First-Ever Museum Exhibit Inspired by Disney’s Princess Tiana to Open at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
First-Ever Museum Exhibit Inspired by Disney’s Princess Tiana to Open at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
July 7, 2025
Disney’s Princess Tiana is “Almost There”! Walt Disney Imagineering, in collaboration with The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, is launching Tiana’s Joyful Celebration – a nationwide traveling exhibit inspired by Princess Tiana. This new chapter of Tiana’s story opens at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on March 7, 2026.
Photos from the announcement at Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, including exhibit concept renderings, can be found here.
In this magical adventure, children and families will step into an exhibit inspired by the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The story picks up where the ride left off, just after Tiana’s glittering Mardi Gras party!
"It’s an honor to collaborate with Walt Disney Imagineering to build the first-ever exhibit centered around Princess Tiana,” said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum. “This is much more than a celebration of a beloved Disney character and story; it's a meaningful step forward in representation and inclusion that reflects the rich traditions of New Orleans. Princess Tiana’s resilience and spirit resonate deeply, reminding us that with hard work and determination, we can do anything we set our minds to!”
Tiana’s Joyful Celebration takes visitors on a fun, interactive, and immersive journey that draws inspiration from New Orleans’ music, food, people, and culture. Visitors will learn more about Tiana’s story and how it comes to life through lively light, color, sound, movement, and scent.
In the exhibit, Princess Tiana is celebrating her community by throwing a parade. Princess Tiana and her friends – critters included! – have been working hard in Tiana’s childhood neighborhood to prepare for the big day. But when the day arrives, Tiana learns that their timeslot begins earlier than anticipated, and she needs the entire community to put the finishing touches on the floats to make it in time.
Guests will receive a call for assistance, learning Tiana needs help with décor, music, food, costumes and more. Everyone must come together and contribute their unique talents – a bit of their special spice – to pull the parade together. From music and crafts to cooking and community spirit, you’ll be immersed in the diverse and vibrant world of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras season celebrations as you help Princess Tiana.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis to continue bringing Princess Tiana’s story to life,” said Carmen Smith, senior vice president, creative development – product/content & inclusive strategies at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Tiana’s Joyful Celebration is a magical, multi-sensory exhibit that celebrates community, creativity, and culture. We can’t wait for families across the country to experience the joy, heart, and inspiration that Tiana brings to every adventure.”
Tiana’s Joyful Celebration is part of an exciting 2026 exhibit lineup at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, including the return of the iconic PAW Patrol: Adventure Play, a reimagined and revitalized look at fan favorite All Aboard!, the 50th anniversary of Lilly Theater with a special performance of Knuffle Bunny, and our annual delightful, frightful Haunted House and joyful WinterFaire.
After wrapping at The Children’s Museum, Tiana’s Joyful Celebration will hit the road and travel to 12 other museums across the country, including The Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio, The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, The Fort Worth Museum of Science and Industry in Fort Worth, Texas, The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, The Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, Florida, and others.
Note: Costume characters are not part of the exhibit.
