BOREALIS

Once a poorly lit, dreary, concrete wasteland, bordered with parking ramps and lots on all exposed sides, the underside of downtown Des Moines’ 8th Street Viaduct near Mulberry St. has been transformed by a new public art project. Operation Downtown engaged Group Creative Services to lead a call for artists to transform this space with a bright, artful installation. 

Downtown Des Moines workers, residents, and visitors can experience,” a gently shifting light experience meant to remind viewers of the Northern Lights. “Borealis” was created by Alex Braden, an installation artist and musician, was selected after an application process that drew more than 30 national and local artists. Braden used advanced color-changing technology available to durable architectural lights to create the experience. The fixtures are weather-sealed and tamper-resistant and fitted to the viaduct to transition between colors. 

“Borealis” is visible in the evenings at the Eighth Street Viaduct underneath the bridge at Eighth and Cherry Streets. The installation advances Operation Downtown’s mission to keep Downtown safe, clean, welcoming, and beautiful by adding inviting public art and creative placemaking to brighten the viaduct. Public art can create a greater connection between people and place, serve as an effective tool for improving security, and offer additional benefits such as improved community climate and support. 

The installation is primarily funded by Operation Downtown, with additional support from Polk County, the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation and EMC Insurance Companies.