Crews Install New Dotdash Meredith Fall Mural on Downtown DSM Building

As you are driving into Downtown Des Moines (DSM) from the west today, you will see a big change happening on the facade of the Dotdash Meredith building. Crews from Beeline+Blue are installing a four-story mural that has been changing seasonally since 2002 and has become a beloved tradition in our community. We know this because when we paused installation this summer, we experienced an outcry from neighbors and media alike, wondering if and when the mural would return. Throughout the years we have heard from parents who discuss it with their kids on the way to school; commuters who try to anticipate the next creative iteration; and employees who know the presence of the lift in front of the windows means the mural will be changed in short order.

The first mural was installed in October 2002 to commemorate Meredith Corporation’s centennial anniversary. It featured bright red poppies, with a tease that simply read, “100 Years” at the bottom. When the celebration was over, the company decided to maintain the tradition. Carrying on the custom of 100-year celebrations, the 2022 summer mural lauded 100 years of Better Homes & Gardens.

The selection process has evolved over time. In the beginning, before digital photography was widely used for our magazines, it was challenging to find images that could be enlarged to that scale. Today we have many more options at our disposal, including those from our content library and brands. Some images used in the past were actually photographs taken by Successful Farming Creative Director Matt Strelecki, who art directed the mural for many years.

Fall 2022 Mural

Now as Dotdash Meredith, we are excited that the mural will celebrate our extensive portfolio of iconic media brands, along with beautiful photos that inspire readers. The fall mural features a road framed in fall foliage from Southern Living. Watch for future images from brands like FOOD & WINE, REAL SIMPLE and more.

Another change since the first mural in 2002 is the proliferation of social media. To take advantage of that evolution, we are now allowing our followers to select each image from a group of curated options. We encourage our Des Moines neighbors to like us on Instagram so you can vote for your favorites.

While the images and process have evolved over time, the constant is a larger-than-life mural that welcomes each new season, surprising and delighting residents and visitors alike.

Named one of 10 Best Cities for High Salaries and Low Cost of Living in the Midwest and a Top 10 Place Where It’s Easiest to Save for Your First Home, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a region where you can have it all. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.