Audiences enjoy excellent sight lines with this seating design and no seat is further than 145 feet from center stage. Two spectacular, triangle shaped lobbies with 50 foot ceilings, glass walls, skylights and walkways complete the public areas of the building. The Civic Center also has a flexible performance and meeting space called The Stoner Studio Theater . Located on the ground level, the theater seats as many as 200 people. On the adjacent block west of the Civic Center stands Nollen Plaza.
Wide steps surrounding the pool provide audience seating areas.
The Crusoe Umbrella, designed by Cleas Oldenburg, stands on the northeast corner of the Plaza. The steel sculpture was purchased with private contributions and a matching grant by the National Endowment for the Arts. It has become the cornerstone of Des Moines' downtown redevelopment. The Civic Center is the performing home of the Des Moines Symphony, Drama Workshop, Stage West, and the Civic Music Association. Since opening 19 years ago, the Civic Center has been host to major Broadway touring companies, performers and groups.