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 required by Friday at 5 PM. To sign up for the Family Program newsletter, or for more information, email education[at]skyscraper[dot]org or call 212-945-6324.
*Cost is $5 per child; members free.
UPCOMING FAMILY PROGRAMS
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.
COLUMNS AND STORIES
February 25, 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.
STACK 'EM HIGH
March 31, 2012
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Get familiar with New York's major players in the world of tall buildings by simulating their construction. Using stacking blocks, kids will make shapes like the Empire State Building and the Woolworth Building. Upon construction, get your picture taken with your mile-high building!
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!
PAST PROGRAMS
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: info@cfafoundation.org 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 +.
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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.
Saturday Family Programs at The Skyscraper Museum are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency.
