The Skyscraper Museum is devoted to the study of high-rise building, past, present, and future. The Museum explores tall buildings as objects of design, products of technology, sites of construction, investments in real estate, and places of work and residence. This site will look better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.
The Skyscraper Museum hosts a rotating repertoire of Family Programs on Saturday mornings, in which children
engage with an educator to explore the principles of urbanism, architecture, and engineering through hands-on
activities. Surrounded by images, film, and models of past, present, and future skyscrapers, children and
their guardians are exposed to the changing exhibitions in the gallery.
All workshops are located at The Skyscraper Museum at 39 Battery Place. Registration is requested by Friday at 5 PM. To sign up for the Family Program newsletter, or for more information and to RSVP, email education[at]skyscraper[dot]org or call 212-945-6324.
*Cost is $5 per child; members free.
Stay up to date with our Family Program Newsletter. Subscribe today!
UPCOMING FAMILY PROGRAMS
Supertalls of the Future
Skyscrapers keep climbing higher! After a brief tour of our gallery models and Supertall Wall, kids will take on the role of master planners as they design a future city. From flying subways to vertical playgrounds, the future is yours to imagine! Ages 6-10. RSVP required.
RSVP NOWOrigami Architecture
Architects and engineers will use folding planes to create interesting shapes and structural systems. Learn and design your very own origami architecture! Ages 7+. RSVP required.
RSVP NOWArch Madness
In the spirit of “March Madness,” architectural features of skyscrapers will be pitted against each other and young architects will have to choose which ones will rise to the top. March may be coming to an end, but your support of your favorite skyscrapers doesn’t have to! Ages 5+.
RSVP NOWSkyscraper Jenga
Love Jenga? Take that love to a whole new level (literally!). Using blocks, young builders will work in teams with educators and parents to build a stable tower, then take turns removing blocks one by one until the building comes crashing down (no hard hat required!). Ages 6+. RSVP required.
RSVP NOWGreen Planners
What is a green city? It’s more than trees and parks! Before Earth Day, join us to learn about what makes cities sustainable. Kids will become planners to imagine a new green city! Ages 2-5.
RSVP NOWSkyscrapers Have Sprung!
Spring is here: the sky is blue, the grass is green, and skyscrapers have sprung! To celebrate the arrival of spring, kids will build skyscrapers with paper cubes inspired by seasonal blooms. Ages 5+. RSVP required.
RSVP NOWSkyscraper Playground Games
Wishing it was summer vacation already? Kids will have all the fun of recess and the only class will be “Skyscraper Studies!” After a brief tour of the permanent exhibition, kids will create a brand new skyline with colorful chalk on the sidewalk of the Skyscraper Museum. RSVP required.
RSVP NOW"Up! Up! Up!" Story Time
Young builders will be introduced to the basics of skyscraper construction with a reading of Anastasia Suen’s book, “Up! Up! Up!”. After learning the steps to construct skyscrapers, kids will be challenged to create their own skyscraper models! Ages 2-5. RSVP required.
RSVP NOWSee and Sketch a Skyscraper!
The Skyscraper Museum sits between park views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of lower Manhattan. After touring the museum, kids will grab art supplies and step outside to be inspired by the buildings around them and draw what they see! Ages 6+. RSVP required.
RSVP NOWSkyscraper Yoga
Skyscraper-inspired yoga poses will get kids active while learning about their favorite towers! After a brief tour of the museum's models, kids will tap into their foundations and stretch to new heights in a 30-minute yoga session to improve their motor skills and mindfulness, while inspiring a creative outlet for self-expression. Ages 4+. RSVP required.
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Saturday Family Programs at The Skyscraper Museum are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
PAST PROGRAMS
Architecture Valentines
Love for architecture is in the air! Create your custom-made Valentines featuring romantic skyscrapers and intriguing architectural features. You can share them with family, friends or your secret crush. All ages. RSVP required.
RSVP NOW"Subway" Storytime
Young learners will be inspired by a reading of Christoph Niemann’s picture book “SUBWAY,” where kids spend a rainy day taking the subway all around the city. After the story, the young urban planners will use different materials to design and create their very own city-wide transportation system and vehicles. Ages 2-5. RSVP required.
RSVP NOWWhat’s “Anthropomorphic”? : Body Buildings
Buildings have skeletons just like people do! Trace your body on poster paper and use your own “skeleton frame” as a starting place for designing a building as unique as you are. All ages. RSVP required.
RSVP NOWWonderland Lantern
The weather outside may be frightful, but the view from a skyscraper is so delightful. Come out and build a magical winter wonderland lantern featuring Supertall skyscrapers from around the world. Ages 5+. RSVP required. RSVP NOW
Rosie Revere, Engineer
Young learners will be inspired by a reading of Andrea Beaty’s illustrated book, Rosie Revere, Engineer. After the story, the young engineers will use different materials to design and construct their very own innovative skyscraper. Ages 2-5. RSVP NOW
Crafting Skyscraper Hand Turkeys
Thankful for skyscrapers? This week, we’re putting an architectural twist on the classic hand turkey, replacing feathers with skyscrapers. Kids can either draw inspiration from our Supertall Wall or design skyscrapers of their own to pick and display their top five from around the world. RSVP NOW
Skyscraper Jenga
Love Jenga? Wish it could be bigger? We’ll top that. Using blocks, young builders will work in teams with educators and parents to get the game started, with a stable tower, then think carefully about how to take turns removing the blocks one by one until the whole building comes crashing down (no hard hat required!). Ages 6+. RSVP required. RSVP NOW
My New Best Friend is a Skyscraper!
Do skyscrapers have personalities? With a little imagination, skyscrapers like One World Trade and the Burj Khalifa can transform from stationary buildings into story characters. Kids will explore the Supertall Wall to pick their favorite building, then design a character and comic based on that building to introduce to the group. Ages 4-8. RSVP required. RSVP NOW
Neighborhood Design
What if you could redesign your neighborhood? Kids will learn about New York City’s history and the move from tenements to “towers in the park” and explore how goals like better light, air, and green space shaped some neighborhoods. Then they'll put their knowledge into practice by designing their own ideal neighborhoods. Ages 5-10. RSVP required. RSVP NOW
Halloween Costume Workshop
Searching for Halloween inspiration? Just look up! Kids will get ideas from our models of skyscrapers to dress as their favorite towers, whether it’s the Chrysler Building or an original design. A paper-bag shirt for the body of the building, paired with a decorated hat elaborate enough to match even the most special spires, make a unique costume! Ages 6+. RSVP required. RSVP NOW
Skyscraper Yoga
Skyscraper-inspired yoga poses will get kids moving and having fun while learning about their favorite towers! After a tour of the museum's models, kids will connect to their foundations and stretch to new heights in a 30-minute yoga session! This activity will help improve motor skills, mindfulness, and gives kids a creative outlet for self-expression. Ages 4+. RSVP NOW
Pop-up Skyscraper Cards
*** Please note this Family Program has been rescheduled from August 31st
*** Get excited for National Skyscraper Day on September 3rd by making pop-up cards of your own skyscraper design! Kids will learn about famous skyscrapers by touring our permanent exhibit, then draw their own tower on their take-home card. Ages 3+.
RSVP NOWArchitecture Shape Collage!
Kids will use cut-out geometric shapes to create colorful collages of their own ideal cities to explore concepts of geometry, density, and design. Ages 2-7. RSVP NOW
Building Block Bonanza!
The sky’s the limit in our new original board game, Building Block Bonanza! Kids will test their knowledge on skyscrapers as they climb their way to the top becoming life-size game pieces in our skyscraper-themed board game. Traveling around the board and answering questions, kids will compete in order to collect blocks to build the tallest skyscraper! Ages 6+. RSVP required.
RSVP NOWAmerican Gargoyles
Join Neil Cohen for a special reading of his newly released illustrated book AMERICAN GARGOYLES (about the bickering gargoyles on a once-celebrated but now-forgotten art deco NYC skyscraper who have to find a way to save their home from demolition); the kids will be invited to read along with Neil and afterward, inspired by the book's characters and photos of gargoyles in the museum, can create their own American Gargoyles coloring books to take home.
Cult comedy filmmaker of "Chief Zabu" ("A comic time capsule with a timeless punch" - Hollywood Reporter) - Neil Cohen, from Queens New York, is a writer, illustrator, playwright, journalist, screen and television writer. He lives in Santa Monica and the Hudson Valley. Ages 3-11. RSVP required. RSVP NOW
IGGY PECK, ARCHITECTJuly 6, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
Young learners will be inspired by a reading of Andrea Beaty’s picture book “Iggy Peck, Architect.” After the story, the young architects will use different materials to design and create their very own unique skyscraper. Ages 2-5. RSVP required.
SCAVENGER HUNT
June 29, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
After a brief tour of our exhibition, families will explore our museum with a scavenger hunt examining photographs, videos, and wall text for clues. Perfect for aspiring detectives and architects alike! All Ages. RSVP required.
SEE AND SKETCH A SKYSCRAPER!
June 15, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
The Skyscraper Museum sits between park views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of lower Manhattan. After touring the museum, kids will grab art supplies and be inspired by the world around them by stepping outside and drawing what they see! Ages 6+. RSVP required.
WHAT IS DENSITY
June 8, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
Why are some places more crowded than others? Kids will learn how buildings and open space can balance density and how people live, work, and play throughout the city. Using block, the young architects will explore how New York City got so dense through a series of activities where they build their own neighborhoods. Ages 6-8. RSVP required.
SIDEWALK TOWER
May 18, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
What ways do we use skyscrapers? What is a multi-use building? Children will work together to draw the largest skyscraper they can on the sidewalk with chalk, illustrating how the skyscraper is being use on the different floors. All Ages. RSVP required.
FORMS IN NATURE
May 4, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
Are humans the only architects? Come and learn about the types of structures built by animals and how they inspire architect’s designs. Using ideas from these forms children will design and build their own structures. Ages 4-8. RSVP required.
REDUCE! REUSE! RECYCLE!
April 20th, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
With Earth Day approaching, celebrate the environment by learning about sustainable building methods. Children should collect recycled materials and bring them in to design their towering structures. Ages 4-8. RSVP required.
SILHOUETTES: WHY DO BUILDINGS TAKE DIFFERENT SHAPES?
March 30, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
Skyscrapers can take their shapes based on wind power, cultural symbols, or pure imagination. Kids will learn about why tall buildings are shaped differently and what factors affect a building's silhouette. Taking inspiration from our SUPERTALL WALL, children will design creative forms and collage them together. Ages 4-7. RSVP required.
CRAFT STICK TOWER CHALLENGE
April 6, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
Try to build the tallest towers you can using only paper cups and popsicle sticks. Kids will be challenged by different rules and specifications to follow while attempting to reach the tallest possible height. This activity will explore how city regulations challenge architects to design within parameters. Push your ability to problem solve creatively! Ages 7-10. RSVP required.
TRANSPORTATION NYC
March 16, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the many different modes of transportation in large cities today such as trains, ferries, and bikes. After a group reading of Christopher Niemann's picture book Subway, fledgling planners will design their favorite way to get around the city. Age 4-6. RSVP required.
MINI GEODESIC DOME CRAFT
March 2, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
Learn about domes from across the world! From igloos to Bucky Fuller's minimalist structural frames, this amazing shape has many uses. How does geometry help the domes stand up? Kids will build their miniature domed structures out of popsicle sticks or straws . Ages 8-12. RSVP required.
INDEX CARD TOWER CHALLENGE
February 16, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
After a tour of models in the gallery, kids will learn about the history of skyscrapers and how/why we build them. They will then be challenged to build a structure using index cards that is 10 inches tall using no more than 10 inches of tape. Cards can be rolled, stacked or folded. Ages 6-8. RSVP required.
ARCHITECTURE VALENTINES
February 2, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
Love is in the air! Make homemade Valentines featuring romantic Skyscrapers. You can share them with family, friends, or your secret crush! All Ages. RSVP required.
POSTCARDS AND NEW YORK
January 19, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
Why do people buy postcards of buildings? Kids will learn the history of picture postcards, and how they are related to the history of the New York Skyline and how they helped make the New York City skyline famous. Then kids will design and write their own postcards featuring their favorite New York buildings. Ages 6+. RSVP required.
SKYSCRAPERS: PAST & FUTURE
January 5, 2019
10:30-11:45 AM
How have New York City's skyscrapers changed in the past 50 years? 100 years? Kids will design their own skyscrapers of the future. What will your tower look like? Ages 6+. RSVP required.
TENSEGRITY MODEL WORKSHOP
December 15, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
What is tensegrity? It's a structural principle based on compression and tension! In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn about balancing push and pull through a series of experiments, then build their own tensegrity models, while learning some history along the way. Ages 8-14. RSVP required.
HOLIDAY CARDS
December 1, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
After a tour of the Museum and the exhibit SKYLINE, kids will draw a winter wonderland New York skyscrapers, creating holiday cards to share with friends and family! All ages. RSVP required.
LIVING & WORKING IN THE SKY
November 17, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Families will learn about two of the world's tallest buildings, Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Shanghai Tower in China. These vertical cities house a wide range of businesses and living spaces, so kids will design their own model mixed-use buildings and decide what to include in the process. All ages. RSVP required.
SKYLINE SCAVENGER HUNT
November 3, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Students will be given an introduction to the history of the New York City skyline and shown pictures of some of the city’s most famous skyscrapers. Then they will search for images of those buildings and others in scavenger hunt through our exhibition Skyline. All ages. RSVP required.
BUILDING BLOCKS
October 27, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Join us for hands-on exploration and learn about different materials architects use to construct buildings. Then, using stacking blocks, kids will construct the sturdiest tower and recreate famous New York Skyscrapers! Ages 4-8. RSVP required.
HARD HAT AREA: INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION
October 13, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the basics of skyscraper construction through a group reading of Susan L. Roth's picture book Hard Hat Area. After the story, the young architects will design their own skyscraper. Maybe one day their design will make it to the construction site! Ages 2+. RSVP required.
WIND RESISTANCE WORKSHOP
September 29, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
How do engineers "confuse the wind"? Kids will be introduced to ideas of aerodynamics and how a building’s shape determines the way wind resistance affects the structure. Kids will build their own skyscrapers and perform a wind tunnel test on them. Ages 6+. RSVP required.
PATTERNS AND FACADES
September 15, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Kids will explore patterns on skyscrapers and learn about decorative facades from different cultures. Starting with a simple tower massing, young learners will use circles, triangles, squares to create ornamental patterns for their own skyscrapers. Ages 5-8. RSVP required.
SKYLINE LANTERNS
August 25, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Brighten up your home with a skyline inspired lantern! Join us while we explore our new exhibition "Skyline" and craft one of a kind paper lanterns. Children are invited to learn about the history of the skyline of New York with this hands-on activity. Ages 5+. RSVP required.
MODULAR ARCHITECTURE WORKSHOP
August 18, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Come learn about modular architecture! With this hands-on activity, kids will explore the shapes of basic modules and design modular systems to create their very own towers. Ages 5+. RSVP required.
MOVING ARCHITECTURE
August 4, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Ever wonder if buildings could move and change form? In this workshop, kids will be introduced to different architectural designs that can twist and transform. They will explore, through a hands-on activity, different methods of kinetic design in the construction of their own tower! Ages 6+. RSVP required.
DESIGNING PARKS!
July 21, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Kids love the park!! In this program they will learn about the importance of public parks in dense cities such as New York. After exploring Wagner Park in Battery Park City (right next door!) kids will discuss the range of activities offered in public spaces, then design their own park and play space for New York City. Ages 6+. RSVP required.
FLOWER TOWERS
July 7, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Stop and smell the roses! Learn about architecture inspired by flowers and natural forms and join us for a walk through the park across the street. Then, design your very own flower inspired tower. All ages. RSVP required.
UP! UP! UP! SKYSCRAPER
June 23, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the basics of skyscraper construction through a group reading of Anastasia Suen’s picture book Up! Up! Up!. After the story, young architects will design their own skyscrapers. Maybe one day their designs will make it to the construction site! All Ages. RSVP Required.
SIDEWALK ART
June 9, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Help us create a colorful and creative city skyline using sidewalk chalk. Draw blueprints for buildings familiar to you, such as your home or school, then draw your masterpiece outside the museum. Together, we will create a unique, technicolor city on the the sidewalk. Ages 4+
WHAT'S "ANTHROPOMORPHIC?" BODY BUILDINGS!
May 26, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Buildings have skeletons just like people do! Trace your body on poster paper and use your own “skeleton frame” as a starting place for designing a bulding as unique as you are. All ages. RSVP required.
MOTHER'S DAY CARD WORKSHOP
May 12, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Who needs Hallmark when you can make your own card for Mom? Show mom how much you care and join us to create fun, architecture inspired Mother’s Day cards. All ages.
TRASH TOWERS
April 28, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
People recycle bottles, paper, and clothing all the time. But did you know that buildings are recycled too? Come learn how builders reduce waste by reusing materials from older buildings to create new ones. Kids will make their own "Trash Towers" from recycled materials that they can tear down and rebuild over and over again. Ages 5+.
THIS IS NEW YORK
April 14, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Join us for a reading of the book “This is New York,” by M. Sasek. Children will learn about the history of New York’s different neighborhoods, then draw their own neighborhood or create a new one from their imagination. Ages 7+
BUILD A BRIDGE CHALLENGE
March 31, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Come learn about different kinds of bridges! What is a truss, and why are truss bridges so strong? Kids will design, build, and test their own bridges. Ages 6+.
IGGY PECK, ARCHITECT
March 17, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the basics of architecture through a group reading of Andrea Beaty’s picture book “Iggy Peck, Architect.” After the story, the young architects will use different materials to design their very own skyscraper. Ages 2-5.
POPSICLE STICK TOWER CHALLENGE
March 3, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Come learn about structure with a building activity! Children will build a skyscraper using popsicle sticks, tape, and glue and will compete to see who can build the tallest stable structure using only these materials. Ages 5+.
ORIGAMI ARCHITECTURE
February 17, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Folding is a common concept used in architecture, helping designers come up with interesting shapes and structural systems. Learn and design with a folding activity to make your very own origami architecture! Ages 7+.
ARCHITECTURE VALENTINES
February 3, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Love is in the air! Make homemade Valentines featuring romantic Skyscrapers. You can share them with family, friends or your secret crush. All Ages.
TRANSPORTATION NYC
January 20, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the many different modes of transportation available in large cities today like trains, ferries, and bikes. Through a group reading of Christopher Niemann's picture book Subway, they will learn about one form of city transit, the subway! Afterwards, the young planners will then design their favorite way to get around the city. All Ages
NEW YEAR'S CALENDAR CONSTRUCTION
January 6, 2018
10:30-11:45 AM
Start the New Year right by making an architectural calendar: a 12-sided rhombic dodecahedron! Kids will learn about geometric shapes used in architecture and then construct a 3-D calendar for 2013 that celebrates skyscrapers and geometry. Ages 7+.
SKYLINE LANTERNS
December 16, 2017
10:30-11:45 AM
Celebrate this holiday season with a project that can brighten up your home! Children are invited to learn about architectural lighting with a skyline lantern activity. Ages 5+.
GEODESIC DOME WORKSHOP
December 2, 2017
10:30-11:45 AM
Learn about domes from across the world! From igloos to Bucky Fuller's minimalist structural frames, this amazing shape has many uses. How does geometry help the domes stand up? Kids will build their own domed structures while learning some history along the way. Ages 7+.
SKY BOYS
November 18, 2017
10:30-11:45 AM
Children are invited to listen to a story about building the Empire State Building from the award-winning book Sky Boys by Deborah Hopkinson and James Ransome. After the reading, kids will design their very own skyscraper. All Ages.
LOWER MANHATTAN POSTCARDS
November 11, 2017
10:30-11:45 AM
Take a quick tour of our museum to learn about Lower Manhattan in the late twentieth century! Then, design your own postcards featuring NYC skyscrapers and write a "Wish You Were Here!" to give your loved ones for Thanksgiving. All Ages.
GHASTLY GARGOYLES
October 28, 2017
10:30- 11:45 AM
What are gargoyles and what do they do? Young learners will hear about the history and function of some of New York’s creepiest works of architecture, just in time for Halloween! After, children will build their very own gargoyles. All Ages.
Elevator UP!
October 14, 2017
10:30-11:45 AM
There would be no skyscrapers without elevators! One of several important inventions that make tall buildings possible, elevators enable skyscrapers to rise higher than ever. After learning the history of hoists and how elevators work, kids will build their machine out of cardboard and string and give it a test run.
SKYSCRAPER HATS
September 30, 2017
10:30-11:45 AM
Ready for Halloween? How about creating a giant, a piece of art, a commanding structure -- or how about all three: a skyscraper! Join us on Saturday, September 30, and build your own Halloween costume. Dress up as a tall tower from around the world or create your own spooky structure to trick or treat in! All ages.
PAPER CITIES
September 16, 2017
10:30-11:45 AM
Before architects design skyscrapers, they learn about the city where they will be built. Children will draw a street plan and incorporate urban features,including parks, schools, offices etc. Young planners will then construct their very own skyscrapers on the street plan of their model city. All Ages.
SUSTAINABLE SKYSCRAPERS
August 19, 2017
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Did you know that Battery Park City is a model green community? Explore the possibilities for greening New York City! Kids will work together to investigate how to make our cities healthy and sustainable. Children will model green buildings and plan a green city, giving them a hands-on understanding of sustainable design. Ages 5+. RSVP Required
DOWNTOWN SCAVENGER HUNT
August 12, 2017
10:30 - 11:45 AM
After a tour of our new exhibition, Lower Manhattan in the 1990s, families will go on a skyscraper scavenger hunt in the gallery, examining photographs, videos, and text for clues. Kids will then create illustrations of their favorite discoveries. All Ages. RSVP required.
UP! UP! UP! INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION
July 29, 2017
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the basics of skyscraper construction through a group reading of Anastasia Suen’s picture book Up! Up!Up!. After the story, young architects will design their own skyscrapers. Maybe one day their designs will make it to the construction site! All Ages. RSVP Required.
ADAPTIVE RE-USE WORKSHOP
July 15, 2017
10:30-11:45 AM
Our current exhibition, Lower Manhattan in the 1990s, features many buildings that were re-designed from commercial to residential. Young architects will learn about adaptive re-use around the world, and then they will pick a NYC skyscraper to re-invent.
TRASH TOWERS
July 1, 2017
10:30 - 11:45 AM
People recycle bottles, paper, and clothing all the time. But did you know that buildings are recycled too? Come learn how builders reduce waste by reusing materials from older buildings to create new ones. Kids will make their own "Trash Towers" from recycled materials that they can tear down and rebuild over and over again. Ages 5+. RSVP Required.
SUSPENSION BRIDGE CHALLENGE
June 24
*this program has been rescheduled from its original June 17 date
10:30-11:45
There are many types of bridges, but what's so special about a suspension bridge? After learning about some of the longest bridges in the world, kids will be assigned to make two bridges: a simple beam bridge and a suspension bridge. After a test, they will see which one can hold the most weight. Will you accept the challenge? Ages 6+. RSVP required.
SKYLINE STORIES
June 3
10:30- 11:45
Kids will listen to a reading of Andrea Beaty's Iggy Peck Architect about a young designer who dares to think big, building with anything and everything he can find. Then, they will have the chance to try their own hands as architects, constructing models using various materials.
FLOWER TOWERS
May 20
10:30- 11:45
Children will learn about various buildings that look like flowers. Then, they will go across the street to the park to find inspiration to design their very own flower towers! All Ages. RSVP required.
SKY BOYS
May 6
10:30- 11:45
Children are invited to hear the story of the Empire State Building’s construction in a reading of Deborah Hopkinson’s award-winning book Sky Boys. Following the reading, children will have the opportunity to design their very own skyscraper. All Ages. RSVP required.
LIVING STRUCTURES: WHAT IS BIOMIMICRY?
April 22
10:30- 11:45
Today, we celebrate the environment. Throughout history, nature has been one of man’s most important sources of inspiration. In this workshop, kids will learn about buildings that mimic things in nature, from sea sponges to termite mounds. After that, they will design their own buildings inspired by their favorite natural elements. All Ages. RSVP required.
GUMDROP TOWERS
April 8
10:30- 11:45
How do buildings stand tall? Learn about the different techniques used to brace buildings against the elements. Afterwards, kids will build their own structurally stable towers using gumdrops and toothpicks. Ages 4+. RSVP required.
WIND RESISTANCE WORKSHOP
March 25
10:30- 11:45
How do engineers "confuse the wind"? Kids will be introduced to ideas of aerodynamics and how a building’s shape determines the way wind resistance affects the structure. Using fans and cardboard models, kids will experiment with different forms to change the wind pattern around the building. We will learn about different examples of form from buildings in our TEN AND TALLER exhibit and our permanent collections. Ages 6+.
FIGURING OUT FOUNDATIONS
March 11
10:30- 11:45
How do skyscrapers stand up? Are all skyscrapers built on bedrock? A tour of our exhibit TEN AND TALLER shows how New York’s earliest tall buildings stood on sand, spruce logs, or concrete caissons! Films and photographs of the Empire State and the World Trade Center will inspire kids to test their ideas and structural ability by designing a strong foundation. Ages 7+.
NEW YORK’S TALLEST THROUGH HISTORY
February 25
10:30- 11:45
A scavenger hunt in the Museum’s galleries will track the tallest buildings in New York City and in the world from 1870 to 1979 to 2017! Then kids will compare the scale of buildings that have held the title of tallest by constructing paper models of the World Building, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center. Learn a bout the evolution from small to TALL! Ages 6+.
HEARTS & TOWERS: VALENTINE'S DAY CARD CREATIONS
February 11
10:30- 11:45
Give your parents or your playground crush a one of a kind card with a homemade skyscraper. The only thing taller than a skyscraper is your love for that super someone! Form follows function and my heart follows you! All Ages. RSVP required.
SKYSCRAPERS: PAST & FUTURE
January 21
10:30- 11:45
How have New York City's skyscrapers changed in the past 50 years? 100 years? After time traveling to 1900 and exploring the evolution of New York City's tall buildings in our current exhibition TEN & TALLER, 1874-1900, kids will design their own skyscrapers of the future. What will your tower look like? Ages 6+. RSVP required.
JOE AND THE SKYSCRAPER
January 7
10:30- 11:45
Young learners will be introduced to the basics of architecture through a group reading of Dietrich Neumann's picture book Joe and the Skyscraper, about a boy who worked on the construction of the Empire State Building. After the story, the young architects will design their very own skyscraper using different materials. Ages 3+. RSVP required.
MAKE YOUR OWN CALENDAR
December 17
10:30- 11:45
Looking forward to the New Year? Come to The Skyscraper Museum and find the inspiration and models to make your own unique 2017 calendar. Draw Skyscrapers from around the world or pick some of your local favorites from TEN and TALLER. Save your colorful creation to five FIX as a holiday present! Ages 4+. RSVP required.
TEN AND TALLER TIMELINE
December 3, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Using the past as a tool for exploration, children will explore the Ten & Taller exhibit, then create a timeline starting with New York's first 10-story skyscraper and ending with the present day. Using shapes, materials, and colors to draw not only famous skyscrapers like the Empire State Building but others their great-grandparents would recognize! By drawing historic skyscrapers students will begin to understand the evolution of New York City’s skyline. Ages 7+. RSVP required.
TEN AND TALLER SCAVENGER HUNT
November 19, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
After a tour of our current exhibit TEN AND TALLER, families will go on a scavenger hunt in the museum for fun facts about skyscrapers, examining photographs, videos, and text for clues. Kids will then create illustrations of their favorite discoveries. All Ages. RSVP required.
MAKE YOUR OWN TEN AND TALLER STORY BOOK
November 5, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Children will be asked to think and imagine what it was like to be living at the end of the 19th century when the Ten and Taller Buildings were being constructed. They will then make their very own picture book of the lives within the tallest buildings in New York City in the 19th century. Ages 4+. RSVP required.
TEN AND TALLER CROSSWORD PUZZLE
October 29, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Come explore the historic buildings in our new exhibit TEN AND TALLER: 1874-1900 by solving the clues in our crossword puzzle! After learning about and discussing New York's oldest tall buildings, kids will construct their favorite historic skyscraper using building blocks. All ages. RSVP required.
SKYSCRAPER HALLOWEEN COSTUME WORKSHOP
October 8, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Ready for Halloween? How about creating a giant, a piece of art, a commanding structure -- or how about all three: a skyscraper! Join us on Saturday, October 8th and build your own Halloween costume. Dress up as a tall tower from around the world or create your own spooky structure to trick or treat in! All ages. RSVP required.
BUILD YOUR OWN TEN AND TALLER SKYSCRAPER
October 1, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Children will go back in time to 1874 when the very first 10-story skyscraper was constructed. After comparing skyscrapers of today with the buildings of the museum’s new exhibition, TEN AND TALLER, time traveling visitors will choose their favorite skyscraper and attempt to reconstruct it with different building materials. Once completed the buildings will then be placed on a drawn New York City grid learning about the skyscrapers of old New York. Ages 5+. RSVP required.
ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTION
September 17, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
There would be no skyscrapers without elevators! One of several important inventions that make tall buildings possible, elevators now allow skyscrapers to rise higher than ever before. After learning the history of the hoists and how elevators work, kids will build their machine out of cardboard and give it a test run. Ages 8+. RSVP required.
BUILDING BLOCKS
September 3, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Learn about different materials architects use to construct buildings! After a gallery tour of models of some of the world's tallest buildings, kids will join in a hands-on exploration, using stacking blocks to construct the sturdiest tower and recreate famous New York skyscrapers! Ages 4-8. RSVP required.
SIDEWALK ART
August 20, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
People generally look up to see the skyline, but after this workshop, visitors will be able to view skyscrapers by looking down. Intended for kids 4 and older, this program will have each child sketch a blueprint for a familiar building, then go outside to draw their designs in colorful chalk on the sidewalk to create an instant cityscape. Celebrate the end of summer with The Skyscraper Museum! RSVP required.
GREEN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
August 6, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Do you ever wish that New York City had more trees? After making a memory sketch of their own neighborhood, young landscape architects will discuss how to make it more green with innovative designs and ideas inspired by the Museum's current exhibit GARDEN CITY | MEGA CITY. Ages 5+. RSVP required.
SHOEBOX GREEN ROOF
July 23, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Combining close observation of our current exhibit GARDEN CITY | MEGA CITY and a discussion of green roofs in NYC, young landscape architects will learn about planted roofs and develop their own designs! Children will decorate their shoebox building before grass seeds are planted inside, creating a green roof to take home. Ages 8+. RSVP required.
JOE AND THE SKYSCRAPER
July 9, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the basics of architecture through a group reading of Dietrich Neumann's picture book Joe and the Skyscraper about a boy who worked on the construction of the Empire State Building. After the story, the young architects will design their very own skyscraper using different materials. Ages 3+. RSVP required.
RE-IMAGINING THE WORLD TRADE CENTER
June 25, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Green Architecture and creating sustainable skyscrapers is a growing movement. WOHA, an architecture firm from Singapore, has erected green towers in their city. In this Family Program, young architects will take a short walk up the Hudson River Greenway and sketch One World Trade Center, then re-imagine the building using the themes of WOHA. Ages 5+. RSVP required.
GARDEN CITY | MEGA CITY SCAVENGER HUNT
June 11, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
After a tour of our current exhibit of the tropical towers of Singapore architects WOHA, families will go on a scavenger hunt in the gallery in search for fun facts. Kids will then create illustrations of their favorite discoveries. All Ages. RSVP required.
GREENEST CITY
May 14, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
After a tour of our exhibit on tropical towers in Southeast Asia, kids will work together as they plan to make New York a more green, sustainable city. Learning about the effect of the environment on the city, kids will be challenged to make New York sustainable and resilient for generations to come. Are you up for the challenge! Ages 5+. RSVP required.
SIDEWALK ART
May 28, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
People look up to see a skyline, but after this workshop, visitors to the Museum will be able to view skyscrapers by looking down. Intended for visitors 4 and older, the program will have each child sketch a blueprint for a familiar building, then go outside to draw their designs in colorful chalk on the sidewalk: an instant cityscape. All ages. RSVP required.
PATTERNS AND FACADES
April 30, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Inspired by our current exhibit, WOHA: Garden City, Mega City, kids will explore patterns on skyscrapers. Starting with a simple massing, kids will create a pattern for the outside of their towers using shapes made up of circles, triangles, squares. Ages 4-7. RSVP required.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CHALLENGE
April 16, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
After a tour of our current exhibit, WOHA: Garden City, Mega City, kids will be challenged to use everyday materials that can be found outside such as, grass, flowers, sticks, rocks to see how they can be incorporated into their very own skyscraper! After construction, the projects will be displayed and reviewed to see who built the most sustainable skyscraper! Ages 6+. RSVP required.
ARCHITECTURE FOR ANIMALS
April 2, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
In this workshop, children will choose their favorite animals, then build a skyscraper abode for them! Will they choose to make a large apartment building? Or an office building? Young architects will get creative when designing for a specific animal client! Ages 4-6. RSVP required.
GEODESIC DOME WORKSHOP
March 26, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Learn about domes from across the world! From igloos to Bucky Fuller's minimalist structural frames, this amazing shape has many uses. How does geometry help the domes stand up? Kids will build their own domed structures while learning some history along the way. Ages 8-15. RSVP required.
PARKS IN NYC
March 5, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Do your kids love the park? In this program they will learn the importance of public parks in dense cities such as New York. After exploring Battery Park (right next door!) children will talk about the wide range of activities that we encounter in public spaces from Central Park to Bryant Park, the children will then design their own public space for New York City. Ages 6+. RSVP required.
TRANSPORTATION NYC
February 20, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the many different modes of transportation available in large cities today like trains, ferries, and bikes. Through a group reading of Christopher Niemann's picture book Subway, they will learn about one form of city transit, the subway! Afterwards the young planners will then design their favorite way to get around the city. Ages 4+ RSVP required.
BUILDING ARCHES
February 6, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Young engineers will learn about different kinds of arches and buttresses. Kids will first work individually to make a model of an arch using Popsicle sticks, then work together to create one large arch using cardboard boxes and tape. The strength of the project will rely on the design of the arch and teamwork. Ages 8+ RSVP required.
SKYLINE STORIES
January 30, 2016
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Kids will listen to a reading of Scott Santoro’s The Little Skyscraper, then they will create their very own illustrated short story based on a favorite real or fantasy city! Tall tales of city skylines, architecture and skyscrapers will entice young architects to think BIG! Ages 4-8. RSVP required.
MAKE YOUR OWN SKYSCRAPER CALENDAR!
December 19, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Looking forward to the New Year? Come to The Skyscraper Museum and find the inspiration and models to make your own unique 2016 calendar. Draw SUPERTALL buildings from around the world or pick some of your local favorites. Save your colorful creation to give as a holiday present! Ages 4+. RSVP required.
NEW YORK CITY OF THE FUTURE
December 5, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
What do you think New York City will look like in 50 years? In a century? After exploring the futuristic predictions of 1920s architects Harvey Wiley Corbett and Hugh Ferriss, kids will design their own cities of the future. Make room for sky roads for flying cars! Ages 6+. RSVP required.
SUSPENSION BRIDGE CHALLENGE
November 21, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
There are many types of bridges, but what’s so special about a suspension bridge? After learning about some of the longest bridges in the world, kids will be assigned to make two bridges: a simple beam bridge and a suspension bridge. After a test, they will see which one can hold the most weight. Will you accept the challenge?? Ages 8+. RSVP required.
TEN TOPS SCAVENGER HUNT
November 7, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
After a tour of our current exhibit TEN TOPS, families will go on a scavenger hunt in the museum for fun facts about skyscrapers, examining photographs, videos, and text for clues. Kids will then create illustrations of their favorite discoveries. All Ages. RSVP required.
BUILDING TALL
October 24, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
In this workshop, students will be separated into teams and will compete to build a tower that is as tall as possible. Buildings will be evaluated not only by their height, but by how well they stand up to wind and “quakes," as well on their teamwork. Participants will learn about stable structures and the real construction materials used to build TALL. Ages 6+. RSVP required.
SKYSCRAPER HALLOWEEN COSTUME WORKSHOP
October 10, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Ready for Halloween? How about creating a giant, a piece of art, a commanding structure -- or how about all three: a skyscraper! Join us on Saturday, October 10th and build your own Halloween costume. Dress up as a tall tower from around the world or create your own spooky structure to trick or treat in! All ages. RSVP required.
TENSEGRITY MODEL WORKSHOP
September 12, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
What is tensegrity? It's a structural principle based on compression and tension! In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn about the forces of tension and compression through a series of experiments. Kids will build their own tensegrity models while learning some history along the way. Ages 8-14. RSVP required.
TOP THIS!
August 22, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Signature spires extend the height of towers and give them a distinctive silhouette on the skyline. In a tour of the museum’s exhibition TEN TOPS, kids will learn about the construction of the Chrysler and the Empire State buildings spires, and then create their own versions of these inventive icons. Ages 6+. RSVP required.
GEODESIC DOME WORKSHOP
August 8, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Learn about domes from across the world! From igloos to Bucky Fuller's minimalist structural frames, this amazing shape has many uses. How does geometry help the domes stand up? Kids will build their own domed structures while learning some history along the way. Ages 8-15. RSVP required.
DESIGN AND BUILD A MODEL CITY
July 25, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Before architects design a skyscraper, they spend time to understand the city where it will be built. Drawing a communal street plan, children will discuss where parks, places to eat, shop, play, and work areas belong and what features they wish their city would have. Young planners will then build their own skyscraper to place their model city. Ages 6+. RSVP required.
SIDEWALK ART
July 11, 2015
10:30 - 11:45 AM
People look up to see a skyline, but after this workshop, visitors to the Skyscraper Museum will be able to view one by looking down. Intended for visitors 4 and older, the program will first have each child sketch a blueprint for a familiar building. Then the participants will go outside and draw their designs in colorful chalk on the sidewalk: an instant cityscape. All ages. RSVP required.
WHAT’S “ANTHROPOMORPHIC”?: BODY BUILDINGS!
June 20, 2015
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Inspired by a tour of the exhibition TEN TOPS, kids will work together to compose a skyline of their own traced silhouettes, using poster paper to turn their "skeleton frame" into a drawing of a tower and making distinctive tops to make a personal building form! All ages. RSVP required.
TEN TOPS SCAVENGER HUNT
June 6, 2015
10:30 - 11:45 AM
After a tour our current exhibit TEN TOPS, families will go on a scavenger hunt in the museum for fun facts about skyscrapers, examining photographs, videos, and text for clues. Kids will then create illustrations of their favorite discoveries. All Ages. RSVP required.
SKYSCRAPER TOP HATS
May 2, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
After a tour of the museum’s exhibition TEN TOPS, young designers will create a wearable skyscraper top hat. Inspired by William Van Allen’s costume design for the Beaux-Arts Ball of 1931, kids will make a funky top hat modeled after their favorite tower. Ages 6+. RSVP required.
BUILDING BLOCKS
April 18, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Join us for hands-on exploration and learn about different materials architects use to construct buildings. Then, using stacking blocks, kids will construct the sturdiest tower and recreate famous New York Skyscrapers! Ages 4-8. RSVP required.
SEE AND SKETCH A SKYSCRAPER!
May 16, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
The Skyscraper Museum’s Battery Park City location sits between park views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of lower Manhattan. After a quick tour of the museum, kids will grab a pencil and sketch paper and tour our block to compare some tall towers of the early 1900s and the 1,776' One World Trade Center. After a quick discussion, kids will then draw what they see! Ages 6+. RSVP required.
ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTION
April 4, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
There would be no skyscrapers without elevators! One of several important inventions that make tall buildings possible, elevators now allow skyscrapers to rise higher than ever before. After learning the history of the hoists and how elevators work, kids will build their machine out of cardboard and give it a test run. Ages 7+. RSVP required.
DESIGN AND BUILD A MODEL CITY
March 21, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Before architects design a skyscraper, they spend time in the city where it will be built so they have a sense of its personality. Drawing a communal street plan, children will discuss where parks, places to eat, shop, play, and work areas belong and what features they wish the city would have. These young planners will then build their own skyscraper to incorporate into their model city. Ages 6+. RSVP required.
IGGY PECK, ARCHITECT
March 7, 2015
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the basics architecture through a group reading of Andrea Beaty’s picture book “Iggy Peck, Architect.” After the story, the young architects will use different materials to design their very own skyscraper. Ages 2+. RSVP required.
TOP THIS!
February 28, 2015
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Signature spires extend the height of towers and give them a distinctive silhouette on the skyline. In a tour of the museum’s exhibition TEN TOPS, kids will learn about the construction of the Chrysler and the Empire State buildings spires, and then create their own versions of these inventive icons. Ages 6+.
HEARTS & TOWERS: VALENTINE'S DAY CARD CREATIONS
February 7, 2015
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Give that special someone a structural smooch with a homemade skyscraper card. We'll show you the best way to climb your way to the top of his or her heart! All ages.
HARD HAT AREA: INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION
January 17, 2015
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the basics of skyscraper construction through a group reading of Susan L. Roth's picture book Hard Hat Area. After the story, the young architects will design their own skyscraper. Maybe one day their design will make it to the construction site! Ages 2+
BUILD YOUR OWN THEATER
January 10, 2015
10:30 - 11:45 AM
After a tour of the museum’s exhibition TIMES SQUARE 1984, kids will use different materials to design and construct their very own theater like the historic showplaces of Broadway and 42nd Street. In this hands-on experience kids will learn about the architecture of Times Square yesterday and today, then get to build their own design! Ages 5+
GINGERBREAD SKYSCRAPER WORKSHOP
December 13, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Spread holiday cheer by decorating your very own Gingerbread SKYSCRAPER masterpiece with your family! Each child/parent pair works together to design and decorate their very own gingerbread skyscraper. Reach new heights and create your very own structure out of gingerbread. While learning about building and construction, each child will decorate the façade of the structure with frosting, gumdrops and candy. Spread the holiday spirit by bringing home your very own skyscraper creation! Ages 6+
BUILDING BLOCKS
December 6, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Join us for hands-on exploration and learn about different materials architects use to construct buildings. Then, design your very own skyscraper inspired by the Museum's super-tall towers! Ages 4-8.
GEODESIC DOME WORKSHOP
November 22, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Learn about domes from across the world! From igloos to Bucky Fuller's minimalist structural frames, this amazing shape has many uses. How does geometry help the domes stand up? Kids will build their own domed structures while learning some history along the way. Ages 8-15.
SKYSCRAPER SKELETONS
November 8, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Join us for a reading of the children's book Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building to learn how skyscrapers stand tall. Kids will then erect their own skeleton of a skyscraper using toothpicks and gumdrops. Ages 4+.
TIMES SQUARE SCAVENGER HUNT
October 25, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Come tour our current exhibit TIMES SQUARE, 1984! Families will go on a scavenger hunt in the museum for fun facts about skyscrapers, examining photographs, videos, and text for clues. Kids will create postcards with illustrations of their favorite discoveries. All ages.
BODY BUILDINGS
September 20, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
After a quick tour of the exhibition, TIMES SQUARE, 1984, kids will work together to make a skyline with their own traced silhouettes. Learn about different skyscraper shapes by using poster paper to turn your "skeleton frame" into a drawing of your personal building form! All ages.
RE- ENVISIONING "TIMES SQUARE"
September 6, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Tour our new exhibit TIMES SQUARE 1984! Using the Times Tower competition entries in the gallery as an example, kids will make their own proposals for the site in the future. Design your very own poster board filled with architectural sketches, plans, and ideas and submit it for a jury review. Ages 7+.
MAPPING THE SQUARE
July 26, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
After a tour of the museum’s exhibition TIMES SQUARE 1984, kids will work together to understand site conditions that shape skyscrapers. Using maps and zoning, we’ll construct a grid and then expand it vertically. Young architects will add their own high- rise designs to the existing Times Square landscape. Ages 8+.
STACK 'EM HIGH!
July 12, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Join us for a hands-on experience and learn about the different materials architects use to construct tall buildings. Then design your very own high- rise inspired by the Museum's super-tall skyscraper models! Ages 4-8.
SKY HIGH SCAVENGER HUNT
May 31, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Come tour our current exhibit SKY HIGH & the Logic of Luxury! Families will go on a scavenger hunt in the museum for fun facts about skyscrapers, examining photographs, videos, and text for clues. Kids will create postcards with illustrations of their favorite discoveries. All ages.
GEODESIC DOME WORKSHOP
May 17, 2014
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Learn about domes from across the world! From igloos to Bucky Fuller's minimalist structural frames, this amazing shape has many uses. How does geometry help the domes stand up? Kids will build their own domed structures while learning some history along the way. Ages 8-15.
BUILDING BLOCKS
May 3, 2014
10:30 – 11:45 AM
Join us for hands-on exploration and learn about different materials architects use to construct buildings. Then, design your very own skyscraper inspired by the Museum's super-tall skyscrapers! Ages 4-8.
SKY HIGH SCAVENGER HUNT
April 19, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Come tour our current exhibit SKY HIGH & the Logic of Luxury! Families will go on a scavenger hunt in the museum for fun facts about skyscrapers, examining photographs, videos, and text for clues. Kids will create postcards with illustrations of their favorite discoveries. All ages.
LIFE IN A SKYSCRAPER
April 5, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Families will learn about our exhibit; SKY HIGH & the Logic of Luxury through a tour of the museum and explore how apartment life in a super-tall tower rearranges the city with vertical density. Kids will discuss the difference between residential and commercial building and create a model residential building of their own. Ages 5-9.
SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ENGINEER
March 22, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Using the engineering marvels in the museum’s gallery as examples, kids will learn what it takes to be a future engineer while working together to explore the excitement of vertical construction. Engineering concepts of shape, strength and “slenderness” will be explored in this program as participants test the heights of their architectural imaginations! Ages 6 – 14.
BODY BUILDINGS
March 8, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
After a quick tour of the museum’s current exhibition, SKY HIGH & the Logic of Luxury, kids will work together to make a city skyline with their silhouettes. Come learn about all the different skyscraper shapes by using poster paper to turn your "skeleton frame" into a drawing of your very own building! All ages.
WHICH IS THE GREENEST?
February 22, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Join us as we explore the different types of communities and their relationship to the environment. Through interactive activities kids will learn the benefits of living in urban, suburban and decide which community is the greenest. Ages 5+.
VALENTINE'S DAY CARD CREATIONS
February 8, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Give that special someone a structural smooch with a homemade skyscraper card. We'll show you the best way to climb your way to the top of his or her heart! All ages.
SKY HIGH SCAVENGER HUNT
January 25, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Come tour our new exhibit about SKY HIGH & the Logic of Luxury! Families will go on a scavenger hunt in the museum for fun facts about skyscrapers, examining photographs, videos, and text for clues. Kids will create postcards with illustrations of their favorite discoveries. All ages.
TENSEGRITY MODEL WORKSHOP
January 11, 2014
10:30 - 11:45 AM
What is tensegrity? It's a structural principle based on compression and tension! In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn about the forces of tension and compression through a series of experiments. Kids will build their own tensegrity model while learning some building history along the way. Ages 8-14.
HOLIDAY CARD MAKING
December 14, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
After a tour of the Museum and the exhibit SKY HIGH, kids will draw a winter wonderland New York skyscrapers, creating holiday cards to share with friends and family! All ages
SKY HIGH Views
December 7, 2013
10:30 – 11:45 AM
After a spin around the exhibition SKY HIGH, children will envision super-tall views of New York City's skyline. Inspired by the exhibit's models, renderings, and computer graphics, kids will create their own city of towers. Ages 4+
HARD HAT AREA: INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION
November 16, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Young learners will be introduced to the basics of skyscraper construction through a group reading of Susan L. Roth's picture book Hard Hat Area. After the story, the young architects will design their own skyscraper. Maybe one day their design will make it to the construction site! Ages 2+
BUILD ‘EM SKY HIGH
November 2, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Learn about super-slim residential towers on the rise in Manhattan during a brief tour of the exhibition SKY HIGH. Participants will then be challenged to design and build their own sky-high structures using materials not usually associated with building skyscrapers: sticks of dry spaghetti, tape, and gum drops! Ages 8-14
LIVING IN A SKYSCRAPER – In conjunction with Open House New York
October 12, 2013
10:30 AM- 11:45 AM
After a brief tour of SKY HIGH, the Museum's current exhibit featuring New York's new beanstalk-tall apartment towers, kids will work together to explore the excitement of vertical dwelling. Engineering concepts of slenderness will be explored as teams test the heights of their architectural imaginations! Ages 4-10
HALLOWEEN COSTUME WORKSHOP
October 5, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Still deciding on an iconic identity for Halloween? Why not reach for the sky and be the tallest thing around! Come join us to make a Halloween costume that resembles your favorite skyscraper. Ages 5+
STACK ‘EM HIGH WOOLWORTH
September 7, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Enter the world of tall buildings by re-enacting their construction. Using stacking blocks, kids will learn about and construct models of history's tallest buildings, starting with the Woolworth Building, subject of the Museum's current exhibition. Have your picture taken with your skyscraper! Ages 4-10.
SIDEWALK ART
August 24, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
You usually look up to see a skyline, but after this workshop, visitors to the Skyscraper Museum will be able to see one by looking down. Intended for visitors 4 and older, the program will first have each child sketch a blueprint for a familiar building. Then the participants will go outside and draw their designs in colorful chalk on the sidewalk: an instant cityscape. All ages.
WOOLWORTH’S GARGOYLES
August 10, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Gargoyles are architectural elements that resemble creatures, such as monkeys and dragons, that medieval masons carved to ornament cathedrals. The Woolworth Building had friendly dog gargoyles. During a quick tour of the exhibition “Woolworth Building @ 100”, kids will seek out the Woolworth Building’s details of fanciful architectural ornament and then create their own sculptures! Ages 3-10.
TENSEGRITY MODEL WORKSHOP
July 27, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
What is tensegrity? It's a structural principle based on compression and tension! In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn about the forces of tension and compression through a series of experiments. Kids will build their own tensegrity model while learning some building history along the way. Ages 8-14.
CATHEDRAL OF COMMERCE
July 13, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Learn why the Woolworth Building was described as “The Cathedral of Commerce”! Though built as an office building, the Woolworth tower used the architectural vocabulary of medieval cathedrals. After an introduction to Gothic-style architecture and a quick tour of the exhibition “Woolworth Building @ 100”, kids will be able to compare and contrast style, ornament, and structural methods of Gothic architecture with the Woolworth Building. Ages 6-12.
ARCHIKIDS
June 29, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Architect Yves Roger leads another wonderful hands-on workshop, where, inspired by images, vintage film and models of actual skyscrapers of the past and present, kids make their own soaring structures. Ages 9-13.
SIDEWALK ART
June 8, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Kids will first sketch a blueprint for a building they know, such as their home or school. Then kids will use colorful chalk to draw their buildings on the sidewalk in front of the Museum, creating a colorful and creative city skyline. All ages.
BODY BUILDINGS: WOOLWORTH
May 25, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Starting with the 100-year-old Woolworth Building, subject of our current exhibition, kids will work together to make a New York City skyline with their silhouettes. Come learn about all different skyscraper shapes and designs by using poster paper to turn your "skeleton frame" into a drawing of your very own building! Ages 3-9.
MOTHER'S DAY CARD WORKSHOP
May 11, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Join us for an architecturally-themed Mother's Day card workshop. Who needs Hallmark when you can make your own card for Mom? Rise to the occasion and meet us at the Museum! For all ages.
WOOLWORTH’S GARGOYLES
April 27, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Did you know that the Woolworth Building is ornamented with gargoyles? Sculptures carved to resemble an odd or monstrous creature, such as a monkey, dragon, or lion ornament the tower and also serve the practical purpose of directing rain water from the roof. During a quick tour of the exhibition “Woolworth Building @ 100”, kids will seek out the Woolworth Building’s details of fanciful architectural ornament and then design skyscrapers with visual stories of their own! Ages 3-10.
CATHEDRAL OF COMMERCE
April 6, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Learn why the Woolworth Building was described as “The Cathedral of Commerce”! Though built as an office building, the Woolworth tower used the architectural vocabulary of medieval cathedrals. After an introduction to Gothic-style architecture and a quick tour of the exhibition “Woolworth Building @ 100”, kids will be able to compare and contrast style, ornament, and structural methods of Gothic architecture with the Woolworth Building. Ages 7-14.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY: GREENING THE CITY
March 16, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Explore the possibilities for greening New York City! Kids will work together to create a model green building giving them a hands-on understanding of what makes a building green. Ages 7-14.
STACK ‘EM HIGH WOOLWORTH
March 2, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Get familiar with the world of tall buildings by re-enacting their construction. Using stacking blocks, kids will learn about and construct models of history's tallest buildings, starting with the Woolworth Building, subject of the Museum's current exhibition. Upon completion, get your picture taken with your mile-high building! Ages 4-10.
ARCHIKIDS
February 16, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Architect Yves Roger leads another wonderful hands-on workshop, where, inspired by images, vintage film and models of actual skyscrapers of the past and present, kids make their own soaring structures. Ages 9-13.
SO SEW TALL
January 26, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Engaging with the URBAN FABRIC exhibition, kids and their families will learn about the Garment District factories that once produced the largest volume of women's wear in the country. Activities will explore factory designs, original functions, production methods, and current uses. Using a variety of materials, kids will get to be architects and builders of their own factories and organize the production of their own product! Ages 7+.
NEW YEAR’S CALENDAR CONSTRUCTION
January 12, 2013
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Start the New Year right by making an architectural calendar: a 12-sided rhombic dodecahedron! Kids will learn about geometric shapes used in architecture and then construct a 3-D calendar for 2013 that celebrates skyscrapers and geometry. Ages 7+.
SKY BOYS
December 15, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Children are invited to hear the story of the construction of the Empire State Building in a reading of the award-winning book Sky Boys by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by James Ransome. Following the reading, children will have the opportunity to design their very own skyscraper. Their skyscraper can even be illuminated for the holidays like the Empire State Building! All ages.
HOLIDAY POSTCARD MAKING
December 1, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
After a tour of the museum and our current exhibit URBAN FABRIC, kids will have traveled the world and seen many different types of skyscrapers. Once they have found their favorite skyscraper, they will create holiday postcards to send to friends and family! All ages.
TRASH FACTORY
November 17, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
People recycle bottles, paper, and clothing all the time. But did you know that buildings are recycled, too? Come learn how builders, building owners, and architects reuse old factory buildings to create new buildings of different functions. Kids will then make their own "Trash Factories" from recycled materials that they can reconfigure and use again and again. Ages 5+.
HARD HAT AREA: INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION
November 10, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
After a reading of Susan L. Roth's picture book Hard Hat Area, which will introduce young learners to the basics of skyscraper construction, kids will design their own skyscraper. Maybe one day their design will make it to the construction site! Ages 2+.
HALLOWEEN COSTUME WORKSHOP
October 20, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Are you still deciding what do be for Halloween? Why not be the tallest thing around - a skyscraper! Come make a Halloween costume that resembles your favorite skyscraper. Ages 5+.
SO SEW TALL
October 6, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Children and families will learn about the Garment District factories that once produced the largest volume of women's wear in the country. Engaging with the URBAN FABRIC exhibition, activities will explore factory designs, original functions, production methods, and current uses. Using a variety of materials, kids will get to be architects and builders of their own factories and organize the production of their own product! Held in conjunction with openhousenewyork. Ages 7+.
FROM FABRIC TO FASHION
September 22, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
The Garment District is home to the largest concentration of high rise factory buildings in New York City. Come learn about the forces that shaped zoning laws in this neighborhood and changed the city’s skyline forever. Kids will learn about successful skyscraper construction and the garment manufacturing processes housed in these factories. Kids will then work together as one group to create their own skyscraper factory from different construction materials. Ages 7+.
LIVING AND WORKING IN THE SKY
September 8, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Families will learn about two of the world's tallest buildings, Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Shanghai Tower in China. These vertical cities house a wide range of businesses and living spaces, so kids will design their own model mixed-use buildings and decide what to include in the process. Ages 6+.
SKYSCRAPER SKELETONS
August 25, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Come join us for a reading of the children's book Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building to learn how skyscrapers stand tall. Kids will then erect their own skeleton of a skyscraper using toothpicks and gumdrops. Ages 4+.
SO SEW TALL
August 11, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Children and families will learn about the Garment District factories that once produced the largest volume of women's wear in the country. Engaging with the "Urban Fabric" exhibition, activities will explore factory designs, original functions, production methods, and current uses. Using a variety of materials, kids will get to be architects and builders of their own factories and organize the production of their own product! Ages 7+.
SKYSCRAPER PHYSICS
July 28, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Have you ever wondered how buildings stand up? In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn about the forces of tension and compression through a series of experiments. Museum educators will demonstrate how science is used to build skyscrapers using examples of the world's tallest buildings featured in the gallery. Ages 8-12.
TRASH FACTORY
July 14, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
People recycle bottles, paper, and clothing all the time. But did you know that buildings are recycled too? Come learn how builders, building owners, and architects reuse old factory buildings to create new buildings of different functions. Kids will make their own "Trash Factories" from recycled materials that they can reconfigure and use again and again. Ages 5+.
HIGH-RISE HEADLINES
June 30, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
In anticipation of the release of The Amazing Spider-Man, The Skyscraper Museum is partnering with Sony Pictures for this fun one-time event as part of NYC Spider-Man Week! During a tour of the exhibition “News PAPER Spires,” kids will learn about newspaper headquarter buildings, both historic and contemporary. Using Spiderman-themed tabloid headlines, they will then explore what running a newspaper is like by producing their own special-edition illustrated paper, just like the fabled Daily Bugle in Spider-Man! All ages.
Click here for more information about NYC Spider-Man Week
SUSTAINABLE SKYSCRAPERS
June 23, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Did you know that Battery Park City is a model green community? Explore the possibilities for greening New York City! Kids will work together to investigate how to make our cities healthy and sustainable. Children will model green buildings and planning a green city, giving them a hands-on understanding of sustainable design. Ages 6+.
SIDEWALK ART
June 9, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Kids will first sketch a blueprint for a building they know, such as their home or school. Then kids will use colorful chalk to draw their buildings on the sidewalk in front of the Museum, creating a colorful and creative city skyline. Ages 4+.
PAPER TOWERS
May 26, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Extra! Extra! After a tour of the exhibit News PAPER Spires, kids will learn about the the skyscrapers where the newspapers were written and printed at the turn of the 20th century, as portrayed in the Broadway show Newsies the Musical. Children will have the opportunity to learn about the top-down manufacturing process housed in these skyscrapers. Ages 8-13.
MOTHER'S DAY CARD WORKSHOP
May 12, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Join us for an architecturally-themed Mother's Day card workshop. Who needs Hallmark when you can make your own card for Mom? Rise to the occasion and meet us at the Museum! For all ages.
ARCHIKIDS
April 28, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Architect Yves Roger leads another wonderful hands-on workshop, where, inspired by images, vintage film and models of actual skyscrapers of the past and present, kids make their own soaring structures. Ages 9-13.
BODY BUILDINGS
April 21, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Kids will work together to make a city skyline with their silhouettes. Come learn about all the different skyscraper shapes by using poster paper to turn your "skeleton frame" into a drawing of your very own building!
COLUMNS AND STORIES
March 31, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
During a tour of the exhibition "News Paper Spires", families will learn about newspaper headquarter buildings, both historic and contemporary. Kids will then explore what running a newspaper is like by producing their own special edition paper!
ST. PATRICK'S DAY: GREENING THE CITY
March 17, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Explore the possibilities for greening New York City! Kids will work together to create a model green building giving them a hands-on understanding of what makes a building green.
VALENTINE'S DAY CARD CREATIONS
February 11, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Give that special someone a structural smooch with a homemade skyscraper card. We'll show you the best way to climb your way to the top of his or her heart! All ages.
LIVING & WORKING IN THE SKY
January 28, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Families will learn about two of the world's tallest buildings, Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Shanghai Tower in China. These vertical cities house a wide range of businesses and living spaces, so kids will design their own model mixed-use buildings and decide what to include in the process.
SUPERTALL SKYSCRAPERS
January 14, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Learn about the world's tallest buildings featured in our gallery. After a short tour about the world's tallest structures, kids will work together in this hands-on building exercise to design and create their own towers. Engineering concepts of shape and strength will be explored in this program as participants test the heights of their architectural imaginations!
TRASH TOWERS
December 17
10:30 - 11:45 AM
People recycle bottles, paper, and clothing all the time. But did you know that buildings are recycled too? Come learn how builders reduce waste by reusing materials from older buildings to create new ones. Kids will make their own "Trash Towers" from recycled materials that they can tear down and rebuild over and over again.
POSTCARD MAKING
December 3
10:30 - 11:45 AM
After a brief museum tour, kids will pretend that they have traveled the world to find the ultimate skyscraper. Once they have found their favorite skyscraper, they will create postcards to send to friends and family.
ARCHIKIDS
November 19
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Architect Yves Roger leads another wonderful hands-on workshop, where, inspired by images, vintage film and models of actual skyscrapers of the past and present, kids make their own soaring structures. Ages 9-13.
THE AMAZING ELEVATOR
November 5
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Come to our program to learn about the invention that makes SUPERTALL skyscrapers possible! Kids will discover the basic engineering principles that moved early elevators up and down and construct a pulley system of their own! Ages 8-15.
HALLOWEEN COSTUME WORKSHOP
October 22
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Still deciding what to be for Halloween? You can be the tallest thing around -- a skyscraper! Come make a Halloween costume resembling your favorite skyscraper. Ages 6+
SUPERTALL SKYSCRAPERS
October 15
Learn about the world's tallest buildings featured in our gallery! After a short tour of the variety of the world's tallest structures, kids will work together in this hands-on building exercise to design and create their own towers. Engineering concepts of shape and strength will be explored in this program as participants test the heights of their architectural imaginations! In conjunction with Open House New York.
BUILDING STORIES
September 2011
Reading Isabel Hill's Building Stories, kids will learn to seek out the details of fanciful architectural ornament, and then design visual stories of their own!
LIFE IN A SKYSCRAPER
September 2011
Families will learn about the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building at 2,717 feet, twice the height of the Empire State Building. Explore how buildings are combining a range of activities. Kids will view models of other SUPERTALLS and explore mixed-use buildings using different materials. Ages 6+.
SIDEWALK ART
August 2011
Kids will first sketch a blueprint for a building they know, such as their home or school. Then kids will use colorful chalk to draw their buildings on the sidewalk in front of the Museum, creating a colorful and creative city skyline. Ages 4+.
SUSTAINABLE SKYSCRAPERS
August 2011
Did you know that Battery Park City is a model green community? Explore the possibilities for greening New York City! Kids will work together to investigate how to make our cities healthy and sustainable. Children will model green buildings and plan a green city, giving them a hands-on understanding of sustainable design. Ages 6+.
SKYSCRAPER SMURFS
July 2011
Join the Skyscraper Education Team for this fun one-time event. In anticipation of the release of Sony Pictures' "The Smurfs" kids will explore some of the architecture featured in the film and construct their own skyscrapers using recycled materials that they can tear down and rebuild over and over again. Kids will learn about the design and construction that help make a skyscraper come to life! Ages 7+.
BUILDING BLUE
July 2011
In anticipation of the release of Sony Pictures "The Smurfs," the Skyscraper Museum is hosting an event during "Smurf Week." The Smurfs are moving to the big city! Kids will design and build a smurf-sized skyscraper village for the little urban adventurers featured in Sony Pictures "The Smurfs," in theatres July 29, 2011! Join us at The Skyscraper Museum to learn about the New York City sites featured in the film and build a skyscraper of your own. All Ages.
ASSEMBLY LINE DESIGN
June 2011
Henry Ford changed the world in 1913 when he introduced the moving assembly line to the automobile-manufacturing process at his Highland Park Factory. Kids will work together as one group to assemble a skyscraper model from different construction materials, following Ford Motor Company's assembly line. While Ford perfected the construction of the automobile, kids will learn about successful skyscraper construction and some of the tallest buildings around the world. Ages 7+.
GEODESIC DOME WORKSHOP
June 2011
Learn about domes from across the world! From igloos to Bucky Fuller's inventive projects, this amazing shape has many uses. How does geometry help the domes stand up? Kids will build their own domed structures while learning some history along the way. Ages 8-15.
FROM GRIME TO GREEN
June 2011
Explore the possibilities for greening New York City! Kids will explore contemporary and future factories in our "Vertical Urban Factory" exhibition and work together to investigate how to make future factories healthy and sustainable. They will model green factory buildings for their favorite cities, giving them a hands-on understanding of sustainable design. Ages 6+.
ARCHIKIDS
May 2011
Architect Yves Roger leads another wonderful hands-on workshop, where, inspired by images, vintage film and models of actual skyscrapers of the past and present, kids make their own soaring structures. Ages 9-13.
MOTHER'S DAY CARD WORKSHOP
May 2011
Join us for an architecturally-themed Mother's Day card workshop. Who needs Hallmark when you can make your own card for Mom? Rise to the occasion and meet us at the Museum! For all ages.
BODY BUILDINGS
April 2011
Kids will work together to make a city skyline with their bodies. Come learn about all the different shapes of skyscrapers and then use poster paper and your silhouette to make your very own building! Ages 3-9.
SKYSCRAPER PHYSICS
April 2011
Have you ever wondered how buildings stand up? In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn about the forces of tension and compression through a series of experiments. Museum educators will demonstrate how science is used to build skyscrapers using examples of the world's tallest buildings featured in the gallery. Ages 8-12.
ARCHIKIDS
April 2011
March 2011
Architect Yves Roger leads another wonderful hands-on workshop, where, inspired by images, vintage film and models of actual skyscrapers of the past and present, kids make their own soaring structures. Ages 9-13.
ASSEMBLY LINE DESIGN
March 2011
Henry Ford changed the world in 1913 when he introduced the moving assembly line to the automobile-manufacturing process at his Highland Park Factory. Kids will work together as one group to assemble a skyscraper model from different construction materials, following Ford Motor Company's assembly line. While Ford perfected the construction of the automobile, kids will learn about successful skyscraper construction and some of the tallest buildings around the world. Ages 7+.
TRASH FACTORY
February 2011
People recycle bottles, paper, and clothing all the time. But did you know that buildings are recycled too? Come learn how builders, building owners, and architects reuse old factory buildings to create new buildings of different functions. Kids will make their own "Trash Factories" from recycled materials that they can reconfigure and use again and again. Ages 5+.
VALENTINE'S DAY CARD CREATIONS
February 2011
Give that special someone a structural smooch with a homemade skyscraper card. We will show you the best way to climb your way to the top of his or her heart! All ages.
FROM GRIME TO GREEN
January 2011
Explore the possibilities for greening New York City! Kids will explore contemporary and future factories in our "Vertical Urban Factory" exhibition and work together to investigate how to make future factories healthy and sustainable. They will model green factory buildings for their favorite cities, giving them a hands-on understanding of sustainable design. Ages 6+.
SKYSCRAPER FACTORIES
January 2011
Families will learn about different factories still existing in New York City today, their designs, original functions, production methods, and current uses. Using a variety of materials, kids will get to be architects and builders of their own factories and explore what working and running a factory is like. Ages 7+.
POSTCARD MAKING
September 2010
After a brief museum tour, kids will pretend that they have traveled the world to find the ultimate skyscraper. Once they have found their favorite skyscraper, they will create postcards to send to friends and family.
DISNEY'S THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE:
CREATE YOUR OWN SKYSCRAPER
July 2010
Come join the Skyscraper Education Team for this fun one-time only event. In anticipation of the release of Disney's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" kids will create unique skyscrapers from recycled materials that they can tear down and rebuild over and over again. Kids will learn about the design and construction that help make a skyscraper come to life!
STACK 'EM HIGH
November 2010
September 2010
June 2010
Get familiar with the major players in the world of tall buildings in New York by simulating their construction. Using stacking blocks, we invite kids to make shapes like the Empire State Building and the Woolworth Building using kid-sized images. Upon construction, get your picture taken with your mile-high building!
MOTHER'S DAY CARD WORKSHOP
May 2010
Join us for an architecturally-themed Mother's Day card workshop. Who needs Hallmark when you can make your own card for Mom? Rise to the occasion and meet us at the Museum!
LIVING & WORKING IN THE SKY
January 2010
Families will learn about the already built Burj Dubai and the to-be-built Shanghai Tower. These two skyscrapers are the world's tallest buildings. Children will explore how vertical metropolises are combining a range of activities in clusters of high-rise buildings. Kids will create model mixed-use buildings using different materials.
SKYSCRAPER SKELETONS
August 2010
October 2009
August 2009
March 2009
January 2009
October 2008
March 2008
Come join us for a reading of the children's book Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building to learn how skyscrapers stand tall. Kids will then erect their own skeleton of a skyscraper using toothpicks and gumdrops.
TRASH TOWERS
March 2010
October 2009
July 2009
April 2009
February 2009
December 2008
People recycle bottles, paper, and clothing all the time. But did you know that buildings are recycled too? Come learn how builders reduce waste by reusing materials from older buildings to create new ones. Kids will make their own "Trash Towers" from recycled materials that they can tear down and rebuild over and over again.
GREENING THE CITY
April 2010
September 2009
August 2009
January 2009
October 2008
July 2008
April 2008
Explore the possibilities for greening New York City! Kids will work together to create a model green building giving them a hands-on understanding of what makes a building green.
SIDEWALK ART
September 2009
June 2009
May 2009
June 2008
Kids will first sketch a blueprint for a building they know, such as their home or school. Then kids will use colorful chalk to draw their buildings on the sidewalk in front of the Museum, creating a colorful and creative city skyline.
BODY BUILDINGS
December 2010
July 2009
May 2009
January 2009
January 2007
Come make a skyline with your body! Learn about the different shapes of skyscrapers and then use poster-paper and your silhouette to make your very own building!
SILHOUETTE OF A SKYLINE
August 2010
July 2009
June 2008
January 2007
After creating a silhouette of a skyline, learn how ornamentation is used to articulate a building's features. Then, accent your silhouette to give each building its individual character.
BUILDING BLOCKS
February 2010
June 2009
March 2009
July 2008
May 2008
January 2008
March 2007
June 2007
Kids are invited hear "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" and learn about the structures of tall buildings. Using stacking blocks, kids will construct the sturdiest tower and recreate famous New York Skyscrapers.
DOUBLE DECKERS & OUTDOOR ESCALATORS:
Creative Transportation in Hong Kong
May 2009
November 2008
How would you like to take an outdoor escalator five blocks to school everyday? Well, in Hong Kong you can! Kids will learn how Hong Kong, one of the world's most exciting skyscraper cities, moves its dense population around town in creative ways. Kids will then design their own creative transportation systems.
ARCHIKIDS
November 2010
October 2010
June 2010
May 2010
March 2010
February 2010
November 2009
April 2009
February 2009
November 2008
October 2008
May 2008
March 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
June 2007
Alongside architect Yves Roger, children ages 9-13 will explore skyscraper architecture and work on a hands-on building project, which they will be able to bring home. As they learn and work, children will be surrounded by images, vintage film and models of actual skyscrapers of the past, present and future.
HONG KONG SCAVENGER HUNT & POST CARDS
November 2008
Come tour our new exhibit about Hong Kong! Families will go on a scavenger hunt in the museum for fun facts about Hong Kong, examining photographs, videos, and text for clues. Kids will create postcards with illustrations of their favorite discoveries.
SKYSCRAPER HAUNTS
October 2010
October 2008
Still deciding what to be for Halloween? You can be the tallest thing around - a skyscraper! Come make a Halloween costume resembling your favorite skyscraper. Ages 6+
LIFE IN A SKYSCRAPER
July 2008
March 2008
Families will learn about Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, and explore how vertical metropolises are combining a range of activities in clusters of high-rise buildings. Kids will create model mixed-use buildings using different materials.
FORM AND FUNCTION: STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
July 2010
January 2010
June 2008
Kids will learn the decorative and functional uses of stained-glass windows. Then, using a variety of materials, kids will create their own stain-glass window. As the designer, kids will decide whether they would like to create a window that tells a story or a window that is purely decorative.
ORNAMENT CREATIONS
December 2009
The Skyscraper Museum will ring in the beginning of winter with an ornament making workshop. Using an array of materials, kids ages 4 to 12 will make a skyscraper-inspired treasure to take home.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOKLYN BRIDGE!
Thursday, May 22 - Monday, May 26
Celebrate the 125th Birthday of the historic Brooklyn Bridge with a film festival, cultural events and special activities across the city and in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Visit www.nycvisit.com/bb125 for periodic updates and a calendar of events.
FEATS OF ENGINEERING AT CFA
March 2008
Session I: 10 AM - 12 Noon
Session II: 1 - 3 PM
Location: The Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012 (between Bleecker and West 3rd Streets)
The Skyscraper Museum and the Center for Architecture Foundation invite you to FamilyDay@theCenter. Bring your building crew and get ready for skyscrapers - the ultimate challenge! China is at the forefront of tall building construction with outlandish designs and mega structures leading the way. Learn about some of the new innovations projects going up in China and then work with your building team to build the tallest and the strongest skyscraper in timed competitions with limited materials.
All materials will be provided. Four-member teams can be any combination of family, friends, classmates or individuals working collaboratively in small groups (including one student 16 years or younger). Register by March 1 at www.aiany.org/calendar. Registration Fee is $10 per group/family. For further information, email: [email protected] or call: 212.358.6133
NEW YORK MODERN POSTCARDS
February 2008
Families are invited to join us for a tour of "New York Modern." Following the tour, kids will have the opportunity to create their own visions of the future city on postcards. Ages 8+.
SKY BOYS
February 2008
Kids are invited to hear the story of the construction of the Empire State Building in a read aloud of the award-winning book Sky Boys by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by James Ransome. Following the reading, kids will interact with actual building materials and learn about the construction of a skyscraper. Ages 4+.
GREEN ROOFS
January 2008
Explore green roofs! Kids can come learn about green roofs and find out why they are important. We will draw pictures of green roofs to send to Mayor Bloomberg in support of his sustainable initiatives and learn about current projects in New York City. Ages 10+.
STACK 'EM HIGH | TALL TALES
December 2007
anuary 2007
Using stacking blocks, we invite kids ages 3-8 to make shapes like the Empire State Building and the Woolworth Building! Children and their families may then stay to hear some riveting skyscraper stories.
BUILDING BLOCKS | NEW YORK MODERN POSTCARD MAKING
November 2007
Come join us for hands-on exploration and learn about some of the different materials architects and designers use to construct buildings. Then, design your very own postcard inspired by the Museum's current exhibition, New York Modern! Ages 4-8.
See It! OPEN HOUSE NEW YORK
October 2007
Students will pick up their Open House New York green building map at the Center for Architecture and explore the City’s sustainable architecture.
Design It! THE CLOUD INSTITUTE
October 2007
Now that students have experienced some of the newest, most innovative green buildings in New York, it is time to create their own! We will be looking at the life-cycle of a normal building compared with that of a green one. From inception, to construction, to destruction, there are key differences between the two types of architecture. Students will be the architects; incorporating various elements of green buildings they have seen in the last few weeks into their new, innovative design. By the end of the workshop, students will walk away with the blueprints for the model they will be creating next week.
Build It! THE CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION
October 2007
Working from the design created in session 3, participants will learn basic model building skills as we translate their designs from 2D to 3D. Design educators and volunteer architects will be on hand to help further the designs and answer questions that come up in the construction phase. Students will work with scale, color, and materials to create green building models of homes, public buildings, skyscrapers, and innovative structures as a culmination of their research and activities from the past three sessions.
STACK 'EM HIGH| LETTERS FROM DUBAI
August 2007
Using stacking blocks, kids can simulate construcion of the world's tallest buildings over time like the Empire State Building, Burj Dubai, and others. After a tour of the Museum's current exhibition, participants will talk about the context of Dubai and write postcards detailing the experience of living in the world's tallest building. Ages 4-8.
PUSH/ PULL
May 2010
July 2007
February 2007
Learn about the physics of skyscrapers through interactive experiments and demonstrations! Try fun push-pull balancing acts with new friends and play tension tug-o-war! Ages 7 +.
