Des Moines Civic Center is one of Des Moines' principal performing arts venues, open since 1979 and particularly well known for touring Broadway productions, concerts and other large-scale stage performances. Its main auditorium accommodates approximately 2,762 guests, while a broad proscenium and fan-shaped seating layout create a strong visual connection between the audience and the stage. The Civic Center is also the performance home of the Des Moines Symphony.
Inside, the auditorium features continental-style seating without traditional center aisles, keeping a large audience focused toward the stage. The spacious stage can accommodate demanding theatrical and musical productions, while multiple lobby areas help manage audience movement before performances and during intermissions. The combination of substantial capacity and a traditional theater setting makes the venue equally suitable for major musicals and orchestral performances.
The theater is located downtown at 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, United States. Parking is available on surrounding streets and in nearby public garages, including the Third and Court Parking Ramp, which is connected to the Civic Center by an enclosed skywalk; valet parking is also offered for many performances. Visitors can enter through the Ticket Office Lobby, the Skywalk or the northeast entrances along Locust Street. For broader information about getting around Des Moines and reaching downtown from other parts of the city, see the city guide further down the page.