Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation

Hoyt Sherman Place creates outstanding experiences for the cultural, historic and educational benefit of Iowa’s residents and communities. Hoyt Sherman Place will be a premier historic cultural center in Iowa, working with national and local partners to present outstanding performances, celebrate Iowa’s history and grow arts and culture in the region.

Hoyt Sherman Place remains unique in a region full of arts and culture organizations. A historic mansion museum, celebrated art galleries, and acoustically perfect live performance theater solidifies Hoyt Sherman Place as a staple of the cultural fabric of Des Moines. The expansive front lawn, the first city park in Des Moines, continues to serve as an inviting and open event venue, as well as greenspace for the neighborhood to enjoy. A vibrant community is defined by its people, culture, and innovation. Hoyt Sherman Place is proud to be a community asset allowing businesses and corporations to attract and retain a committed and engaged workforce who value arts and entertainment. Each year, Hoyt Sherman Place hosts more than 80 national touring acts in the 1,252-seat historic theater. Musicians and comedians from all genres bring an array of Iowans to Sherman Hill for a night out. These events generate an economic impact of more than $10 Million to the Central Iowa community, according to Americans for the Arts. Hoyt Sherman built his mansion in 1877 as a home for himself, his wife Sara Moulton, and their five children. Among its distinguished guests in history were General Sherman, General Grant, General Sheridan, and Major McKinley. After Sherman’s death in 1904, his heirs gifted the entire estate to the city of Des Moines with the caveat that it forever be called Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Women’s Club, founded in 1885, created the first art collection in the city of Des Moines. The collection found its permanent home at Hoyt Sherman Place in 1907, becoming the first public art gallery in Des Moines. Today, the historic Hoyt Sherman mansion museum and art galleries are free and open to the public Monday through Friday. The galleries hold priceless works by American and European artists, including pioneer Iowa artist David John Gue. Hoyt Sherman Place is listed on The National Register of Historic Places; a designation given to significant buildings in American history deemed worthy of preservation. From nationally recognized musicians and comedians, dance recitals and weddings, to art classes for kids and adults, and free access to the historic museum and art galleries, there is something for everyone at Hoyt Sherman Place.