Landmark artwork welcomes world to Houston while celebrating Houston Museum District

HOUSTON, TX (June 15,2026)  — As Houston welcomes visitors from around the globe for the FIFA World Cup, Children's Museum Houston proudly unveiled a vibrant new mural celebrating the Houston Museum District, the spirit of exploration, and the limitless potential of young minds.

Selected as the host site for the official mural, Children's Museum Houston was chosen to represent the collective impact of Houston's renowned Museum District.  A destination where science, culture, art ,history, and innovation inspire millions of visitors each year.

Created by Houston artist Elizabeth "Liz" Umanzor, the large-scale mural transforms the exterior of the Museum into a colorful tribute to curiosity and discovery. Through the eyes and hands of a child, the artwork illustrates the wonder of learning and the interconnected experiences which define the district.

The mural features imagery inspired by science, nature, art, and exploration, including fossils, crystals, butterflies, native wildlife, creative expression, and space exploration. Together, these elements celebrate Houston as a global city where innovation, education, and cultural exchange flourish.

"This mural celebrates the museum district as a place where imagination, discovery, and culture come together," said artist Elizabeth Umanzor. "Through the eyes and hands of a child, the artwork reflects the spirit of the Children's Museum and the endless possibilities that begin with curiosity."

The unveiling comes as Houston welcomes international visitors, athletes, and fans during one of the world's largest sporting events. Positioned near the heart of the Museum District, the mural serves as a visual reminder that Houston's greatest strength lies not only in its global prominence, but also in its commitment to inspiring future generations.

"We are incredibly honored that Children's Museum Houston was selected to host this mural on behalf of Houston's Museum District," said Rayanne Darensbourg, CEO of Children's Museum Houston. "The artwork beautifully captures what unites all of our cultural institutions: the belief that curiosity sparks discovery, discovery inspires innovation, and innovation changes the world. As visitors from around the globe experience Houston during the FIFA World Cup, this mural proudly showcases the creativity, diversity, and collaborative spirit which make our city extraordinary."

For Children's Museum Houston, the mural also serves as a reflection of its mission to improve the trajectories of children through innovative, child-centered learning. Everyday, the Museum welcomes children and families to imagine, create, experiment, and explore.  These values are vividly represented throughout the artwork.

Museum leaders hope themural will become a destination for visitors, families, and Museum District guests throughout the FIFA World Cup festivities and beyond, offering a colorful backdrop for photos and a lasting symbol of Houston's commitment to learning, culture, and community.

_{ABOUT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM HOUSTON}

_{Winner of 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, winner of Good Housekeeping’s “Best Family Travel Award” four years in a row (2023 to 2026), voted “Houston’s Best Museum” in Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best Awards two years in a row (2023and 2024), winner of Tripadvisor “2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards,” only American continent finalist in 2023 Hands On! Children in Museums International Award, listed among Forbes, LA Times and USA Today’s “Best Children’s Museums in the U.S.,” The Culture Trip’s “Top Museum and Landmark to Visit in Houston” and one of “Houston’s Must-See Museums” by Travel Channel, Children’s Museum Houston isa Playground for Your Mind™.  It is dedicated to improving the trajectories of children in Greater Houston through innovative, child-centered learning. Founded in 1980 and housed in a whimsical building designed by internationally acclaimed architect Robert Venturi, Children’s Museum Houston offers a multitude of innovative exhibits and bilingual learning programs for kids ages birth to 12 years. The Museum is a501(c)(3) organization. SUMMER HOURS are Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Aug. 10, 2026. For more information, visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138.  Can your mind come out to play?™}‍