World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

Iowa carries the proud role of being one of the greatest food suppliers and innovators in the United States and abroad, and in 1986, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Normal Borlaug conceived the idea of the World Food Prize to emphasize the importance of innovation and creation in the fields of agriculture and food supply. Professor M. S. Swaminathan from India was the first World Food Prize laureate in 1987 for his creation of high-yielding wheat and rice varieties that led to India’s Green Revolution. Since then, many acclaimed individuals have received recognition for their world-changing work, and visitors looking to explore the World Food Prize and the state of agriculture in the world can travel to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in downtown Des Moines. Located on the Des Moines River in the century-old Des Moines Public Library building, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates serves as a world-class museum recognizing achievements in agriculture and fighting hunger as well as an education facility that features interactive displays on food security and hunger.

History of the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

The location of the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in the old Des Moines Public Library building dates back to the City Beautiful Movement in the late 1890s and early 1900s. As part of the City Beautiful Movement, citizens and public officials sought to beautify the Des Moines Principal Riverwalk along the river, and one building that stood out for its Beaux-Arts style was the Des Moines Public Library. 

This building opened in 1903, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The Library continued in the building until 2006, when it moved to a larger and more modern space. The Norman E. Borlaug World Food Prize Hall of Laureates moved in shortly afterwards. 

At the time the World Food Prize took the building, it was in dire need of restoration, and the World Food Prize took on a nearly $29.8 million capital project to restore it. 

Within the building, visitors can discover a stunning Beaux-Arts style that is both classy and engaging, and the museum and exhibit surroundings celebrate a spirit of giving. Thus, with the help of the World Food Prize, this historic Iowa building has been fully restored and preserved.₁

Since the World Food Prize began in 1987, some of the honoree’s achievements have included the founding of Operation Flood, the development of “miracle rice,” development of Africa's first sorghum hybrids that are resistant to drought and witchweed, implementation of micro-irrigation in arid and dry land regions, and many others.₂

Touring the Building

One of the most attractive aspects of the Hall of Laureates is the world-class museum that showcases a variety of exhibits focused on agriculture and hunger. The Ruan Laureate Room tells the story of the World Food Prize as well as the history of agriculture. The Agricultural Leader Squinches in this room feature some of the greatest agricultural leaders throughout human history, while the stained glass globe illustrates the 12 locations around the world where food production and agriculture originated.₃ 

On the Mezzanine level of the building, the Iowa Gallery relates the story of Iowa’s own extensive agricultural and humanitarian heritage. After a day of exploring the various rooms in the museum as part of a free guided or self-guided tour, visitors are encouraged to take a stroll through the gardens. These gardens were designed by the nationally recognized landscape architect Doug Hoerr, and they offer a serene refuge along the Des Moines river.₄ 

1.) http://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/hall_of_laureates/welcome_to_the_hall_of_laureates/about/ 2.) http://www.worldfoodprize.org/index.cfm?nodeID=74183&audienceID=1 3.) http://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/hall_of_laureates/explore/ruan_laureate_room/ 4.) http://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/hall_of_laureates/explore/the_gardens/