Project Statement
The William G. Stowe Foundation is proud to help bring internationally acclaimed artist Jordan Weber’s Water Curia to life in Des Moines Water Works Park. This 20-foot-tall circular pavilion will not only enhance the city’s already impressive public art collection—it will also serve as an open-air classroom and community gathering space, inviting people of all ages to engage with water in imaginative and meaningful ways.
Water Curia will be located along Fleur Drive between Gray’s Lake and the Lauridsen Amphitheater, nestled among the trees of Water Works Park. Large natural stones will anchor the sculpture, gradually transitioning to smaller stones that illustrate how water is filtered through the park’s underground gallery system. At night, a soft halo of LED lighting will illuminate the pavilion, casting warm, welcoming shadows that invite motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians into this symbolic gateway to the city.
While strikingly sculptural, Water Curia is ultimately about education. Designed in collaboration with a team led by Drake University’s School of Education, it will host rotating exhibits and interactive programming focused on water, ecology, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a biker, a concertgoer, a student, or a curious passerby, each visit will offer something new—sparking curiosity, deepening understanding, and inspiring exploration.
Water Curia will also serve as a starting point for broader journeys. Its presence is designed to draw visitors deeper into the park and beyond—to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Science Center of Iowa, the future ICON Water Trails, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Des Moines Art Center, and other iconic destinations that make Central Iowa exceptional.
This project reflects the William G. Stowe Foundation’s mission to foster collaboration and catalyze positive change. By blending art, education, and the environment, Water Curia exemplifies how Central Iowa continues to redefine what it means to live, learn, and connect—fully and purposefully.
Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
Water Curia
Fleur Drive
The four stainless steel threshold jambs located on the north half of the structure have been Cut out by Raccoon River Profile located in Des Moines, Iowa. The void space of the river then integrates a water featuring, that provides an auditory buffer from the Park and Fleur Drive to the east.
Continuing Education
The William G. Stowe Foundation: Advancing Environmental Stewardship Through Education and Community Engagement
The William G. Stowe Foundation champions the stewardship of land and water by promoting environmental education and community enrichment. Committed to empowering people of all ages, the Foundation provides the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to protect water and other vital natural resources.
Guided by an Educational Advisory Board, the Foundation will identify, support, and amplify initiatives that align with its mission. Its educational priorities include:
• Promoting the protection and sustainable use of water and natural resources
• Inspiring students of diverse backgrounds to pursue STEM education and careers in environmental fields
• Fostering environmental awareness and advocacy across communities
The Foundation will provide guidance and support for programs associated with Water Curia , the Jordan Weber-designed installation and learning space within the learning center at Des Moines Water Works Park . In addition to activities centered around this space, the Foundation plans to:
• Support or develop environmental curricula for children and adults
• Create and promote events that raise awareness of environmental challenges
• Facilitate public engagement and learning aligned with the Foundation’s mission
• Encourage participation from individuals of all backgrounds, with special attention to inclusive outreach
• Lead or assist with fundraising efforts that sustain and expand educational programming
$1,892,182 $100,000 $140,000 $2,132,182