Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden Dome Stakes a Colorful Spot on Des Moines’ Downtown Skyline

The Challenge

For 45 years, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden stood as a beautiful addition to the skyline of Iowa’s capital city – until sunset, when its 80-foot-high geodesic-domed conservatory disappeared into darkness. The nonprofit organization’s leadership team went searching for a lighting solution that would make their facility every bit as colorful, vibrant, and eye-catching at night as its plants are during the day.

The Solution

In July 2024, the Botanical Garden introduced an innovative and energy-efficient lighting solution to make the landmark a round-the-clock visual attraction. The Botanical Garden team partnered with Musco to install its Total Light Control—TLC for LED™ system with color-changing (RGB) luminaires around the exterior of the dome. With the flick of a switch – or touch of a smartphone – the 150-foot-wide Plexiglas structure glows to life, securing its place along the nighttime skyline and providing a stunning backdrop for evening events. As with the nearby Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, also lit by Musco, the Botanical Garden can be washed in custom colors to celebrate holidays and special causes. Musco’s Control-Link® technology allows facility staff to schedule the lighting system’s hours of operation, and to rotate through a variety of pre-set scenes and lighting effects. The system is covered by a Constant 10™ warranty that eliminates all maintenance costs and concerns until 2034.

We are excited to see the dome get a colorful glow up. It’s another way to denote the Botanical Garden as a point of connection for many, whether it’s for education, entertainment, inspiration, or relaxation.

Kim Perez – President and CEO, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

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