Color Factory is adding rainbows and sunshine to Houston. The 14-room exhibit that originated in San Francisco has brought a world of color to Texas in its third showroom. I had an opportunity to take a tour of the space before opening day and was able to get the inside scoop on some of the biggest highlights at Color Factory.
From a floating confetti room to an interactive coloring book, each installation is more enthralling and interactive than the next. Unlike its competitors, Color Factory is more than a pretty photo backdrop, it’s an immersive experience.
It’s Unique to Houston
Yes, there have been Color Factories in New York and San Francisco but don’t mistake this experience for the same thing. The Houston Color Factory has its own unique flair, like a NASA-inspired ball pit and freeze-dried ice cream cones to celebrate Space City.
According to PaperCity, “Eleven of 14 rooms are new to Houston, and the color-palate is Houston-centric. The final room is an homage to NASA, with a large ball pit “inspired by the moon and galaxy that surrounds it.” The pit contains 40,000 plastic balls with 50,000 fiber optic lights to create a moon-like atmosphere.”
Sweet Treats Are Abundant
Prepare to delight in snacks galore. There are treats scattered throughout the various rooms at the Color Factory, and all of the delights are from Houston bakeries and vendors. From a macaron conveyor belt to freeze-dried ice cream in “space,” the snacks do not disappoint.
We’re All in This Together
One of my favorite installations at Color Factory is called “Your Magic is Real,” and it drives home a simple truth we all could use reminding of: when we work together, magic can happen. Enter the stark white room with white signage reading “You Are Magic.” When you hold hands with the person next to you and put your remaining hand on a panel, the entire room begins to light up in a flurry of sound and color. As the room illuminates, it’s clear that the multiple stations around the room require everyone working together to ignite the installation’s full power. It takes six people to make the artwork light up fully. Artists Alicia Eggert and James Akers designed the installation to celebrate collaboration, noting that working together can bring more light and color in the world.
Preparing for Your Visit
Visit Length
The Color Factory takes about 1-1 1/2 hours to visit depending on how long it takes you to interact with the exhibit.
Photography and Outfit Changes
They do have bathrooms should you need an outfit change, but you won’t be permitted into previous rooms you skipped. It’s best to pack a neutral outfit that would work well for all rooms before trying to navigate your way back through the nearest restroom. While it’s an Instagram-friendly spot, be sure to put your phone down and soak it in, too!
What to Bring
Aside from your ticket, bring a pair of socks if you want to go into the ball pit. (Believe me, you’ll want to!)
Location
3303 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77098
Parking
The closest cross streets are Richmond Avenue and Kirby Drive. Paid and convenient public parking is located directly across from us on Kirby Dr. at the Kirby Collection building.
Hours
- Monday: 9:30am-6pm
- Tuesday: 9:30am-6pm
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 9:30am-6pm
- Friday: 9:30am-8pm
- Saturday: 9:30am-8pm
- Sunday: 9:30am-7pm
Ticket Cost
General admission: $35 for adults
Kids 3-12: $28
Children age 2 and under are free
Accessibility
Color Factory is ADA compliant.
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