world food prize hall of laureates

I loved this building all the way back to its library days. It's beautiful inside and out. Even better when you score a ticket to the food prize. Easy to find parking in the area. Lots of things to do especially across the rive.r

Selfies with Norm! Who doesn't want a picture with the man who has singelehandedly led the movement to end hunger in the world. Pretty cool, Norm, pretty cool.

The former Des Moines Library has been transformed into the most beautiful building. They have it open often, and there are very informed people to answer questions and point out special features of each room. It is not to be missed.

Went to a wedding at the Prize Hall and it was beautiful. Fantastic architecture and an amazing experience.

On the banks of the Des Moines river in downtown Des Moines, Iowa sits the renovated Public Library, now the World Food Prize Hall of Laurates This prize highlights the work of Dr. Norman Borlaug, the plant scientist whose work is credited with saving one billion people from starvation.Upon entering from the river side you are surrounded by the rotunda, and the murals along the ceiling rim. You will be greeted by a friendly and extremely knowledgable docent, giving you an overview of the building and the purpose of the building and its prize. The first floor has beautiful meeting rooms, and the Hall of Laurates. A grand staircase allows access to the second floor and the room devoted to prominent Iowans who have had an impact on agriculture. Currently the other large room highlights an incredible photographic display titled "40 Chances", depicting the state of our world in various social contexts. This was developed by Howard Buffet, Warren Bufffits son. The photographs are powerful in their depiction of the dignity of people regardless of their social standing, and the plight of others in their quest for the basic necessities of life.The lower level of the building houses a series of interactive displays that will leave you thinking very hard about your relationship to the rest of the world. From how we eat, to services so basic we take them for granted, which are considered luxuries in other parts of the world. In an unobtrusive upper corner of one display is a world population counter, which is flashing increasing numbers at an alarming rate.Also on the lower level is a room containing a mural depicting the Des Moines area from prehistoric hunter gathers to the 1930's. The mural was painted during the Depression by artists in the WPA program. The mural painters were supervised by Grant Wood, Iowa's best known artist.You can leave from the lower level, but go back up to the main floor and leave by the west exit so you can view the lovely gardens and statuary.This is a beautiful building, housing a world changing body of work that will leave you thinking very hard about how one person can literally change the world. It is family friendly, and so worth a few hours on a weekend afternoon.