GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 19, 2026) – An interactive public art installation will bring color, music and larger than life game pieces to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) beginning Saturday, Aug. 29. Operation Downtown, in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, is co-presenting the installation with Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) as part of DMPA’s 2026 Hy-Vee Summer Arts Series.

Created in Montreal, Canada, Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid will transform Cowles Commons into a public art experience featuring oversized illuminated dominoes that create a cascade of color and sound as they fall. The installation has also previously appeared in New York City and Denver before making its way to Downtown DSM. It will be installed Friday, Aug. 28 and open to the public on Cowles Commons from Saturday, Aug. 29 through Wednesday, Sept. 30.

"At Des Moines Performing Arts, we believe the best things happen when partners come together around a shared purpose," said DMPA President and CEO Monica Holt. "The Hy-Vee Summer Arts Series is built on making the arts accessible to everyone and Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid is the result: a free, joyful experience on Cowles Commons designed to connect our community in the heart of Downtown. We are thrilled to partner with Operation Downtown, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Hy-Vee to further enliven and inspire Downtown Des Moines."

Spread across multiple stations, Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid invites visitors to interact with the dominoes and create their own experience. The colorful pieces glow, creating especially vibrant moments during evening and early morning hours. Each area also features a unique musical profile, including vocals, percussion, marimba, balafon and flute. Through lights and sounds the installation creates an evolving experience designed to encourage play, creativity and connection.

“Operation Downtown is proud to invest in vibrant public spaces and memorable moments such as Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid because they invite employees, residents and visitors to explore, connect and spend time Downtown,” said Angie Pfannkuch, 2026 Board Chair of Operation Downtown. “Public art adds even more energy to Downtown and new ways to experience familiar spaces. We’re grateful for the continued collaboration with Des Moines Performing Arts and The Partnership that helps make these types of experiences possible.”

“One of the things I love about our Downtown is how much you can experience in a single visit,” said Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development at The Partnership. “You might come for the Downtown Farmers’ Market, the World Food & Music Festival or to visit a favorite restaurant or small business, and along the way, discover something new. Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid is a great example of the welcome surprises we hope to create more of through the Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision Plan and Action Plan — giving people more reasons to explore Downtown, stay a little longer and see where the day takes them. It’s those surprise and delight moments that make Downtown feel unique, lively and welcoming and we are grateful to the partners who help make them possible.”

Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid, a production of Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, is distributed by QDSinternational.

Visit Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid - Des Moines Performing Arts and DowntownDSMUSA.com to learn more.