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Plan Your Visit

Whether attending an event in the historic theater, touring the original home of Hoyt Sherman, or appreciating the gallery’s priceless works of art, below is information to ensure the best possible experience.

HOYT SHERMAN PLACE HISTORIC THEATER

Des Moines Women’s Club completed the theater in 1923 as a response to their growing membership. The first two decades after its completion, Hoyt Sherman Place hosted many honored speakers and performers, including Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, Will Rogers, John Philip Sousa, Amelia Earhart, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Grant Wood.

About Hoyt Sherman Theater

Today, as soon as you step foot inside Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, you can feel that something special happens here. This extraordinary space offers unparalleled acoustics for both performers and audiences, and the opulent interior packs a dramatic visual punch. In the deep stillness of this acoustically rich space, listen closely and you will hear echoes of internationally renowned performers, legendary lecturers, top comedians, Grammy Award-winning musicians, and so much more.

The theater is large enough to create community but intimate enough to nurture personal connection. When the venue is not in use for a rehearsal or a performance, guests are invited to step inside and experience the full beauty of this vibrant space.

In 2020, the Center for Artists and Education was constructed on the north side of the theater, while preserving all historic integrity. The three-floor expansion includes backstage amenities, meeting spaces, administrative offices, and spectacular views.

An interactive seat map is also available when purchasing tickets online at ticketmaster.com.

Free of Charge: There is a large parking lot directly to the east of Hoyt Sherman Place. Otherwise, there is ample street parking in the Sherman Hill neighborhood as well as the UnityPoint lot located at the southeast corner of 15th Street and Woodland Avenue.

Valet Parking: Valet parking is made available by Keck Parking for $15 per vehicle at select events. When offered, this service will be available one hour prior to event time on the east side of the building near the Box Office entrance.

Walking distance, restaurants/bars/shops:

Short drive, restaurants/bars/shops:

  • Ingersoll Avenue
  • Locust Street
  • Walnut Street
  • Court Avenue
  • East Village

Other:

  • Western Gateway Park
  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Des Moines Public Library
  • Gray’s Lake
  • State Capitol

Hotels:

Please see our tours page for details.

Please see our policies page for details.

Please see our FAQ page for more information.

Experience It All

Mansion

Home of Hoyt Sherman
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Theater

Unparalleled acoustics
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Art Gallery

Des Moines' first art gallery
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