Orlando Science Center Opens ‘Space for Art’ Exhibit Showcasing Astronaut and Student Works From Around the World

A new STEAM-focused exhibition brings spaceflight perspectives into a gallery setting

Orlando Science Center has opened “Space for Art,” a temporary exhibition in Fusion: A STEAM Gallery that brings together artwork connected to human space exploration. The show combines pieces created by astronauts and space professionals with projects from young artists, framing art as a complementary way to interpret research, engineering, and life in orbit.

The exhibition is scheduled to remain on view through April 4, 2026, and is presented in partnership with the Space for Art Foundation. The foundation’s exhibit model has previously appeared at multiple venues in the U.S. and abroad, reflecting its focus on children’s art programs alongside works contributed by astronauts and artists.

Nicole Stott’s role as curator ties the exhibit to lived astronaut experience

The exhibition is curated by former NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, who is also known for creating watercolor artwork. Stott’s spaceflight experience includes a mission duration totaling 104 days, spanning assignments on the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Discovery. In public appearances connected to Orlando Science Center programming, she has described the exhibition’s central premise as highlighting that many space professionals maintain creative practices alongside technical careers.

BEYOND art spacesuit serves as a centerpiece built from hundreds of children’s works

Among the signature objects in the gallery is the BEYOND art spacesuit, a wearable installation assembled from more than 800 individual pieces of children’s artwork representing 192 countries. The suit was assembled by ILC Dover Astrospace, a manufacturer associated with NASA extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits, and was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic as a project intended to reflect global connection through a single assembled form.

• Location: Fusion: A STEAM Gallery at Orlando Science Center, Level 3
• Run of exhibition: through April 4, 2026
• Featured object: BEYOND art spacesuit made from more than 800 children’s artworks from 192 countries

Hands-on components extend the exhibit’s themes into making and design

In addition to the gallery installation, Orlando Science Center has paired the exhibition with a Spacesuit Design Challenge that invites visitors to create wearable designs using recycled materials. Planned sessions have been scheduled for December 20 and 21 in the center’s makerspace, with completed designs slated to be displayed during a fashion-show component tied to Spark STEM Fest.

“Space for Art” is presented as a STEAM-centered program that uses space exploration as a setting for visual expression, combining astronaut-led perspectives with student-made works.

Connected programming aligns with Spark STEM Fest in February 2026

The exhibition’s timeline overlaps with Orlando Science Center’s Spark STEM Fest, scheduled for February 13–16, 2026. Event programming has included planned appearances by Nicole Stott, further linking the gallery experience with broader public-facing activities focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.