This stately 1877 brick mansion, mostly known for its popular theater and concert space, also includes an interesting collection of paintings and other artwork. Period furniture and artifacts reflect upper-class life in Des Moines in the late 1800s. The house was built by Hoyt Sherman, a prominent businessman and a brother of Civil War General William T. Sherman.
Parking and public transportation to Hoyt Sherman Place
Take the Interstate Highway 235 exit for Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway/19th Street. Go south to Woodland Avenue, then east to Hoyt Sherman Place. Free parking is available in a lot on the grounds as well as on streets in the neighborhood. Local transit routes stop along 15th Street, which is adjacent to the site.
Best times to go to Hoyt Sherman Place
The renovated theater that is part of the mansion has become a go-to venue for musicians, authors and theater groups seeking a mid-size location in Des Moines. Program attendees have a chance to view the artwork and historic artifacts on display before concerts and other programs, as well as at intermission.
Admission to Hoyt Sherman Place
Expect to pay just a few dollars to tour the home, which is open to visitors during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Tickets for concerts, plays and other productions in the theater vary.
Must see/do at Hoyt Sherman Place
A wide range of paintings and more may be viewed in the art gallery, which was the first public art site in Des Moines when it opened in 1907. The home boasts an entryway with panels of intricately carved mahogany, as well as a massive, ornate staircase and reception hall. The theater space has received many renovations over the years and features detailed plaster moldings on its domed ceiling.
Other places to visit near Hoyt Sherman Place
Visit two more historic homes showcasing classical architectural styles: Terrace Hill, the governor's mansion; and the Salisbury House. View the displays at the nearby Des Moines Art Center.
Insider tip for visitors to Hoyt Sherman Place
Those appreciating historic homes like Hoyt Sherman Place don't have to look far to see more. Plan to take a stroll around the area just north and west of the site. Sherman Hill, the first historic district in Des Moines, includes dozens of grand homes built in the mid 1800s to early 1900s. Formal tours that include access inside the homes are held in September.
Author's bio: Melanie Lageschulte is a freelance writer and editor. She is an Iowa native and has lived in Des Moines for 15 years.
