World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

Closed due to covid19 - But the gardens were amazing. Sit and enjoy the flowers, the fountains. The statues. Lost stars due to no updated website. There was an alternate tour schedule - but when I arrived there was a sign on door saying closed.

A beautiful building of purpose and great vision. Check the website for tours, and learn more about food security, along with some history of Des Moines. This used to be the old library, and comes with some stories as well!

This museum is so awesome. It is a renovated, re-purposed library with so much architectural detail and beautiful stained glass. The World Food Prize is an important prize in the agricultural and food industries and this museum does a great job talking about it and giving you the history of it and its founder. I highly recommend you make it a point to visit this museum if you are ever in Des Moines.

What an unexpected adventure in Des Moines! I cant believe that I had never heard of Dr. Norman Borlaug, or of the World Food Prize, because the importance of him and the honor of the award has changed the world and we didnt even know. Highly recommend, I think its a must-do on your trip to Des Moines, or even if youve lived here all your life, if you havent been! My guide, Mr. Renze, was very personable and helpful throughout the tour and answering nearly every question I had.

Love the architecture and the docent was very very helpful. The place is free and quite educational.

Borglum Iowa born. Made great strides. Beautiful inside the old public library.

It is informative, but read Desert. Its available for free online and can be accessed easily. This should be renamed to the Norman Borlaug BJ museum for what this really is. It feels far too much like it wants to celebrate billionaire philanthropy, US imperial hegemony, all packaged as if theyre objective facts. Norman Borlaug saved 1,000,000,000 lives. Wheat, rice, corn, and soybeans feed the most people across the world. The United States must accept a paternalistic role in the developing world.

Historical Libary, repurposed to an exhibit and event space. Basement has interactive display that shows the hiatory. 2nd floor has art diaplays.

Absolutely fascinating and I had an excellent private tour by the volunteer docent. Highly recommended

Ppf threals rap spree I love you

Was closed to tours due to Covid-19 but the park and gardens were open. Lovely flowers and place to see wildlife that you normally wouldnt being downtown.

Absolutely wonderful. Having read Manns The Wizard and the Prophet I was very much looking forward on our trip to DM to see this Borlaug monument, and was not dissapointed.Highly recommend.I had tried yesterday, but only open on Saturday (and very poor signage or information available). Fortunately I was able to come Saturday morning.

Fascinating though there was the 800 lb gorilla in the room of not talking about BOTH benefits and dangers of GMO

Highly recommend for special events. Attended a wedding here and it was a great venue. Weather was perfect which helped as we spent the time after the wedding in the gardens as we waited for the wedding party to finish pictures. Plenty of room for the banquet and dance.

I actually would say 4.5 instead of 4.The world food prize is dreamlike. We loved every part of the day. Our favorite part was moving from room to room, from inside to outside. The guests got to experience a different type of wedding by moving to location to location but it kept everyone interested. With this it also let us create our own design vision. Great place for any event especially a wedding.The only problem I would say is the different vendors and how you have to use them. It is something they should really go over more during the meeting and signing of the contract. It is something we overlooked because our wedding planner had worked with the World Food Prize previously they had changed a few things in the contract since she last worked with them. Otherwise an amazing venue and worth all of it!Mr & Mrs Gruver

Such an amazing place to visit. So much history. The tour guides were so knowledgeable. The history of the mural in the basement is fascinating.

You will learn a lot from this place. I enjoyed my visit here. The place is very informative. The staffs are also very assistive in all my questions.

Amazing building, wonderful story about growing food! Im picky, but I cant say enough about this place! [Im straight A in 3rd World Social Development & Change (Sociology/Socioeconomics - UCSB)] I just happened to be renting a studio apt across the street. Lived there for two years before I even noticed the place! When I visited it the experience was paranormal it was such a coincidence. Like I was brought there by some spirit or something. Amazing gardens and landscape with lots of rabbits and the Des Moines River flowing behind it. I witnessed people catching and cleaning Alligator Gar fish off the bridge. You never see this in CA where Im from. Best experience for me in Iowa, so far was the World Food Prize Hall.

Wow! Beautifully restored old library. It is a museum and a hall of fame honoring the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. If you are into architecture this $29.8 million restoration project is definitely worth seeing! The museum, located in the basement, is informative. On the upper level there is a art room displaying works that relate to those that are honored in the Hall of Fame. It is only open to the public on Tuesdays and Saturdays, but it is free. I understand you can arrange a private tour on some other days during the week. Located on the river, it is a must see if you are in Des Moines.

Absolutely beautiful, was there for a wedding what a fabulous venue! The building is gorgeous and art work and design outstanding.

Gorgeous building although my only complaint is its not very accessible. The entrance at the bottom has an entryway leading to the elevators but theyre not always open.

Beautiful architecture! Tells a story to how a million dollars can be used for a building but not more food. Shhh

It is very pretty if you can get in!

A great American...a great Iowan...a great Ambassador Ken Quinn.

Good stop to learn about the impact of food research on society and how important agricultural advancements are to the world.

This place is one of a kind with rich history! Beautiful restoration of this iconic building.

A must see. Beautifully restored. The staff is very knowledgeable.

What a great place to see. Walked in an got a tour when one wasnt scheduled. The lovely lady who showed us around was passionate about her work an made us feel more then welcomed. This place is more then just about food. Its about great people making great sacrifices for the greater good of humanityOnly complaint is using the term B.C.E. instead of B.C. (BEFORE CHRIST) to refer to a place in time. In their effort (i assume) to not offend anyone, they do so of Christians.

Really beautiful place honoring those that have dedicated their lives to improve all aspects of the food we eat. Think Nobel prize for food. Grounds surrounding the building are impeccably kept and perfect for pictures.

Very neat place. Attended a wedding reception here and was a very cool venue. I was impressed.

Everyone was very nice and very helpful! I really learned a lot! Definitely recommend this place if you want to learn about how people have and are changing the way we live with food!

This property is full of history, behind it is one of the most beautiful gardens Ive seen.

This is a very cool place to visit to see a beautifully restored historic building and learn about the Nobel Prize for Food & Agriculture!

I liked the architecture of the building. Amazing surprise was the museum and all its exhibits!

The interior of this gorgeous building is worth a tour. Put this free visit on your downtown Des Moines bucket list for sure. By the way the back in angle parking on the bridge next to this building is still free as of January 27 2019

I loved this place when it was the previous Des Moines, Iowa Library and still love the place today : ) the place today still gives you pause for gathering knowledge just in a little bit different way : ) If you should ever get the chance or take the time please visit this Majestic Building and All it has to Share with you and the people of the World. Yes I stated World. We have a Gem of Exceptional Knowledge and Information right Here in Des Moines, Iowa !! Do yourself a favor and visit today : )

One of the most beautiful places in Des Moines. I dont know which is more impressive the art or the architecture.

Great place to visit. Historically beautiful restored building, very important world wide work to alleviate hunger honored. Excellent docents and informative tours.

This is an absolutely beautiful building. So much history inside!!

Beautiful garden, nice surprise, I didnt even know it was there

Different informational and didnt realize so I was awakened.

Perfect Touch does a great job on grounds BRAVO!

Ultimate in Snobbery! Exudes the How great I am to help the poor people attitude....

The Christmas open house was worth visiting. Santa was there and no-line to have the kids see him.

We had a wonderful and informative tour.

Why I enjoy giving tours:The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates first, and foremost, is a place to pass on the message of Dr. Norman Borlaug. The message shares agricultural stories from scientists, politicians, and humanitarians. The message encourages commitment to alleviating food insecurity, and finally, the message offers a strong educational opportunity for youth. Secondly, I learn so much from the visitors. The conversations, the programs they are involved with and the respectful exchange of ideas makes the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates a special place!

What an honor it is be a part of the Hall of Laureates docent program! As a public health professional for over 45 years, I have experienced the universal need for nutritious and accessible food in our ever-expanding population. To play a part in promoting the mission of the World Food Prize allows me to contribute to what may be the single most important means of securing the health and security of every person on our precious planet.

Had a fantastic tour guide. Really wowed with art work and all the information we received.

Fascinating history and building!

Dr. Norman E. Borlaug is an amazing man. To think a small town Iowa farm boy could grow up to win the Nobel Prize and become a founder of the World Food Prize is such an inspiring accomplishment. Everyday I give a tour at the Hall of Laureates I feel so proud to spread the word about what he has done. If someday I make only a percentage of the impact he has made on the ag community, I will know I have accomplished something truly great.

Stunning building. Awesome place for a wedding or corporate event.

The former Des Moines Public Library has been restored and and now is home to the World Food Prize. It is beautiful architecturally and is a showcase for interesting displays representing the work to make the worlds growing population more food secure.

Building beautiful. Catering for the event was very bad.

Beautiful venue. Amazing architecture. Beautiful grounds.

It is always a thrill to lead people through the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates and observe their delight at the history and beauty of the building and its purpose. I always feel energized by the wonderful art, the stories of Iowas heroes, and retelling the mission of Norman Borlaug and the Laureates. Its fun, as well, to hear stories of visitors who have had connections to the former Des Moines library or personal experiences with Borlaug or the mission of the World Food Prize.Beth and Jim Billings

The building is a beautiful and blended mix of a great cause and class. When such things came together, the World Food Prize Foundation was created. A vision orchestrated by Dr. Norman Borlaug and executed for extraordinary talents to create the strongest stand to fight hunger worldwide.

I love giving tours of the World Food Prize. There is advancement in quality, quantity and availability of food, amazing architecture and restoration, history of Des Moines plus the incredible story of our native son, Norman Borlaug. Love to share with those who visit from all over the world. Come see us soon!

Beautiful building with great history. Everyroom and everything has an interesting story behind it. I have been there multiple times and learn something new everytime!

Amazing architecture ️

Was a different historical place to learn about the presidents and foreign people who made a big difference

Attended an anniversary reception for a very good friend. Catering was lovely.

I feel that it is an honor and privilege for me to give tours at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. It is a marvelous building with a rich history and story. Dr. Norman Borlaug s legacy lives on with the Laureates and the Global Youth Institute. I encourage all people from Des Moines area or visiting the area to come for a tour. It is a jewel in Des Moines.

Very nice place. A fantastic work is made there.

Great landscape...view of downtown...interior

Amazing building. Incredible art and furnishings in an amazing federal style building.

The Hall of Laureates has it ALL--history, architecture, art, agriculture, energy efficiency technology, and most of all, celebration of Dr. Borlaug! Ive learned so much from being a volunteer and had the opportunity to meet so many people I would not otherwise have met.

Beautiful building and lots of information. The tour was a little rushed during some parts, but you were allowed to go explore on your own.

The World Food Prize is a beautiful building, and the organization has a GREAT story to tell! It is exciting to see such a place in Des Moines, Iowa, right in the heart of US Agriculture!

Very cool building. Great work is done in this place.

Beautiful old building!

Beautiful building inside, marble everywhereIt breathes history and respect. Really proud I could come in.

Attended a wedding there and was impressed by the attention to detail and beautiful artwork and architecture.

Beautiful building. A must see

Beautiful location.

Fascinating place to visit

Beautiful building with informational exhibitsThanks

Ive been a docent at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates (WFP) for several years now, docenting two Saturday mornings a month. I love to tell the story over and over again about Norman Borlaug and the WFP! There isnt a Saturday that folks coming through dont express real interest and sometimes astonishment at what they hear and see.I also learn - from the questions they ask and the comments they make.I think the renovated building is a treasure. The art contents are beautiful and brilliant! What a wonderful well thought-out way to create and sustain a legacy for the state of Iowa and the WFP!

I live in Iowa, USA, well in West Des Moines! And I have been here for over 30 years - an Indian with a lot of agricultural background. When I heard that The World Food Prize would make its home in Des Moines I was more than enthusiastic. And what about the headquarters in the ‘old’ Des Moines Public Library Main library would be the official home? I have visited the library in its old glory! I used to visit the library not to borrow or read old manuscripts or books but the architecture of this great structure!World Food Prize has not only improved the image of Des Moines and thus Iowa, the Old Des Moines Public Library to its old glory, we are at the heartland of Agriculture. What better way to return exhibit what we have, to the world – be a part of it. Thus it is my proud privilege to be tour guide in this prestigious building for the World Food PrizeThe Hall of Laureates is a place that I feel like I am entering a sacred place – a temple for the endurance and compassion of human beings to solve hunger. This is one of the places in the building that I like to take the visitors around.

A great place! Learn about Iowas agriculture heritage.

The docents were amazing and I was surprised by the quality of the exhibitions.

The World Food Prize in Des Moines is a sort of Noble Prize for Agriculture. The Food Prize building is also an amazing restoration of our historic Des Moines Public Library. Touring the Food Prize gave me a greater appreciation of the key role Iowans like Norman Bourlaug and George Washington Carver played in saving lives with technological improvements to agriculture.

Great place lots of history

Was fortunate enough to be part of WFP events in 2015!Reach out for the stars and catching one will become possible

This place is creepy. It feels cultish.

Very interesting

Beautiful place...you have to see it

Beautiful grounds

Beautiful building with lots of historical presentations

Nice place to visit.

Beautiful garden

Awesome place to visit

Love the rich history

Nice place to visit

Historical and beautiful

Beautiful venue for a wedding!

Fantastic venue

Had a real nice tour.

Beautiful

Very unique place to Des Moines and a beautiful building!

Cute garden