March 26 to April 1, 2022
Join the nation in honoring the legacy of Fredrick Law Olmsted on the 200th anniversary of his birth. All activites are open to the public. There is limited seating at some locations. Please RSVP in advance below to save your spot!
Events
Saturday, March 26
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
10:30-11:30 AM
Horticulture Meets History: The Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Design Principles, Des Moines Founders Garden Club
To register: please visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden website
Monday, March 28
Franklin Avenue and Central Libraries
5:30-7:00 PM
“Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America” film and presentation on Des Moines’ park history by Des Moines Founders Garden Club
Tuesday, March 29
Waveland Golf Course Lodge
7:00-8:30 PM
Author Justin Martin, “Genius of Place, The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted.” Discover why Olmsted may well be the most important American historical figure that the average person knows least about.
Wednesday, March 30
Forest Avenue Library
6:30-7:30 PM
“Olmsted and America’s Urban Parks” film and presentation on Des Moines’ park history by Des Moines Founders Garden Club
Thursday, March 31
World Food Prize
7:00-8:30 PM
“Frederick Law Olmsted: 200 Years of Growing America” with actor Kirk Brown portraying Olmsted. A dramatic presentation on the life of the father of landscape architecture who created urban spaces for all people and began a conservation movement protecting our natural wonders that is still challenging the world today.
Friday, April 1
Water Works Park Amphitheater
4:00 PM
Join the Olmsted 200th Birthday Celebration with Olmsted 200 Week Partners and Supporters.
Please RSVP Here
Olmsted 200 Week is presented by Des Moines Founders Garden Club in partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines Public Library, and Des Moines Water Works Park.
Explore More
Explore the 2022 History Walks in Des Moines' oldest parks
Walk the trails in Des Moines' three oldest parks—Grandview, Union, and Greenwood—and learn about their early beginnings and stories.
Landscapes For The Public Good at Water Works Park
Experience a special exhibition, which focuses on Olmsted’s life story, his major landscape commissions, and their relevance for contemporary society. Learn about Olmsted’s trailblazing philosophy about the natural world and how he shaped it for public benefit.
Olmsted 200 Week is presented by Des Moines Founders Garden Club in partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines Public Library, and Des Moines Water Works Park. All activites are free and open to the public. There is limited seating at some locations. Please RSVP in advance above to save your spot!
