Exploring Mental Health and How the Brain Works at Science Center of Iowa

How well do you know your own brain?

Every thought, emotion, memory and decision begins within one of the most complex systems known to science. Yet despite remarkable advances in neuroscience, we still have much to learn about how our brains shape our daily lives and influence our health and well-being.

For perspective, neuroscientists have not yet fully explained how the brain of a simple roundworm produces its behavior. That tiny creature has just 302 neurons and about 7,000 neural connections, all of which have been mapped. The human brain, by comparison, contains approximately 86 billion neurons connected through trillions of pathways. In many ways, the most intricate mystery we encounter every day is our own mind.

At the Science Center of Iowa, curiosity is at the heart of everything we do. Science is not only about understanding the world around us but also gaining new insights about ourselves. This is why we are proud to bring Mental Health: Mind Matters to Des Moines beginning Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

Mental health affects every one of us. It influences how we learn, work, build relationships, respond to challenges and contribute to our communities. Yet misunderstanding and stigma often prevent people from seeking support when they need it. That makes mental health more than a personal issue. It is a community issue. It is a workforce issue. It is an economic issue.

As Greater Des Moines continues to grow and evolve, our region is navigating rapid technological change, increasing complexity and new challenges that affect how we live and work. At the same time, these changes create opportunities to strengthen connection, build resilience and foster a greater understanding of one another.

Through Mind Matters, SCI will create space for reflection, learning and conversation. Visitors will engage with interactive experiences that explore how the brain works, how mental health affects daily life and how individuals can recognize the importance of seeking support and caring for themselves and others. This unique exhibition is another example of how SCI uses science to explore topics that are relevant to our everyday lives. Visitors leave with a better understanding of mental health, greater empathy for others and the curiosity to keep learning.

The exhibit is only the beginning. Throughout its run, SCI will partner with healthcare organizations, educators, businesses, community leaders and advocacy groups to host programs and events that deepen community dialogue around mental health. Our goal is to bring people together around a topic that touches every family, every workplace and every neighborhood.

Science has always helped us better understand the world. It can also help us better understand ourselves and how we connect and support each other.

At a time when many aspects of our future feel uncertain, curiosity remains one of our most valuable tools. By learning more about our brains, our emotions and our shared human experiences, we can build stronger communities and support healthier lives for everyone.

Mind Matters is another example of how SCI uses science to explore topics that are relevant to our everyday lives. We hope visitors leave with a better understanding of mental health, greater empathy for others and the curiosity to keep learning.

We invite you, your family, your colleagues and your organization to join us. Explore the exhibit. Attend a community event. Start a conversation.

Mental Health: Mind Matters opens Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 at the Science Center of Iowa. Learn more and plan your visit at sciowa.org.

Related Mental Health: Mind Matters Events

• Community Conversation: Public Launch Event – Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• Feel, Learn, Grow: Educator Event – Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027 from 8–10 a.m.
• Let's Talk: Youth and Mental Health: Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2027 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• Mixology: Science of Happiness: Friday, Feb. 12, 2027 from 6–10 p.m.
• Mental Health Community Health Fair: Saturday, March 6, 2027 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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