05/28/2026
In 1955, the east side of the Des Moines Public Library (now the Hall of Laureates) changed dramatically: the fountain area was demolished and the east staircase was removed! 🏗️⚒️
During the World Food Prize Foundation’s restoration of the building, both features were brought back to life. The east staircase was rebuilt using stone reclaimed from railroad bridges in Minnesota and the original fountain was reinstalled to honor the building’s historic east façade. ✨
Now we all can enjoy this piece of the past, thoughtfully restored for the future! 🏛️
🖤 ➡️ 💖