See inside giant, inflatable art in downtown Des Moines

A labyrinth-like maze that’s half the size of a football field appeared in Cowles Commons earlier this week has opened to the public.

The inflatable walk-in art structure, “Arboria Luminarium,” comes from the United Kingdom in partnership with Des Moines Performing Arts.

It displays radiant colors, light and sound via tunnels and multiple domes exceeding 30 feet in height.

Here's what we saw when we visited:

The project asks observers to remove their shoes, step through an airlock and explore “a dazzling maze of winding paths and cavernous domes where visitors are invited to wander, lie down, or sit and enjoy the ambiance.”

Entry to the Luminarium costs $5 per person. The inflatable sculpture will be open Sept 22-25, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Cowles Commons downtown, 221 Walnut St.

As of Wednesday afternoon, advance tickets were still available on the Des Moines Performing Arts website. Walk-up tickets are available for all days/times.

— Tim Meinch contributed to this report