Hoyt Sherman Place
Hoyt Sherman Place
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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150 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
52 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Mko
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Friends
Is this place beautiful? Yes. Are the concerts intimate and up close? Yes. Are there any bad seats in the house? No. However, due to the theater venue people are shamed when they stand at a concert that is rocking. We are not talking about the symphony or a play. I think this should be addressed as I will not return to see a concert.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IowaMum
Des Moines, IA541 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
I have seen many Nutcracker, ballet recitals and recently, Civic Music concerts at Hoyt Sherman. If you arrive early, the best parking is in the parking lots for the venue to the east of the theater. If that is looking full, there is also street parking on Woodland and up north on 15th and into the Sherman Hill neighborhood. You can enter the theater from the lower entry off the parking lot, which is also where the woman's bathroom is and walk up the inside stairs, or you can walk up the outside stairway to the upper, more grand entrance with three outside doors. The main floor seating has entrances off that main front entrance with the upper seating access from stairs up from there. The men's bathroom is up a level. At intermission, often the refreshments or merchandise will be available in the "house" part of the building to the west and you can view the wonderful artwork and paintings which belong to the house and to the old family which lived there in the Des Moines heyday of the 1880's and pre- world wars. Concerts at Hoyt Sherman are a real treat. It is not very large and so most seats seem intimate. I love the front, center and side seats of the main floor for a small concert and the front of the balcony "box" seats for a larger or louder concert. It's a lovely, graceful venue.
Written May 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iowa50021
Ankeny, IA111 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
I enjoy the intimacy of smaller venue concert experiences and Hoyt Sherman offers good sound quality in a beautiful, historically significant setting. This summer I saw Emily Barker and Mary Chapin Carpenter perform, and I returned last week to hear Rodriguez. I love the look of the seats, but I wish they were arranged to provide more leg room for my companions and me.
Written October 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrenCesca
Canberra, Australia76 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
We visited Hoyt Sherman Place in large part because the website states that visitors can stop in for a self-guided tour during business hours. It certainly implies that this includes the theatre, which looks magnificent in the photos. However, the theatre was completely unlit, and when we asked about having some lights switched on, the woman was either unable or unwilling to do anything (we didn’t find out which). So we had to be content with using the flashlight on our phone to get some idea of the features.
Other than that we had a short tour of the rest of the house, and its art and furniture. It was impressive enough and a very attractive house, but certainly not enough to justify a trip on its own. Had we know the theatre couldn’t be seen, we wouldn’t have bothered going.
Tip: It would be worth calling beforehand to find out whether the theatre can or will be lit when you visit.
Other than that we had a short tour of the rest of the house, and its art and furniture. It was impressive enough and a very attractive house, but certainly not enough to justify a trip on its own. Had we know the theatre couldn’t be seen, we wouldn’t have bothered going.
Tip: It would be worth calling beforehand to find out whether the theatre can or will be lit when you visit.
Written October 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
373rhonda
Milwaukee, WI76 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
We came to DesMoines from Milwaukee for a concert not knowing anything about this venue. Based on pics, we knew it was an older/vintage place. I sure wish we would have arrived earlier to take in all it's beauty. There's so much more than a concert/theater. Not only is the place stunning, but the people who worked there are very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Arrive early would be my suggestion to anyone coming here for an event.
Written March 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris L
Victor, IA85 contributions
May 2018 • Family
We love this amazing place and all its charm-balcony is a great place to view it all. The staff was rude in all my encounters this time in. It was a dance recital and they acted disdained by the crowd and by the dancers. No smiles or pleasantries what so ever. Disappointing at such a fun event.
Written June 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter I
Chicago423 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
The acoustics are very good here. If you sir high on the balcony, it is hard to see the front of the stage.
Written September 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oceanfish
Iowa144 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
Attended a country concert there recently. The sound was great and it is a nice, intimate venue but I don't think I would return here for a country concert because you can't move around.
PROS:
The home/building itself is beautiful and worth checking out.
The acoustics are great.
Valet parking is available.
They sell beer $6, wine $6, pop and water (I don't remember the price of pop and water) and beverages can be taken into the theater area.
You can pay cash for drinks or buy tickets if you need to use a credit card.
They have handicap seating up front.
There is an elevator in the building.
CONS:
The seating area for concerts is pretty cramped. The seats are close together and rather small. If you have to get out during the concert, you're neighbors will need to stand up to let you out in most cases. We had aisle seats. I would not like to have middle seats. Too squishy!
There is no place up front for dancing.
It is pretty dark in the theater. If you go in to find your seat after the concert starts, you'll need to be shown the way with a flashlight.
The volunteers working were all friendly and helpful.
Parking is not good. Very few handicap spaces, which fill up fast and a tiny parking lot. You'll most likely need to park on a side street and walk up, as noted in other reviews.
Too few bathrooms. Only one women's bathroom with 4 stalls (one is handicap accessible but the hallway into the bathroom is pretty tight) and it is located downstairs by the box office. Tromping back and forth to the bathroom was a pain. For guys there is one bathroom upstairs and a one-stall bathroom on the main level near the area where drinks are sold. There were very long lines for the men's bathroom as well as the women's.
There really aren't any hotels within walking distance that we saw.
Overall, this is a beautiful venue and would be great for certain events, but for concerts where you want to move around, it isn't ideal.
PROS:
The home/building itself is beautiful and worth checking out.
The acoustics are great.
Valet parking is available.
They sell beer $6, wine $6, pop and water (I don't remember the price of pop and water) and beverages can be taken into the theater area.
You can pay cash for drinks or buy tickets if you need to use a credit card.
They have handicap seating up front.
There is an elevator in the building.
CONS:
The seating area for concerts is pretty cramped. The seats are close together and rather small. If you have to get out during the concert, you're neighbors will need to stand up to let you out in most cases. We had aisle seats. I would not like to have middle seats. Too squishy!
There is no place up front for dancing.
It is pretty dark in the theater. If you go in to find your seat after the concert starts, you'll need to be shown the way with a flashlight.
The volunteers working were all friendly and helpful.
Parking is not good. Very few handicap spaces, which fill up fast and a tiny parking lot. You'll most likely need to park on a side street and walk up, as noted in other reviews.
Too few bathrooms. Only one women's bathroom with 4 stalls (one is handicap accessible but the hallway into the bathroom is pretty tight) and it is located downstairs by the box office. Tromping back and forth to the bathroom was a pain. For guys there is one bathroom upstairs and a one-stall bathroom on the main level near the area where drinks are sold. There were very long lines for the men's bathroom as well as the women's.
There really aren't any hotels within walking distance that we saw.
Overall, this is a beautiful venue and would be great for certain events, but for concerts where you want to move around, it isn't ideal.
Written March 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tenniskill
Winterset, IA98 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
I have seen countless shows across the United States, probably totaling 600+ concerts. My favorite place or stage to witness any show has and always will be Hoyt Sherman. Not only do you get to experience this intricate beauty nestled in the earliest developments of Des Moines but the sound quality is pristine. I have not yet had the experience of touring Hoyt but for concerts this is thee place you want to experience any band you are passionate about. Perfect seating, advanced lighting, wonderful and seasoned staff, and an ambience you will not soon forget. Many times its hard to believe you are in Iowa here... but rather Nashville back in the early 1900's.
Written March 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jjctraveler
Chesterfield, MO3,837 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
I visited Hoyt Sherman Place for the guided tour and just happened to arrive during a Women’s club luncheon. The nice lady at the desk gave me a brochure and said I could wander around so I explored the house on my own. It’s difficult to describe, there is a small house that was added onto multiple times for the women’s club, including a large theater. There is art everywhere and everyone was very welcoming. When I had finished walking around the luncheon had ended so she personally took me around and explained how they were restoring the art work, told me stories about the house and the history and pointed out many things I had missed. I was so glad I had stopped by since I love history and I learned more about Des Moines than I expected. Well worth a visit and the friendlies people in town.
There is ample free parking in a lot to the East of the theater and they allow photography.
There is ample free parking in a lot to the East of the theater and they allow photography.
Written October 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MOcat01
Clinton, IA11 contributions
how is it there for a rock type band we are in roll 3 middle of the place?
Relax49415
Ankeny, IA
What time does will call ticket office open 9/1
IowaMum
Des Moines, IA541 contributions
Hello, I don't know for sure and the website does not say, but will call office typically open an hour before a show and the website does say you can call with questions. Good luck!
HuskerTod
Adel, IA2 contributions
Parking nearby
TravelingDays
Cedar Rapids, IA162 contributions
Parking is in a lot right next to the building. It was free at the show I attended.
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Claim your listingHoyt Sherman Place - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hoyt Sherman Place
- Hoyt Sherman Place is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Hoyt Sherman Place:
- (0.03 mi) Downtown Des Moines
- (0.58 mi) Des Lux Hotel
- (0.75 mi) Surety Hotel
- (0.53 mi) Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (0.77 mi) Hilton Des Moines Downtown
- Restaurants near Hoyt Sherman Place:
- (0.11 mi) A Dong Restaurant
- (0.11 mi) Lua Brewing
- (0.11 mi) Carls Place
- (0.18 mi) Aposto
- (0.17 mi) HomeGrown