About the Old Capitol Cultural District

Designated in 2004, the Old Capitol Cultural District was one of the first cultural and entertainment districts certified by the State of Iowa. The district focuses on the heart of Iowa City, which includes the University of Iowa's Pentacrest, the site of Iowa's first state capitol, as well as the central downtown business district. Known for its charming Pedestrian Plaza, downtown Iowa City is full of specialty shops, cultural venues, historic buildings, an impressive public library and the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk. The district extends south to the Johnson County Courthouse, East to College Green Park, and north into the Northside Neighborhood. It perfectly exemplifies the balance of culture and commerce that earned Iowa City the distinction of being the third Best Metro Area out of 168, awarded by Forbes Magazine in 2004.