Des Moines, Iowa: Giant Garden Trowel (Gone)

23 feet tall, with its blade stuck into plant-friendly Iowa dirt. Sculpture by Claes Oldenburg (1929-2022) and Coosje van Bruggen. Removed September 2025.

Directions:: West edge of downtown. On the north side of Locust St. just west of its intersection with 17th St.
Hours:: Removed Sept 2025.
Admission:: Free
Status:: Gone

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Visitor Tips and News About Giant Garden Trowel

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Giant Garden Trowel.

Giant Garden Trowel

The Giant Garden Trowel is very close to the sculpture park in a pretty area.

[Cyndi Mac, 06/17/2025]

Trowel.

Giant Garden Trowel

The garden trowel is 23 feet tall.

[Ben F., 12/03/2017]

Trowel.

Giant Garden Trowel

Downtown Des Moines is home to a giant outdoor garden trowel. Named "Plantoir," it was built by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen in 2001. It's over 23 feet tall and weighs 2300 pounds. It was purchased by the Meredith Corporation (which publishes Better Homes and Gardens magazine) and is just west of their office building.

[signmanjoe, 11/15/2014]