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.
All workshops located at The Skyscraper Museum | 39 Battery Place | New York, NY 10280. Registration is required by Friday at 5 PM and the Suggested Donation is $5 per child.
To sign-up for the Family Program newsletter, or for more information, email education[AT]skyscraper.org or call 212-945-6324
UPCOMING FAMILY PROGRAMS
TRASH TOWERS
Saturday, July 11
10:30 AM - 11:30 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+
SILHOUETTE OF A SKYLINE
Saturday, July 18
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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. Ages 5+.
BODY BUILDINGS
Saturday, July 25
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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! Ages 5+
GREENING THE CITY
Saturday, August 8
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
KiExplore 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 8+.
SKYSCRAPER SKELETONS
Saturday, August 15
10:30 AM - 11:30 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+.
SIDEWALK ART
Saturday, September 12
10:30 AM - 11:30 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+
GREENING THE CITY
Saturday, September 26
10:30 - 11:30 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 8+.
TRASH TOWERS
Saturday, October 10
10:30 AM - 11:30 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+
SKYSCRAPER SKELETONS
Saturday, October 24
10:30 AM - 11:30 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+.
ARCHIKIDS
Saturday, November 14
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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.
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PAST EVENTS
SIDEWALK ART
Saturday, June 13
10:30 AM - 11:30 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+
BUILDING BLOCKS
Saturday, June 6
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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. Ages 4-7.
SIDEWALK ART
Saturday, May 16
10:30 AM - 11:30 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+
BODY BUILDINGS
Saturday, May 9
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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! Ages 4+
Double Deckers & Outdoor Escalators:
Creative Transportation in Hong Kong
Saturday, May 2
10:30 AM - 11:30 PM
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. Ages 7+
TRASH TOWERS
Saturday, April 25
10:30 AM - 11:30 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+
ARCHIKIDS
Saturday, April 4
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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.
BUILDING BLOCKS
Saturday, March 21
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Kids will listen to 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. Ages 4+.
SKYSCRAPER SKELETONS
Saturday, March 14
10:30 AM - 11:30 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+.
ARCHIKIDS
Saturday, Februrary 21
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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.
Trash Towers
Saturday, February 7
10:30 -11:30 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+
Greening the City
Saturday, January 31
10:30 AM -11:30 AM
Explore the possibilities for greening New York City! Kids will work together to investigate how to make our cities healthy and sustainable. Kids will model green building and green city planning, giving them a hands-on understanding of sustainable design. Ages 6+
Body Buildings
Saturday, January 17
10:30-11:30 AM
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! Ages 4+
Skyscraper Skeletons
Saturday, January 10
10:30 - 11:30 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+.
Trash Towers
December 13
10:30 - 11:30 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 building 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+
ArchiKids
November 22
10:00 - 12 Noon
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.
Double Deckers & Outdoor Escalators:
Creative Transportation in Hong Kong
November 15
10:30 - 11:30 AM
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. Ages 7+
Hong Kong Scavenger Hunt & Post Cards
November 8
10:30 - 11:30 AM
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. Ages 6+
ArchiKids
October 18
10:00 - 12 Noon
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.
Greening the City
October 25
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Explore the possibilities for greening New York City! Kids will work together to investigate how to make our cities healthy and sustainable. Kids will model green building and green city planning, giving them a hands-on understanding of sustainable design. Ages 6+
Skyscraper Haunts
October 11
10:30 - 11:30 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+
Skyscraper Skeletons
October 4
10:30 - 11:30 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+.
Life in a Skyscraper
July 26
10:30 - 11:45 AM
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. Ages 6+.
Greening the City
July 19
10:30 - 11:30 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 sustainable. Ages 8+.
Building Blocks
July 12
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Kids are invited hear the "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. Ages 4+.
Silhouette of a Skyline
June 21
10:30 - 11:45 AM
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. Ages 5-9.
Form and Function: Stained Glass Windows
June 14
10:30 - 11:30 AM
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. Ages 5-12.
Sidewalk Art
June 7
10:30 - 11:30 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+.
ArchiKids
May 31
10:00 - 12 Noon
Alongside architect Yves Roger, children will explore skyscraper architecture and work on a hands-on building project to bring home. As they work, images, vintage film and models of actual skyscrapers of the past, present and future displayed in the gallery will serve as inspiration. Ages 9-13.
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.
Building Blocks
May 17
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Kids will listen to 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. Ages 4+.
Greening the City
April 5
10:30 - 11:30 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 8+.
Life in a Skyscraper
March 29
10:30 - 11:45 AM
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. Ages 6+.
Skyscraper Skeletons
March 15
10:30 - 11:30 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+.
Feats of Engineering at CFA
March 8
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
ArchiKids
March 1
10 AM - 12 Noon
Alongside architect Yves Roger, children will explore skyscraper architecture and work on a hands-on building project to bring home. As they work, images, vintage film and models of actual skyscrapers of the past, present and future displayed in the gallery will serve as inspiration. Ages 9-13.
New York Modern Postcards
February 2
10:30 - 11:30 AM
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 9
10:30 - 11:30 AM
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+.
ArchiKids
January 26
10 AM - 12 Noon
Alongside architect Yves Roger, children will explore skyscraper architecture and work on a hands-on building project to bring home. As they work, images, vintage film and models of actual skyscrapers of the past, present and future displayed in the gallery will serve as inspiration. Ages 9-13.
Building Blocks
January 12
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Kids are invited hear the "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. Ages 4+.
Green Roofs
January 5
10:30 - 11:30 AM
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
Saturday, December 15
10:30 AM to Noon
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.
ArchiKids
Saturday, December 8
10 AM to 12 Noon
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.
Building Blocks | New York Modern Postcard Making
Saturday, November 17
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
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.
ArchiKids
Saturday, November 3
10 AM to 12 Noon
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.
OCTOBER 6
See It! OPEN HOUSE NEW YORK
Students will pick up their Open House New York green building map at the
Center for Architecture and explore the City’s sustainable architecture.
Pick up information and register from 11 AM - 2 PM
The Center for Architecture Foundation
536 LaGuardia Place
New York, NY 10003
Visit sites throughout New York City on Saturday and Sunday, October 6th and 7th, 2007. See www.ohny.org for more details, site locations and times.
OCTOBER 13
Learn It! THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM
Located in lower Manhattan, the birthplace of the skyscraper, a tour of
The Skyscraper Museum will engage students in both the geography of the
colonial city and the landmark towers of the twentieth century. After a
survey of historical skyscrapers, students will tour a green building in
Battery Park City and see the changes that have turned this neighborhood
into a model for green building.
1-3 PM
The Skyscraper Museum
39 Battery Place
New York, NY 10280
OCTOBER 20
Design It! THE CLOUD INSTITUTE
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.
1-3 PM
The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education
307 Seventh Avenue, Suite #1201
New York, NY 10001
OCTOBER 27
Build It! THE CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION
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.
1-4 PM
The Center for Architecture Foundation
536 LaGuardia Place
New York, NY 10003
Registration forms available through The Center for Architecture Foundation
by calling 212.358.6133 or emailing info[AT]cfafoundation.org.
Stack 'em High| Letters from Dubai
Saturday, August 4
10:30–11:30 AM
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
Saturday, July 21
10:30 to 11:45 AM
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 +.
Feats of Engineering
Saturday, July 14, 1-4 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. Sign up as a team to build and compete for the
tallest, strongest skyscraper. 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 July 7 with your Team members, name, contact email
and phone to info {at} cfafoundation.org or by calling 212.358.6133. Registration
Fee is $10.
Flower Tower
Saturday, July 7
10:30 to 11:30 AM
Join us at the Skyscraper Museum for a building challenge! After learning
about the design inspiration behind Burj Dubai, the centerpiece of the Museum’s
current exhibition, “World’s Tallest Building: Burj Dubai,”
children will design and build skyscrapers inspired by everyday objects.
Ages 7-12.
Building Blocks
Saturday, June 30
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Come explore building materials with the Skyscraper Museum! Then hear the
story of the Three Little Pigs (with a twist) and help to build a giant
house of brick blocks! Ages 2-6.
Flower Tower
Saturday, June 16
10:30—11:30 AM
Join us at the Skyscraper Museum for a building challenge! After learning
about the design inspiration behind Burj Dubai, the centerpiece of the Museum’s
current exhibition, “World’s Tallest Building: Burj Dubai,”
children will design and build skyscrapers inspired by everyday objects.
Ages 7-12.
ArchiKids
Saturday June 9, April 14
10 AM—Noon
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.
Building Blocks
Saturday, March 10
10:30—11:30 AM
Come explore building materials with the Skyscraper Museum! Touch skyscraper
materials, including a glass window, metal I-beam, and a piece of concrete.
Hear the story of the Three Little Pigs (with a twist) and then help to
build a giant house of brick
Valentine's Day Card Making
Saturday, February 10
10:30—11:30AM
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/her
heart!
Push/ Pull
Saturday, February 3
10:30—11:45 AM
Learn about the physics of skyscrapers through interactive experiments and
demonstrations! Try fun push-pull balancing acts with new friends and make
a toothpick and marshmallow skyscraper skeleton. Ages 6 and up.
Body Buildings
Saturday, January 27
10:30–11:45 AM
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! Ages 2 and up.
Stack 'em High
Saturday, January 20
10:30–11:30 AM
Using stacking blocks, we invite kids ages 3 to 8 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!
Silhouette of a Skyline
Saturday, January 13
10:30–11:45 AM
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.
