The countdown is officially on!
In just one week, the wonders of deep space arrive right here in Des Moines. Starting Monday, September 14, 2026, our doors will open for Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope Tactile Exhibit at the Iowa Library for the Blind! The best part? Admission is free!
Whether you’ve always wanted to trace the swirling spiral arms of a distant galaxy, feel the textured birthplace of stars, or explore nebulae through audio and tactile art, this one-of-a-kind exhibit brings deep space closer than ever before.
🎥 Get a Sneak Peek!
Want a preview of what’s coming? Check out our official exhibit trailer on YouTube to get a glimpse of the hands-on, multi-sensory experience waiting for you:
(Embedded Video: Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope tactile exhibit)
📅 Mark Your Calendars: Two Big Dates to Remember!
- Monday, September 14 – Exhibit Opening Day: Be among the first to walk—and feel—your way through the cosmos! The exhibit is open Mondays: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Tue–Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
- Saturday, October 3 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) – Grand Opening Celebration: Save the date for our main event! Join us for a full morning of tactile stations, cosmic activities, interactive discovery, and a special feature activity led by acclaimed artist Jill Wells.
🌟 What’s Coming Up During the Exhibit:
Throughout the fall, we’re pairing this incredible exhibit with out-of-this-world programming for all ages:
- Makerspace Mondays: Hands-on STEM activities and cosmic creations.
- Virtual After-School Program: Weekly space exploration for young explorers.
- Beyond the Book Teen/Tween Book Club: Connecting through mixed genres and deep-space stories, one chapter at a time!
- STEMFest (Oct. 24, 1–3 P.M.): Guided exhibit tours, hands-on activities, and meeting local STEM pros in partnership with the South Central STEM Hub!
- Weekly YouTube Videos & Tactile Space Kits: Borrowable space kits complete with 3D-printed astronomical models, audio descriptions, and Braille guides for classrooms and families!
📍 Plan Your Visit
- Dates: September 14, 2026 – December 21, 2026
- Location: Iowa Library for the Blind (524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 — use the Watson Powell entrance!)
- Admission: FREE! Free parking is available in the lot directly across Fourth Street.
👉 Bringing a group of 10 or more? Help us prepare for your visit by registering your group on our website ahead of time! Register here.
🌌 Get Ready for Blast Off!
We can’t wait to welcome you in just 7 days. Share this with a friend, set your reminders, and stay tuned for more details—including our upcoming exhibit T-shirt launch! All proceeds support the Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, who help fund our 3D printers, adaptive equipment, and amazing public programs.
Got questions before you arrive? Reach out to us anytime at library@blind.state.ia.us or call 515-281-1323.
See you next week among the stars! 🚀✨
This Exhibition was developed by Tactile Images (www.tactileimages.com) in association with the National Federation of the Blind and Getty Images.
