Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

Prior to the construction of the Des Moines Civic Center, KRNT Theater, named for local radio station KRNT, was the main cultural venue. It unexpectedly closed in 1972. Its closure caused many touring productions, including musicals, bands, and artists, to skip Des Moines. Attempts to pass a referendum to open a new publicly-owned civic center in 1974 failed. In spite of this, a new not-for-profit corporation was formed to build the civic auditorium anyway. The city's largest fundraising effort at the time raised $9.3 million to build the Civic Center in fewer than 90 days. The Des Moines Civic Center was built on a lot donated by the city of Des Moines, but was built with private funding. Construction began in 1977. The civic center officially opened on June 10, 1979. Its first performance was by the Des Moines Ballet on June 14. == Design ==

The stage is high and wide. Backstage there are ten dressing rooms. The theater has two lobbies, each of which has a ceiling height of , skylights, glass walls, and skywalks connecting the theater with most of downtown Des Moines. ==Series==

• Willis Broadway Series • Des Moines Symphony • The Dance Series • Wellmark Family Series • Applause Series • Temple Comedy Series • Live at the Temple Concert Series • Lunch Unplugged • Smart Talk Connected Conversations ==References==