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Despite uncertainties in the U.S. museum industry this year, the energy at the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo was hopeful and supportive, perfectly aligned with its theme, ‘Museums & Trust.’ At a moment when trust in our institutions is more crucial than ever, we’re proud to be part of a community that values transparency and authenticity as deeply as innovation and accuracy—principles central to our mission at Flying Fish.

Jay standing behind the Flying Fish booth at AAM 2025 — AAM 2025

a blue wall with white text and a couch and a coffee table; the Flying Fish booth at AAM 2025 — AAM 2025

A standout moment at AAM was the nomination of OceanXperience for a TREX Traveling Exhibit Award. Though not officially part of the AAM programming, this forum has become a must-attend event, spotlighting excellence in touring exhibitions and previewing the industry’s exciting new offerings.

When we partnered with OceanX to develop this exhibition based on the OceanXplorers series (produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit and OceanX in association with Earthship Productions for National Geographic), we set out to create something revolutionary. The result? An interactive replica of the world’s most advanced research vessel, where visitors don’t just learn about marine exploration – they become explorers themselves, conducting experiments and embarking on guided research missions that reveal the ocean’s most fascinating secrets.

OceanXperience is set to open at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte, NC, on May 24th. Join us as we continue to explore, educate, and inspire through transformative museum experiences.

Showcasing Cosmic Connections

While at AAM, our team also highlighted Stardust: The Universe in You – our upcoming premiere that’s already generating serious buzz as a Showstopper in the Touring Entertainment Report 2025.

What makes this exhibition special? We’ve taken mind-blowing astrophysics and transformed it into something personal, hands-on, and unforgettable. Through breathtaking visuals, custom-animated media, and interactive experiences like the ‘star formation’ holographic display and the immersive ‘stardust in you’ particle effects, visitors discover the profound truth that they’re literally made of stars.

“You are made of stars. Literally.” This simple yet powerful message anchors an experience that connects each visitor to the cosmos on a deeply personal level. When Stardust premieres at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton later this month, it will mark the beginning of an exhibition journey that promises to spark wonder across North America and Europe.

Expanding Our Universe of Connections

Beyond our awards nomination, AAM 2025 generated a whirlwind of meaningful new connections. Our team had incredible conversations with potential partners, sponsored the TREX Traveling Exhibit Forum, and forged relationships that will help shape the next generation of extraordinary exhibitions.

These connections reinforce what drives us at Flying Fish: creating exhibitions that go beyond information to deliver genuine transformation. Whether we’re taking visitors to the depths of the ocean or the far reaches of the cosmos, we’re committed to exhibitions that don’t just teach – they inspire, they engage, and they leave lasting impressions.

The nomination for OceanXperience validates what we’ve always believed – that exhibitions can do more. And as we look ahead to Stardust’s imminent premiere and beyond, we’re more excited than ever about the possibilities that lie ahead.
For more information about bringing OceanXperience, Stardust: The Universe in You, or any of our other exhibitions to your venue, drop us a line here or email us at: [email protected].