Certain walls of NASA's Johnson Space Center have been transformed into works of art. Each piece reflects creativity, collaboration and the spirit of discovery. The murals, painted by Texas students, honor the legacy of the International Space Station and 25 years of continuous human presence in space.
The International Space Station program mural project began in 2022 as part of a broader effort to bring color and inspiration to the workplace while connecting classrooms to NASA's mission.
“The mural collection is a reminder that today's dreams can become tomorrow's reality,” said Joel Montalbano, deputy associate administrator for the Office of Space Operations. “The future of space exploration depends on the imagination of our students.”
NASA is preparing for its next giant leap Artemisthe paintings on the walls serve as a reminder that every mission begins with creativity and courage. This initiative continues to inspire the next generation Go for it | Unite | Research. While art allows for interpretation, each mural requires careful planning, communication and problem solving, much like the work involved in human spaceflight.
The most recent mural, “Dream Big,” was installed in the hallway leading to the International Space Station program complex on the fifth floor of Building 1. Created by Texas City High School students in collaboration with the International Space Station Program Integration and Operations team, the mural depicts a grayscale child pulling back a curtain to reveal rockets, astronauts and vibrant planetary landscapes.
The design of the mural is based on influences from classical and modern art. Students were inspired by Van Gogh's impressionistic style and Banksy's Behind the Scenes painting, combining movement and curiosity to show how imagination can open the door to exploration.
“The National Arts Honor Society was honored to take on this inspiring project,” said Texas City High School art teacher Jennifer Massey. “They chose 'Where Creativity Meets Reality' to show how a child's creative mind continues to move and develop – and that through big dreams and hard work, children can follow in the footsteps of their heroes.”
What began as an idea between Gary Johnson, technical manager of the International Space Station Mission Integration and Operations Directorate, and Raul Tijerina, then the program's construction graphics manager, has grown into a gallery-sized initiative that bridges science and creativity.
“We want students to have a unique opportunity to contribute to NASA's legacy through their artwork,” Johnson said. “These murals show that every mission begins with imagination and that the next generation of explorers is already helping to chart humanity's future among the stars.”
The two murals are now located in the hallway of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory's Space Development Integration Laboratory, known as SDIL. The first, “Dream Explore Discover,” created by Friendswood High School students, was initially displayed in South Building 4. Led by art teacher Mandy Harris, more than 30 students designed and painted the 8-by-18-foot mural, starting with sketches and brainstorming sessions on how art could reflect human space exploration. The students combined their ideas into a single design that celebrated the beauty and excitement of discovery.
Elements of the mural include an astronaut's visor reflecting the Houston skyline, zinnias symbolizing life and science connecting beyond Earth, and a small floating teddy bear representing both the dreams of children who gazed at the stars and generations of explorers who carried small symbols of home into space. It serves as a reminder that behind every mission there is a human heart.
The mural also depicts the launch of NASA's SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, carrying NASA's Orion spacecraft as it heads toward its next giant leap in exploration. The constellation Orion appears in the sky next to the capsule, symbolizing how the stars continue to guide humanity on its journey to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
“The Moon Now,” created by students from La Marque High School, Blocker High School and Giles High School, is also at SDIL. The painting depicts two astronauts on the surface of the Moon wearing Axiom spacesuits with mirrored visors reflecting the faces of the next generation that will take humanity back to the Moon. Individual student artworks depicting the Milky Way and celestial objects were combined into the final piece, creating a tapestry of imagination and exploration.
The remaining murals are installed in Building 4 South Johnson. In 2023, the program expanded to include Dickinson High School, where students created “Starry Night,” a blend of Renaissance-style painting and modern space imagery. “Everyone wanted to participate,” said art teacher Jennifer Sumrall. “The kids loved it and did their own research into how each of NASA's missions impacts the world.”
“Absolute Equality: Breaking Boundaries” by Houston artist Reginald K. Adams symbolizes the unity and common future of humanity in space exploration. Two figures share one helmet. Circuit-inspired patterns surround the faces and suggest the role of technology in connecting people around the world and beyond.
“Collaboration” was painted by La Marque High School students along with art teacher Joan Finn and artist Cheryl Evans to depict the interconnected roles of visionaries, engineers, artists and astronauts in exploration. Constructed from 10 tensioned sheets held together by bolts—a nod to the station's assembly over more than 40 missions—the mural includes a space station patch at the bottom, symbolizing the collaboration of the 15 participating countries.
NASA Johnson credits Joel Montalbano, who during his tenure as International Space Station program manager promoted student involvement by integrating classrooms with mission work. The Center also acknowledges Gary Johnson for developing the mural project and leading the partnership, Raul Tijerina for his early design leadership that set the standard, Gordon Andrews for opening doors through behind-the-scenes tours, and the art faculty for mentoring the students who brought each mural to life.
