World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a majestic, world-class museum and the headquarters for one of the most prestigious awards in the field of agriculture. Located in Des Moines, USA, it occupies the former Central Public Library building, constructed in 1903 in the exquisite Beaux-Arts style. This site serves as a living monument to humanity's efforts in the fight against global hunger and the pursuit of food security.

The center was officially opened in 2011 as a tribute to the legacy of Norman Borlaug, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of the World Food Prize. Inside the historic building, restored with striking attention to detail, visitors will find interactive exhibits dedicated to agricultural achievements and galleries honoring prize laureates for their contributions to saving billions of lives.

The architectural splendor of the site is highlighted by a stained-glass globe in the Ruan Laureates room, as well as large-scale murals and mosaics. The Hall of Laureates is not just an exhibition space, but an active center for international symposia and educational programs, which rightfully makes Des Moines a significant point on the map of global humanitarian activity.

If you are planning a visit or would like to clarify event details, you can contact the World Food Prize Foundation administration directly using the details below.

A visit to the Hall of Laureates offers a deep dive into the history of food security and innovation. The main thing to do is join a free guided tour. Experienced guides will lead you through the halls, sharing stories about the life of Norman Borlaug and those who have dedicated their lives to fighting hunger. You will be able to see the Laureates Portrait Gallery and a unique stained-glass window depicting the 12 key centers of origin for agricultural crops around the world.

Be sure to explore the interactive exhibits that clearly demonstrate the stages of the "Green Revolution" and modern achievements in agritech. Art lovers will appreciate the carefully preserved murals from the 1930s and a large-scale mosaic map of the world. The building itself is an exhibit: its classical interiors and grand staircases create the atmosphere of a "temple of science."

After touring the interior, be sure to take a stroll through the World Food Prize Garden. It features monuments to prominent figures in agriculture and a cozy relaxation area with views of the river. If your visit coincides with the International Symposium or youth institutes, you can feel the pulse of this global humanitarian center's work.

The attraction is located at 100 Locust St, in the heart of the city, right on the Principal Riverwalk. Thanks to its central location, the Hall of Laureates is easily accessible on foot from the Iowa State Capitol and most major downtown hotels. A walk from the central blocks will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

For those using public transport, DART network buses are convenient, with routes running throughout the city center. If you are arriving from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), a taxi or Uber ride will take about 15–20 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 10 kilometers.

Travelers arriving by car can use highways I-235 or I-35/80, following the signs for downtown. Paid street parking and multi-level garages are available in the immediate vicinity of the building and along the river, where you can leave your car during your tour.

The history of this site began in 1903, when the monumental Des Moines Public Library building was erected as part of the City Beautiful movement. The architects were inspired by classical Beaux-Arts examples, specifically the fine arts museum in the French city of Nancy. The interior is decorated with unique murals created between 1937 and 1941 under the Work Projects Administration (WPA) programs, which tell the social history of the state of Iowa.

A new chapter in the building's life opened thanks to businessman John Ruan III. He aimed to turn the city into the "food capital of the world" and initiated a major campaign to restore the then-vacant library into the headquarters for the World Food Prize. More than $30 million in private and public investment was raised to restore its historic appearance and modernize the facilities. The World Food Prize Foundation signed a 100-year lease for the building in 2009.

The World Food Prize itself was founded in 1987 by Norman Borlaug, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. As an agronomist, he understood the importance of recognizing those who work to solve the problem of global hunger. The Hall of Laureates, which officially opened in 2011 for the 25th anniversary of the prize, has become a symbol of international recognition for these efforts, honoring outstanding individuals regardless of their nationality or religion.

To leisurely explore all the exhibits, study the architectural details, and stroll through the garden, visitors typically need 1 to 2 hours. This is usually enough time to participate in a standard tour and independently visit the key halls.

Guided group tours usually last about 45–60 minutes. If you plan to study the interactive materials about the "Green Revolution" in detail or are a connoisseur of historic architecture who wants to take many photos, you might want to set aside a bit more time for your visit.

The Hall of Laureates is open for free public visits during limited hours. Free tours are typically held on Tuesdays at fixed times: 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:30 PM. On other weekdays (Wednesday and Thursday), visits are primarily possible by prior appointment for organized groups.

Monday, Friday, and weekends — Saturday and Sunday — are usually closed for tour services. Since the building is often used for private conferences and official receptions, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website before planning your visit.

Exploring the surroundings of the Hall of Laureates can significantly enrich your travel experience. The area around the waterfront and the historic center is filled with architectural landmarks and memorials that reveal the history and culture of the region.