Rollins Mansion
100 Locust St, Des Moines IA 50309
✦ Beaux-Arts architecture with marble staircases and stained glass details
✦ Formal European-style gardens with fountains and sculpted hedges
✦ Prime downtown location along the Des Moines River and Riverwalk
The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a Beaux-Arts landmark in downtown Des Moines, originally built as the city’s public library. This restored historic building features a grand rotunda, sweeping marble staircases, intricate stained glass, and hand-painted murals. Its interiors radiate old-world refinement, while the surrounding gardens bring soft color and structure to every view. The balance of historic craftsmanship and natural beauty makes this space feel stately yet intimate.
Outdoors, the manicured gardens create a European-style atmosphere — sculpted hedges, flower-lined walkways, and fountains framed by the Des Moines River. Ceremonies here can flow naturally into cocktail hour among the gardens, or into the hall’s interior for dinner under arched ceilings and warm light. With the skyline and riverwalk just steps away, it’s one of the most photogenic and versatile locations in the city for couples seeking something timeless and elegant.
