March 17, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Hall of Laureates | 100 Locust Street | Des Moines, IA
Before the St. Patrick's Day Parade begins, join us at the Hall of Laureates for free activities and tours for the whole family!
Whether you're a World Food Prize Foundation superfan or it's your first time visiting since 100 Locust Street was the Des Moines Public Library, Spring Break is a great time to "check out" the Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates! The Hall of Laureates and the Janis and John Ruan III Garden will be open for families to explore, while discovering the important role of our founder Norman E. Borlaug played and our World Food Prize Laureates continue to hold in the fight against food insecurity around the world.
- Take a photo in front of the stained-glass globe or the world map in the garden,
- Count the number of Laureates since the first in 1987
- Find the hidden message in the stained glass window on the mezzanine
There will be coloring pages and a scavenger hunt available for younger visitors.
Free guided tours will be offered at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and after the event at 1:30 p.m. so visitors can learn about the art on display throughout the building, as well as learn the stories of Iowa's humanitarian and agricultural heroes.
Please note that self-guided touring will end at 2:00 p.m. and the last guided tour will end at 3:00 p.m.
REGISTER HERE! The event is free, but registration is highly encouraged to ensure we have enough supplies.