Salisbury House (Des Moines, Iowa)

Salisbury House is a historic house museum located in Des Moines, Iowa. Built in the 1920s by cosmetics magnate Carl Weeks and his wife, Edith Van Slyke Weeks, the house is designed to resemble a 15th-century English manor house. It is named after Salisbury Cathedral in England, which was a major source of inspiration for its architectural design.

The house contains a significant collection of original art, antiques, and rare books, many of which were acquired by the Weeks family during their travels in Europe and the United States. The collection includes works by artists such as Anthony van Dyck, Peter Paul Rubens, and Thomas Gainsborough, as well as a substantial library featuring first editions and illuminated manuscripts.

Salisbury House is open to the public for guided tours and hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and exhibitions. It is also a popular venue for weddings and private events. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is operated by the Salisbury House Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the house and its collections for future generations. The foundation relies on donations, memberships, and event revenue to support its mission. The house represents a significant example of Tudor Revival architecture and provides insight into the lifestyle and collecting habits of wealthy Americans during the early 20th century.