West Des Moines Unveils Five New Valley Junction Murals
The new mural collection marks the first phase of the Vivid Junction initiative to increase district vibrancy.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Philanthropy
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West Des Moines has premiered five new murals located along Fifth Street in the historic Valley Junction district. These installations serve as the inaugural phase of the Vivid Junction initiative, a project aimed at revitalizing the area.
Why it matters
The murals aim to bring cultural vibrancy to the historic district while reflecting public aesthetic preferences collected during the design selection process. This project demonstrates how private-public partnerships can drive local revitalization efforts through community-focused art.
The mural phase, titled Off the Rails, carries a total project cost of $154,000. These five art installations were financed through a $100,000 contribution from Microsoft, a $50,000 grant from Bravo Greater Des Moines, and $4,000 from the city.
The players
Microsoft
This global technology corporation maintains a significant corporate presence and frequently participates in community development funding.
Bravo Greater Des Moines
This organization acts as a primary funding body that supports arts, culture, and heritage programs throughout the Des Moines metropolitan region.
Historic Valley Junction Foundation
This foundation manages the preservation and promotion of the historic district through various design and development committees.
The details
Located at 127, 131, 208, 214, and 233 Fifth Street, the designs were selected by the Historic Valley Junction Foundation's Design Committee after gathering community feedback via social media. The initiative serves as the initial phase of the larger Vivid Junction project.
Timeline
The five new murals were officially premiered in West Des Moines on Oct. 9, 2026.
Market Landscape
This mural project follows a pattern set by national creative placemaking initiatives, which prioritize public-private art investment to revitalize local business districts. By securing major corporate and municipal grants, the project shifts the district's aesthetic profile to remain competitive with other regional shopping destinations.
The introduction of these murals adds new visual interest to the Fifth Street corridor, potentially increasing foot traffic for local businesses in Valley Junction. Residents and visitors can now view the completed artwork at all five designated street addresses.
The takeaway
Large-scale public art projects often rely on collaborative funding models to overcome budget constraints. Communities can replicate this success by engaging local stakeholders and utilizing social media to ensure the final output aligns with public design preferences.
Further reading
Learn more about local community investment efforts in the West Des Moines Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Des Moines Register.
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