The Brass Armadillo Antique Mall in Des Moines, Iowa, is not your typical antique store—it’s more like a sprawling indoor treasure hunt that invites visitors to wander for hours. As one of the original locations of the Brass Armadillo chain, which began in 1992, this store helped pioneer the concept of large-scale antique malls where hundreds of independent dealers gather under one roof.
Numerous Booths and Sellers
Walking through its doors, the first thing that stands out is the sheer size. This Des Moines antique store location spans roughly 36,000 square feet and houses more than 300 individual dealers, each operating their own booth filled with unique finds. This massive setup creates a constantly changing inventory, so no two visits are ever quite the same. It’s easy to see why people describe the experience as a “treasure hunt”—every aisle offers something unexpected, from rare collectibles to everyday vintage charm.
Mantiques Galore
One of the biggest draws of the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall is its incredible variety. Shoppers can find everything from fine antique furniture and vintage quilts to primitive art, glassware, and porcelain. For fans of “mantiques”—a playful term for collectibles often associated with traditionally masculine interests—the store delivers in spades. There are booths dedicated to sports memorabilia, die-cast cars, retro advertising, and pop culture items like Star Wars or classic Western collectibles. Whether you’re hunting for a mid-century desk, a vintage tool set, or a nostalgic piece of Americana, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble across it here.
Art and décor also play a major role in the store’s appeal. While the selection can vary depending on vendors, visitors often encounter everything from rustic wall hangings to unique handcrafted pieces and antique paintings. The mix of styles—ranging from Victorian to mid-century modern—means the store caters to both serious collectors and casual decorators looking to add character to their homes.
Furniture is another standout category. Entire booths are devoted to dressers, tables, chairs, and cabinets, many of which are fully restored or ready for DIY refinishing projects. Because the mall brings together so many sellers, shoppers can compare styles and prices in a single visit, something that’s rare in smaller antique shops. This makes it an especially appealing destination for people furnishing a home with vintage or one-of-a-kind pieces.
Awesome Antique Store
Despite its size, the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall is known for being well-organized and approachable. Visitors often note that the space is clean and easy to navigate, with clearly defined vendor sections and helpful staff available when needed. The store is open daily, giving shoppers plenty of time to explore at their own pace.
Ultimately, what makes the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall in Des Moines special is its blend of scale and personality. It combines the excitement of a flea market with the structure of a retail store, creating an experience that appeals to collectors, decorators, and curious browsers alike. Whether you’re searching for serious antiques, quirky mantiques, art, or furniture, it’s the kind of place where you never leave empty-handed—or at the very least, never leave uninspired.
