Community and creativity often come together to produce something truly magical.
Combine those with a little New Orleans rhythm and a sprinkle of Disney spirit, and you’ll likely have a celebration of togetherness that beautifully showcases the vibrant heart and soul of the Big Easy. Now, that same spirit of joy and unity is coming to life for families across the country, as Tiana’s Joyful Celebration traveling exhibition officially opens its doors at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
A brand-new immersive experience produced by the shared vision of Walt Disney Imagineering and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, families are invited to not only observe the ongoing Mardi Gras celebration, but to help build the fun with Princess Tiana and friends. Read on to learn more about what’s inside this special exhibit.
What is Tiana’s Joyful Celebration?
At the very first museum exhibition dedicated to Princess Tiana, expect to see vibrant colors, irresistible rhythms, and the rich cultural traditions from New Orleans that you know and love, some that you may already be familiar with from visiting the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction.
Inside the exhibit, Tiana welcomes you into her world with a small request: to bring your very own special spice (and yes, we all know a great Mardi Gras season “parade” needs a little bit of creativity, imagination, and community spirit).
Set in 1928 New Orleans, the experience kicks off inside Tiana’s Co-Op, where Tiana and her friends are finalizing preparations for a Mardi Gras season parade in her childhood neighborhood. Yet before the party kicks off, there’s one hiccup: the parade begins an hour earlier than they planned, and Princess Tiana and her friends need the entire community and some critter friends to help put the finishing touches on the floats to make it in time.
What Can I Do Inside Tiana’s Joyful Celebration?
Once inside, decorate one of many Mardi Gras season parade floats with dazzling colors, lights, and handmade touches, or experiment with classic New Orleans rhythm and sound as you join the Bayou Community Band alongside Prince Naveen.
Or, visit Eudora’s dress shop to design masks and parade costumes inspired by the art and artistry of The Big Easy and create light-up sno-ball flavors alongside Mama Odie.
No exhibit like this would be complete without some cooking and dancing – be sure to check off a bucket list item in pretend play by preparing Tiana’s father’s legendary gumbo recipe or learn a second-line dance by following step-by-step tutorials from a New Orleans native dancer at the finale float.
From food to music, and from dance to design, the exhibition encourages families to learn through doing while also enjoying the spirit of New Orleans alongside Tiana and her pals.
When Does This Exhibit Take Place?
Now that Tiana’s Joyful Celebration has officially opened its doors to all guests, the party continues through January 3, 2027, at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
This officially kicks off a five-year nationwide tour, traveling to at least 12 additional cities across the country (including stops in California, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, and beyond!).
What Inspired Imagineers to Work on This Exhibit?
Following the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, our Imagineering team recognized that there was still more of Princess Tiana’s story to share.
Filled with inspiration, heart, and opportunities for meaningful connection, our team drew from Princess Tiana’s dedication to community, motivating us to share her story in ways that resonate both within the parks and out in the world.
Princess Tiana represents the idea that every dream is built with teamwork and heart, guided by sheer determination and ongoing creativity. By bringing her story to museums across the country, families can experience these themes (featuring bilingual signage in English and Spanish and accessible elements in ASL and Braille), welcoming every guest who wishes to be a part of her celebration.
This Looks Amazing! How Do I Get Tickets?
This festive, new exhibit is included with admission to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and is recommended for children ages 6-10, their families, and their friends.
And you’re almost there! To purchase museum tickets and start planning your next visit, click here and get ready to bring your own special spice to this unforgettable celebration of community.
Anything Else to Know About The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis?
A national leader in educational and hands-on experiences, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis worked with our teams across Disney Experiences to bring a new chapter in Tiana’s story to life through a completely new lens. The result is a deeply immersive, multisensory exhibition that blends narrative, music, history, and imagination with the interactive freedom that kids and families love inside the museum, a longtime, local favorite and the world’s largest children’s museum with 485,000 square feet of public space.
Home to 14 permanent exhibits, USA Today named The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis the best children’s museum in the country for three years in a row, and the museum recently celebrated its 100th birthday in 2025. Whether you’re a promising artist, a curious cook, or an enthusiastic Disney fan excited to experience all that NOLA has to offer, there’s a place for you inside this imaginative setting.
Be sure to follow @waltdisneyimagineering and @childrensmuseum on social media to stay up to date on events, tour stops, and more fun coming to Tiana’s Joyful Celebration following the grand opening in Indy. We look forward to seeing you soon!
