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Mixed Emotions Exhibit Grand Opening

July 29, 2026

A giant locked vault, emotional clues, and one unforgettable ceremony officially open emotional intelligence exhibit!

July 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Occidental

 

WHAT:  

What happens when our emotions get locked away? Children's Museum Houston invites media to witness the official opening of “Mixed Emotions,” an all-new interactive exhibit inspired by the idea that every emotion deserves to be understood, not hidden away.

 

The ceremony will feature a one-of-a-kind visual as Museum leaders stand before a giant vault filled with"emotions" which has been securely locked shut. To unlock it, participants must first become Emotion Detectives, solving a series of playful emotional clues by identifying facial expressions, body language, and feelings. With every clue solved, another lock is released until the vault finally opens, revealing “Mixed Emotions” and officially welcoming families inside.

 

The interactive ceremony symbolizes the exhibit's central message: when we recognize, understand, and talk about our emotions, we unlock empathy, resilience, and stronger relationships.

 

WHY:  

Whether guests arrive grinning from ear to ear, feeling butterflies in their stomach, or simply having one of those days, they'll discover hands-on experiences which help them identify emotions, understand how feelings affect the brain and body, build empathy, strengthen relationships, and realize there's no such thing as a "wrong" feeling. After all, the best way to unlock emotional intelligence... is to start with the combination that's been inside us all along!

 

VISUALS INCLUDE:

  • A dramatic oversized vault secured with multiple locks.
  • Giant "emotions" locked safely inside the vault.
  • An interactive Emotion Detective challenge to solve emotional clues.
  • The ceremonial unlocking of the exhibit.
  • Colorful hands-onexhibit experiences and family interactions.

 

WHO:

  • Rayanne Darensbourg, CEO, Children's Museum Houston
  • Babatunde Cole, Vice President, Investor Relations, Occidental

 

WHEN:

Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.