines in the late afternoon sun. Visit then for stunning photos!
🍽️ Dine with a View
The first-floor restaurant offers incredible views of the sculpture park. Perfect for a special meal.
🖼️ Explore the Art
Don't miss the art gallery on the second floor, featuring contemporary pieces.
📍 Aligning Grids
Notice how the building's 'layers' align with Des Moines' street grids.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Light
The glass architecture shines in the late afternoon sun. Visit then for stunning photos!
🍽️ Dine with a View
The first-floor restaurant offers incredible views of the sculpture park. Perfect for a special meal.
🖼️ Explore the Art
Don't miss the art gallery on the second floor, featuring contemporary pieces.
📍 Aligning Grids
Notice how the building's 'layers' align with Des Moines' street grids.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Access may be limited. Check for public events or gallery hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Krause Gateway Center for its stunning glass architecture and breathtaking views of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, calling it a masterpiece of modern design. The art gallery and restaurant also receive positive mentions for their ambiance and scenery. However, some reviews express criticism regarding the building's perceived emptiness and its connection to corporate decisions, suggesting it's more of a trophy than a community asset.
"Two floors for your event with great views especially the pappajohn sculpture park across the street."
Randy Ward
"This building is a monument to everything wrong with Des Moines’ downtown redevelopment. Kyle Krause sold off a long-time Iowa company (Kum & Go) for billions, leaving 500 corporate employees in the lurch, and what do we get in return? A flashy, empty headquarters that’s become nothing more than a tax break trophy.
He’s taken millions in state and county funds for vanity projects like a failed soccer stadium and still managed to gut the local economy. The Krause Gateway Center was supposed to be a crown jewel—what we got is a hollow glass box with no jobs, no tenants, and no real future.
In just two years, Maverik eliminated every last corporate position in Des Moines. 500 jobs—gone. The promise of revitalization? Broken. Instead, the Western Gateway area is now a wasteland of boarded-up storefronts and abandoned projects while this “architectural gem” sits mostly empty."
Robby Rashish
"The glass architecture building overlooking the sculpture park is a breathtaking structure that seamlessly blends modernity and elegance. From the moment you step into the building, you are enveloped by its airy and open design, and the stunning views of the park outside.
The art gallery on the second floor is a showcase of contemporary art, with ample space and natural light to highlight each piece. The glass walls provide a unique backdrop for the artworks, allowing visitors to appreciate the art in the context of the surrounding natural beauty.
The restaurant on the first floor is equally impressive, with sleek furnishings and an atmosphere of understated sophistication. The glass windows offer diners an unparalleled view of the sculpture park, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning scenery.
One of the most impressive aspects of this building is how it embraces its surroundings. The glass walls on all floors provide an unobstructed view of the park, while the minimalist design of the building allows it to blend seamlessly with the landscape. The overall effect is one of harmony between the built environment and the natural world.
In conclusion, the glass architecture building with an art gallery and a restaurant is a masterpiece of modern design. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment while offering breathtaking views and exceptional experiences for visitors is a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, this building should be at the top of your list."
nick rogers (tmes85)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Krause Gateway Center is located in downtown Des Moines, near the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transportation also serves the downtown area.
Yes, there are parking garages and street parking available in the vicinity of the Krause Gateway Center. Consider parking garages for longer stays.
If you are already in downtown Des Moines, walking to the Krause Gateway Center is a pleasant option, especially if you plan to visit the adjacent Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Approaching from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park offers the most iconic views of the building's glass facade against the park's landscape.
Yes, Des Moines' public bus routes serve the downtown area, making the Krause Gateway Center accessible via public transport. Check local transit schedules for routes and stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Krause Gateway Center is primarily an office building and event venue. Public access may be limited to specific areas like the restaurant or art gallery, or during scheduled events. It's best to check their official website or social media for current access policies.
As an office building, standard business hours apply for tenants. Public access to areas like the restaurant or gallery may have separate hours. It's recommended to verify these directly.
The art gallery on the second floor is often open to the public during specific hours, separate from event bookings. Confirm these hours before your visit.
Generally, there is no admission fee to enter the public areas of the Krause Gateway Center. However, specific events or the restaurant may have their own charges.
For event bookings, you would typically contact the venue's management or event coordination team directly through their official website.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, especially from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, offers stunning architectural shots. Inside, the glass walls and open spaces provide unique photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally permitted in public areas for personal use. However, professional photography or filming may require special permission.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful lighting that highlights the building's glass facade.
Drone usage is subject to local aviation regulations and may be restricted in urban areas. Always check and comply with FAA and local laws.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the building's scale and architectural details. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions or capturing reflections.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located on the first floor that offers dining with views of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience, often featuring contemporary dishes. Specific menus can vary.
Reservations are generally recommended, especially for dinner or during peak times, to ensure a table.
Downtown Des Moines has a variety of restaurants and cafes within walking distance or a short drive from the Krause Gateway Center.
Yes, the venue has hosted food-related events, such as ramen pop-ups. Keep an eye on local event listings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a time when public access to the restaurant or gallery is available, or if there's a family-friendly event scheduled. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with park views, which can be a treat for older children. However, it's important to note that the interior spaces are generally more suited for quiet observation rather than active play.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, the open spaces and natural light provide excellent conditions for interior photography, particularly in the art gallery. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the building and its integration with the surrounding park. Remember to check for any photography restrictions, especially if you plan on professional shoots.
🏛️ Architecture Aficionados
Learn about the collaboration between OPN Architects and Renzo Piano Building Workshop, and how the building's design subtly references Des Moines' street grids. The building is a testament to contemporary architectural principles, offering a unique experience for anyone interested in modern design and its impact on urban spaces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
The architectural firms OPN Architects and Renzo Piano Building Workshop collaborated on this project, described as a 'marriage of two offices.' This collaboration resulted in a structure that is both iconic and functional, aiming to be a vibrant urban oasis. The extensive use of glass not only allows for abundant natural light but also provides unobstructed views, blurring the lines between the interior and the exterior environment.
+1This focus on transparency and connection to the environment is a hallmark of Piano's work. The building's design is intended to be a landmark that enhances the downtown Des Moines experience, offering a visually appealing and dynamic space that complements the cultural attractions nearby, such as the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
The Role of Green Spaces
The expansive glass walls of the Krause Gateway Center offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the sculpture park. This design choice allows visitors inside to feel connected to the art and the outdoors, enhancing the overall experience. The building's minimalist design ensures that the focus remains on both the architecture and the surrounding landscape, creating a serene and visually engaging environment.
This emphasis on green spaces and views is not just aesthetic; it contributes to a more pleasant and inspiring atmosphere for both occupants and visitors. The surrounding greenery and the visual connection to the sculpture park make the Krause Gateway Center a unique destination that prioritizes a holistic experience, merging art, architecture, and nature.
Community and Event Hub
The building's two floors offer versatile spaces suitable for events, often featuring great views, particularly of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park across the street. This makes it an attractive location for galas, corporate events, and other special occasions. The venue has also been a site for unique culinary events, such as 'Cinco-de-Ramen,' demonstrating its adaptability for different types of gatherings.
Furthermore, the Krause Gateway Center has been recognized for its role in professional development and industry recognition, hosting events like the #AMAIowa #NOVAs24 Awards Celebration. This showcases its importance in the local business and professional community, providing a sophisticated backdrop for networking and celebrating achievements.
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