Free Admission Event Celebrates Axalta’s 2026 Global Automotive Color of the Year, “Solar Boost”
Detroit, Mich., August 7, 2026 – The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) and Axalta Coating Systems will host an Axalta Color of the Year Community Free Day on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will receive free general admission and can explore hands-on science while Mi-Sci celebrates Axalta’s 2026 Global Automotive Color of the Year, “Solar Boost.”
Solar Boost is a radiant orange that is both warm and inviting, with champagne-colored glass flakes that create a dynamic appearance across curves, angles and changing light. The color reflects optimism, creative energy and a growing interest in expressive automotive colors beyond traditional neutrals.
“We’re proud to partner with the Michigan Science Center once again to make STEM learning accessible and inspiring for families across our community,” said Dan Naugle, Vice President, Mobility Americas at Axalta Coating Systems and a member of Mi-Sci’s Board of Directors. “This year’s Solar Boost theme is a fun way to show how science, color and innovation come together in everyday life, while also helping families learn about the importance of staying safe in the sun during the summer months. We hope this free day sparks curiosity and inspires the next generation of scientists, chemists and innovators.”
“Color gives us an extraordinary way to explore science because it connects physics, chemistry, engineering, perception and creativity,” said Andrea Harp, Chief of Staff and Director of Impact of Mi-Sci. “Solar Boost captures the energy of discovery, and we’re thrilled to welcome families for a free day of hands-on learning that encourages them to experiment, build and see the world in new ways.”
Visitors can explore interactive engineering, technology, physics, health, life science, space and astronomy exhibits; experience live science demonstrations on the Chrysler Science Stage; and invent, design and build in the Smithsonian Spark!Lab. Young guests can also enjoy STEM discovery stations and the reimagined Kids Town, designed for children age five and younger.
The day also includes access to A-MAZING Detroit: All Paths Lead to Mi-Sci, a limited-time, life-sized cardboard maze celebrating Detroit’s neighborhoods, landmarks and culture. As guests wind through colorful murals inspired by the city, they can discover how art, engineering and design help shape Detroit. Outside the maze, families can guide robots through miniature cardboard mazes, build their own cardboard creations and try cardboard skee-ball while exploring the science and engineering behind the material. The experience is fully accessible for strollers and mobility devices, with multiple exits throughout the maze.
Admission is free, and advance registration is recommended. Guests can reserve tickets and learn more at www.mi-sci.org. The Michigan Science Center is located at 5020 John R Street in Midtown Detroit.
About Axalta
Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable coatings solutions. Its coatings serve light vehicles, commercial vehicles, refinish applications, electric motors, building facades and other industrial applications, helping prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enhance durability. With more than 160 years of coatings expertise, Axalta serves more than 100,000 customers in over 140 countries with coatings, application systems and technology. For more information, visit axalta.com and follow Axalta on LinkedIn.
About The Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) discovery, innovation, and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEAM hub, Mi-Sci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits, and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through their Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO Live!, Mi-Sci is expanding beyond its Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 3D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities, and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your Mi-Sci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from the City of Detroit. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.