The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates tells a story in every room – from the building’s rich history as the Des Moines Public Library, to the Foundation’s celebrated agricultural and humanitarian pioneers there is something for every visitor.
Built between 1900 and 1903, this century-old building has been restored into a museum that celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to fighting hunger around the world. The Hall of Laureates is a beautiful space of learning and collaboration, and we welcome you to visit.
HOURS
Tuesday Open House:
Guided tours are offered at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. No self-guided tours are offered at this time. Reservations are not required for groups smaller than 10 persons.
Private Tours by appointment:
Private and group tours are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment. No self-guided tours are offered at this time.
Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tours should be scheduled 10 business days in advance to ensure staffing availability. Requests made fewer than 10 business days in advance may be accommodated but cannot be guaranteed.
Tours may be scheduled after 4 p.m., but please note that an after-hours staffing fee may apply.
Special Closures:
The Hall of Laureates is closed during all federal holiday weekends, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. The Hall of Laureates is also closed during World Food Prize Week.
Additionally, the Hall will be closed for tours on the following dates:
- No additional closures at present
For questions or to schedule your historic tour, please contact Foundation Archivist Kate Levasseur at klevasseur@worldfoodprize.org. If you are interested in a venue tour for a facility rental, such as a wedding or private event, please contact our Building Events Manager Monica Gatrost at mgatrost@worldfoodprize.org.
Parking:
As there is no on-site parking available, guests are asked to park at the meters located around the building or in the surrounding parking ramps. The closest parking ramps are 3rd and Court and 4th and Grand.
Of Note to Visitors:
Though it is always our goal and intention to provide scheduled tours, World Food Prize Foundation reserves to right to cancel scheduled tours due to unforeseen circumstances including, but not limited to, staff illness or unplanned absence, severe weather, or maintenance issues.
The Hall of Laureates is a working office space as our Foundation Headquarters. While we try to keep the rooms open for the public to view during tours, please note that rooms may be closed due to staff needs, or scheduled private or Foundation events. Room closures will be communicated to scheduled groups as early as possible.