One of Des Moines most beloved landmarks has returned.
On May 5, crews started reassembling Nomade at the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines. One of the park's most photographed and admired sculptures, it has beenabsent from the park since October2025, when it was removed for conservation work.
Nomade, a crouching human form composed of painted stainless‑steel letters from the Latin alphabet, has been at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park since it opened in September 2009. Spanish artist Jaume Plensa created the 27‑foot‑tall sculpture.
Here's what to know about the return of the Nomade.
What renovations were done to the Nomade?
A team of members from the Des Moines Art Center, professional conservators and Des Moines company specializing in metalwork removed the sculpture from the park and disassembled it bolt by bolt, according to aMay 5 news release.
Afterward, they conducted a thorough inspection, which included 100 hours of sandblasting and meticulous repainting of each surface before reassembling the work.
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There will be a ribbon‑cutting to celebrate Nomade’s return on Wednesday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m. Remarks from Des Moines Art Center staff begin at noon, followed by free guided tours, refreshments and a picnic in the park. Thursday, May 21, is the backup date if weather does not cooperate.
Are more renovations coming to sculptures at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park?
Conservation work on Nomade was the first of a series of conservation efforts happening over the next three years, Amy Day, the senior director of communications and marketing at the Des Moines Art Center, told the Register in 2025.
The Register reported in October 2025 that the Des Moines Art Center received a $113,000 Legacy Grant from Prairie Meadows to preserve Nomade and upgrade the park's security and accessibility. The organization also received $50,000 from The Fred Maytag Family Foundation and launched a $500,000 "Friends of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park" campaign, a multi‑year fundraising effort to protect sculptures across the park and improve security and accessibility, the news release said.
"Thanks to Prairie Meadows' leadership and commitment, we can ensure this beloved space remains welcoming and inspiring for generations to come," Dr. Kelly Baum, John and Mary Pappajohn Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Des Moines Art Center, said in the news release.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register:Nomade returns to Des Moines sculpture park after monthslong repairs
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