Discovery Center to Host National Traveling Exhibit Inspired by Pixar’s Inside Out

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out, the first interactive exhibit based on Disney and Pixar’s hit animated feature Inside Out, opens at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring on Saturday, Sept. 13th and runs through Sunday, Jan. 4th, 2026.

Developed by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out invites children and families to explore the world of emotions through hands-on and digital experiences. Featuring characters and themes from the acclaimed film, the exhibit encourages visitors to discover how feelings like Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear influence memory, decision-making, and imaginative play.

“We’re excited to welcome families into an experience that not only sparks curiosity but also encourages meaningful conversations about feelings,” said Tara MacDougall, President and CEO of the Discovery Center. “At a time when emotional wellness is more important than ever, Emotions at Play gives children the tools to talk about how they feel, recognize emotions in others, and express themselves in healthy, constructive ways. It’s joyful, thoughtful, and incredibly fun.”

The exhibit features several immersive activity zones based on the film’s key concepts:

• Emotion Mirrors – An interactive station where visitors use their facial expressions to explore different feelings.
• Train of Thought – A creative building space where kids construct a route for the Train of Thought using loose parts and storytelling prompts.
• Emotions Theater – A dramatic play space where families collaborate to perform scenes built around emotional themes.
• Headquarters – A central experience that lets children see how emotions influence decision-making and memory through sensory play and light effects.
• Memory Spheres – Visitors create and store glowing spheres that represent specific emotional memories.
• Dream Productions – Children and caregivers can invent stories and explore dreams through imaginative props and prompts.
• Emotion Blocks – A building and sorting area where young visitors manipulate blocks featuring expressive faces to spark conversations about feelings.

Discovery Center is located at 502 SE Broad Street in Murfreesboro, TN, adjacent to the Murfree Spring wetlands. For exhibit information or to purchase tickets, visit www.explorethedc.org or call (615) 890-2300.

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