Des Moines is a modern marvel of a city, with amazing things everywhere you look. Still, it seems like there’s always something new for us to discover – such as one unique museum in Des Moines, Iowa that pays tribute to one of the state’s most significant hometown heroes. Norman Borlaug was an American agronomist who revolutionized agricultural production and has been hailed as a key figure in increasing crop yields and reducing world hunger. He also created the World Food Prize in 1986, which awards key figures in improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is located in Des Moines, in the converted old public library – and a look around reveals this is anything but a standard building. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Des Moines.

A majestic old building, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates has been lovingly restored from the former Des Moines Public Library.
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Outside, you can see two names engraved in the stone - two men who played a key role in the creation of the World Food Prize. Ruan was another Iowa native and served as Chairman Emeritus of the organization.
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Inside, the stately atrium makes you feel like you've walked into an old castle.
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Around the building, you'll see a lot of incredible details like stained glass windows paying tribute to the worlds of food science and agriculture.
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This is a popular event venue for conferences, and it's definitely the best-looking place to have a meeting.
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For visitors, several museum exhibits can be found around the massive building, illuminating a new side of the food we eat.
Terry Winters/Google Local
Once you're done exploring, make sure to take a walk around the grounds for some beautiful sights.
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You can even pay tribute to the man who made it all possible, one of many statues of food legends around the grounds.
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Have you visited the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates? Let us know what you think of this unique museum in Des Moines, Iowa in the comments section! If you’re interested in finding out more, check out the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates website for more on how to visit, and the the museum’s Facebook page for the latest updates. There is so much to do in Des Moines, why not check out the largest restaurant in Iowa? If you’re here on vacation, check into the Surety Hotel for a taste of history and hospitality.

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World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA