Blank Park Zoo Announces Statewide Art Project – 60th Anniversary
blank Park Zoo Launches Statewide Art Initiative with Lion Sculptures
Table of Contents
– Updated for evergreen relevance as of December 27, 2025.
Roar & Explore: A Public Art Celebration
As part of its 60th anniversary,Blank Park Zoo is initiating “Roar & Explore,” a public art project spanning the state of Iowa. The initiative invites artists to submit designs to be painted on large-scale steel lion sculptures.
The zoo’s maintenance team constructed the lion sculptures, and the project aims to feature the work of 20 Iowa artists. Submissions are currently being accepted through the zoo’s website.
Installation and Display Timeline
Completed artwork is scheduled to be installed in April. The sculptures will then be displayed at various locations throughout Iowa through Labor Day.
New Lion Habitat Opening
the “Roar & Explore” project coincides with the opening of the marjorie A. Foster Lion Conservation Center at Blank Park Zoo. This new center will triple the zoo’s existing lion habitat, providing a significantly expanded space for the animals.