Nature’s algorithm

Internationally acclaimed Dutch artist Leon Keer brings his signature anamorphic style to Des Moines with an 8,000+ square foot mural that blends hyper-realism with augmented reality (AR). Keer’s mural 901 Grand is made possible thanks to a dynamic collaboration with Principal Financial Group. Through a free iOS app developed by the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, viewers can watch the mural come to life, adding a layer of interactivity that’s never been seen before in our city.

This mural celebrates Iowa’s landscapes and heritage, featuring vintage televisions that display scenes curated in collaboration with the City of Des Moines, Pella Historical Museums & Tulip Time, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Madison County Tourism and the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge.

This installation marks the beginning of a broader initiative to bring AR-compatible murals to Des Moines, creating new opportunities for local and regional artists to engage with technology and storytelling in public spaces. GDMPAF’s collaboration with Principal has been essential in bringing this vision to life. Their commitment to community vibrancy and creative placemaking is evident not only in their support of this mural but in their broader efforts to foster spaces where imagination and connection thrive. As Beth Wood, Chief Marketing Officer at Principal, shared, “This mural reflects our long-standing belief that the arts and imagination can help shape a brighter future.”

The mural will be owned and maintained by Principal and will remain in place for at least six years. The unveiling was celebrated with the Turn It On! Mural Festival, a free public event held on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

The new GDMPAF app was made possible by contributions from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Iowa Arts Council, the Kyle and Sharon Krause Family Foundation, and the Vermeer Charitable Foundation.

iOS users (iPhone and iPad) Download App now to see the augmented reality when visiting this work in person.