A parking garage in downtown Des Moines is getting a hyper-realistic makeover.
An 8,000-plus square-foot mural is being painted on one of the parking garages serving Principal Financial Group’s 901 Grand building. The project is a collaboration between the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation and Principal Financial Group. The two have invited renowned Dutch artist Leon Keer to visit Des Moines to paint the mural on the structure at 901 Grand Ave. Keer specializes in anamorphic street art, which distorts two-dimensional images to appear 3D from certain angles.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Leon Keer, whose public art installations have been featured around the globe,” said Alexa McCarthy, Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation Director.
Keer has created murals across Europe, Mexico, Russia, and more.
What makes the 901 Grand mural special?
The mural will join the dozens of others around downtown, but this one will be enhanced with an augmented reality layer that animates the painting. Those passing by can use a new, free iOS app developed by the foundation to see the mural come to life.
“Keer’s mural with AR technology is groundbreaking for the Des Moines metro,” McCarthy said in a news release. The foundation expects to expand the technology to other murals around Des Moines in the future.
With its headquarters across the street, Principal Financial Group will own and maintain the mural for at least six years.
“At Principal, we’re committed to driving positive change in the communities where we live and work,” said Beth Wood, chief marketing officer, Principal. “We are proud to experience how this installation enhances our global headquarters along with Greater Des Moines as we seek to support vibrant spaces where creativity and connection thrive. This mural reflects our long-standing belief that the arts and imagination can help shape a brighter future.”
What will the 901 Grand mural depict?
Keer’s mural on 901 Grand will depict vintage televisions with scenes displaying Iowa landscapes, according to the news release.
He worked with the city of Des Moines, Pella Historical Museums and Tulip Time, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Madison County Tourism and the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge to create the scenes depicted on the screens.
When can I see the mural?
The 901 Grand mural will be showcased on Oct. 18 during the Turn It On! Mural Festival. The free event is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 901 Grand Ave. and is open to the public.
The app for the augmented reality feature will also launch during the festival, marking the first time the mural will “come to life.”
Kate Kealey is the growth and development reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: New augmented reality mural coming to downtown Des Moines. How to join to ‘turn it on.’
Reporting by Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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