Des Moines Civic Center Information

The Des Moines Civic Center, now one of the most important cultural arts centers of Iowa, came about due to the closure of the KRNT Theater in 1972, 7 years prior to the opening of the Civic Center. Des Moines was without a major cultural venue. In 1974, the community leaders tried to pass a referendum to construct a new theatre, but failed with just under the required 60% majority vote. Following this, the Des Moines business leaders formed a private not-for-profit corporation to build a venue for the performing arts, and found success – their fundraising brought in $9.3 million, and the Civic Center was built in fewer than 90 days!

Hosting a wide array of must-see performances, from ballet to Broadway, the opening of the Civic Center put Des Moines on the map as a highly important destination for top productions on their national tours. Go to our Events page to see what’s on.