Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope Traveling Tactile Exhibit

A colorized graphic logo featuring the phrase "Reach for the Stars." The words "REACH" and "STARS" are written in prominent, tall purple letters, while "FOR THE" is stacked in smaller purple text on the left. A gold outline of a shooting star trails curved gold lines and dark blue dots underneath the text. The background is scattered with small gold four-point stars, dark tiny stars, and small blue circles.

Explore the Wonders of Deep Space Through Touch

Prepare to reach out and touch the stars! This fall, step into a universe designed for everyone to explore. Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope Traveling Tactile Exhibit invites blind, low-vision, and sighted visitors alike to experience the awe-inspiring mysteries of deep space through touch, sound, and interactive learning.

Journeying through stunning cosmic views the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is transforming our understanding of the universe, opening a new era of discovery that reaches farther and deeper than ever before.

Explore the telescope’s groundbreaking mission as it uses advanced infrared technology to reveal distant galaxies, the birth of stars within colorful nebulas, and the atmospheres of far‑off exoplanets. Its remarkable observations are reshaping the way we see our cosmic origins and our place in the universe.

Through interactive exhibits, stunning visuals, and informative displays designed for all ages, you’ll experience firsthand how JWST is unlocking the universe’s most profound secrets.

Join us—and be part of history in the making.

  • Exhibit Dates: September 14, 2026 – December 21, 2026
  • Hours: Mondays 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and the 1st Saturday of October, November & December 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Weekly YouTube Videos: Follow along with the Iowa Department for the Blind YouTube channel for weekly feature videos, deep dives into space features, and virtual exhibit tours.
  • Launch & Learn: Explore the mysteries of our universe through engaging talks from local scientists. Whether you’re curious about the stars, interested in the latest space discoveries, or simply ready to explore something new, Launch & Learn offers an opportunity to spark curiosity and discover the universe from a different perspective, this program is for you! Session are via Zoom at 12:00 p.m. on October 16th, November 20th and December 18th. Register here
  • Lending Kits & Book Lists: Teachers and individuals can check out curated space kits complete with 3D-printed astronomical features, Braille, audio description guides, and targeted book lists.
  • Makerspace Mondays: Hands-on STEM creations and cosmic builds.
  • After-School Program: Space-themed exploration, activities, and tactile discovery.
  • Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club: Connecting through mixed genres and deep-space stories, one chapter at a time!

While our Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope Tactile Exhibit is open through December 21st, we know that making a trip to our library isn’t always possible for patrons living across the state. Whether you live too far away or simply prefer exploring from the comfort of home, we have plenty of ways for you to experience the wonders of the universe with us from afar.

Here is how you can launch your own space adventure right from home:

1. Explore Curated Booklists for All Ages

We’ve put together specialized space-themed booklists divided into four categories: Adult Nonfiction, Adult Fiction, Juvenile Nonfiction, and Juvenile Fiction.

  • Browse our online catalog collections here: Online Catalog. Booklists are pinned on the right-hand side of the catalog under “Collection Hightlights”.
  • Looking for audiobooks? We’ve also added fantastic space titles to our monthly D-List! Check out the current selections here: D-List This Month

2. Subscribe to the Special Edition Peek-A-Box

If you haven’t signed up for Peek-A-Box yet, now is the time! We’ve released a special edition box created in conjunction with the exhibit. Subscribe today to receive a one-time box filled with space goodies, snacks, and a specially curated cartridge of space-themed books. (Note: Peek-A-Box is designed for Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled patrons 18 years and older.)


Peek-A-Box Order Form

3. Check Out Tactile 3D Kits

We’ve added brand-new 3D Kits to our collection to bring the cosmos to your fingertips! Give us a call or check our catalog to add one to your queue. 3D Kits are pinned on the right-hand side of the catalog under “Collection Hightlights”.

View Available Kits Here

4. Watch Our 10-Part YouTube Series

Our new 10-part YouTube series drops a new video every week! Join us as we take a deep dive into our latest exhibit, exploring everything from the James Webb Space Telescope to making astronomy accessible for everyone. Playlist available below under “Cosmic Snapshots Videos”.

Explore a collection of ten short, immersive videos that highlight unique moments and features from the James Webb Space Telescope Exhibit. Each Cosmic Snapshot offers a quick behind-the-scenes look, fun facts, and stunning visuals and video description designed to spark curiosity and deepen engagement with the wonders of our universe. New videos are released weekly, follow along to stay inspired and keep the excitement going throughout the exhibit.

We welcome group visits! If you’re planning to visit with a group of 10 or more, please register using our group visit form so we can prepare for your arrival.

Register Here

Visiting Information:

  • Address: 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Entrance: Please use the entrance on Watson Powell side of the building.
The Iowa Department for the Blind Watson Powell entrance.
  • Free Parking: In the designated lot directly across Fourth Street from our building.

Due to ongoing construction around our building, please consult the map below to plan your arrival and parking route.

Questions? Contact us at library@blind.state.ia.us or by phone at 515-281-1323.

Launch into style! 🚀👕

Our official Experience the Cosmos space exhibit t-shirt shop is officially OPEN!

🛒 Suit up and support the mission here: Order Here

All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will benefit the Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The Friends have generously given the library money every year for library programs, 3D printers, equipment, and special projects.

T-shirt Options

Front and back of a navy blue t-shirt with white text and graphics. The front displays "Reach for the Stars" in stylized lettering surrounded by small stars and a shooting star graphic, with simulated braille dots directly beneath the design. The back upper shoulders feature the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled logo and a line of simulated braille. Front and back of a light lavender t-shirt printed with dark purple graphics. The front design shows the words "Reach for the Stars" interspersed with space-themed illustrations, including planets, shooting stars, a figure standing on a peak, and simulated braille text at the bottom. The back features the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled logo across the upper back above a line of simulated braille dots.

Option 1: A navy blue shirt with light purple lettering. On the front it has Reach for the Stars in print with a large shooting star and in the tail of the star it says Reach for the Stars in braille. The back of the shirt says, Reach for the Stars in braille and includes the logos of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled and the South Central Iowa Region Governor’s STEM Council.

Option 2: A heather lavender shirt with dark purple lettering. It has the words Reach for the Stars in print around the graphic of a stick man figure with a white cane wearing an astronaut helmet. The stick man figure appears to be walking in space. Underneath the graphic is Reach for the Stars in braille. The back of the shirt says, Reach for the Stars in braille and includes the logo of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.

Whether you are a space enthusiast, a tactile learner, or looking for an unforgettable family outing, we are thrilled to welcome you to feel the wonder of our universe!

To stay up to date on every activity and exciting addition to the exhibit, head over to iowalibrary.blog and scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe with your email address!

This Exhibition was developed by Tactile Images (www.tactileimages.com) in association with the National Federation of the Blind and Getty Images.

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