Sparking Interest: Plans for HMNS’ New Physics and Chemistry Hall Unveiled

Sparking Interest: Plans for HMNS’ New Physics and Chemistry Hall Unveiled

THE HOUSTON MUSEUM of Natural Science [hmns.org] has unveiled plans for its newest permanent exhibition space, the Matter & Motion Chemistry and Physics Hall, presented by the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation. It will officially open in March 2023, promising an immersive experience in a space that is three times the size of the current Hall.


Visitors to Matter & Motion will learn that while many think of chemistry and physics as two distinct sciences, modern discoveries reveal that our universe is a weaving of the two; participatory exhibits will utilize light, sound, LED video walls and touch-free technology to contribute to this education.

Among the Hall's 10 galleries will be ones called The Houston Connection — an interactive and animated mural depicting how Houston utilizes chemistry and physics in its petrochemical industry, space exploration, freeways and culinary scene — and the Periodic Table Floor, comprised of walkable LED tiles. A giant human hamster wheel teaches about energy transfer and rotational and physiological energy, and the "Walk-In Brain" highlights the chemical reactions and electrical impulses that comprise consciousness.

And while it may boast a lofty name, the History of the Universe video wall literally tells the origin and evolutionary story of our stars, galaxies and the world as we know it today — and perhaps how it will end?

A video tour of the new Matter & Motion Hall is available online.

People + Places

Jacob Hilton, a.k.a. Travid Halton, at home in his kitchen, where he enjoys cooking as a form of therapy.

PINK FLOYD'S THE Wall. Sinatra’s In the Wee Small Hours. Beyonce’s Lemonade. Three divergent examples of the album as a cathartic, psychological, conceptual work, meant to be experienced in a single sitting. Houston singer-songwriter Jacob Hilton, 37, who records as Travid Halton, a portmanteau of his mother and father’s names, might balk at being mentioned in such company. (This is a thoroughly unpretentious man, who describes himself as an “archaeologist turned singer-songwriter.”)

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less