National Building Museum

Events & Online Programming

The Museum looks forward to resuming in-person public programs when we are able to. Until then, we are producing smart, timely, and thought-provoking presentations and panel discussions that can be enjoyed online: first live, via webinar, and then after, as recorded videos. Select live programs will offer the opportunity to earn continuing education credits; at this time, recorded programs are not eligible for such credits. Use this page to find out what we’re planning and what is available for viewing.

The Museum has three signature program series: Climate ABC, Equity in the Built Environment, and Spotlight on Design. We also have the Architecture and Design Film Festival, and the Scully Prize and the Honor Award.

Upcoming Programs

  • Where is My Land? May 18, 2022 Free
    • Equity in the Built Environment
    • Upcoming Programs

    Register

    Learn how the nonprofit organization Where Is My Land? works to return stolen land to Black Americans. Kavon Ward, spoken word artist, activist, reparative justice consultant, and co-founder of Where Is My Land? shares the story in successfully returning Bruce’s Beach to the Bruce family of Manhattan Beach, California.

    This program continues the National Building Museum’s Equity in the Built Environment series of conversations that focus on how buildings, landscapes, interiors, and streets can be the cause of—and, more important, the cure for—social and racial disparities.

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  • Climate ABC: From Ideas to Action June 1, 2022 FREE Museum Member and Student / $15 Non-member
    • Climate ABC
    • Upcoming Programs

    Register Here

    Explore how the power of digital technology, nature-based solutions, and community empowerment can move sustainable development from concept to action. At the intersection of the three main crises of social justice, climate change, and the resiliency of the earth’s increasingly fragile ecosystems we ask, “What is the role of the built environment in tackling these issues?” How can we enable, empower, incentivize, and inspire change? Fiona Cousins, Americas Region Chair, Arup, and others tackle these questions in a discussion moderated by Robert Kay, Climate Services and Sustainability Leader, Arup.

    The National Building Museum will present its 2022 Honor Award to global built environment consulting firm Arup. As the 35th recipient of the award, the Museum recognizes Arup’s seven decades of collaboration and creativity dedicated to shaping a better world through the built environment.

    This program is presented as part of the Museum’s Climate ABC series. Climate ABC (Action/Building/Community) focuses on three essential aspects to addressing climate change: Actions by individuals, businesses, non-profits, policy makers, and civic entities; Building — examples of both physical structures and landscapes, as well as coalitions of stakeholders; and Communities at every scale that are working to slow climate change.

    This program will be presented live via Zoom. Once you complete your ticket purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing the link to attend the webinar.

    CABC Sponsor Graphic 3.4.22

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  • 2022 Honor Award June 16, 2022
    • Awards
    • Upcoming Programs

    The National Building Museum will present its 2022 Honor Award to global built environment consulting firm Arup. The Museum recognizes Arup as the 35th recipient of this award for its seven decades of collaboration and creativity dedicated to shaping a better world through the built environment.

    Arup will receive the Honor Award during the Museum’s Gala on June 16. That evening, the Museum will also unveil its new Institutional Pillars, which provide a vision for impact and focus for its work. These four Pillars: Equity, Environment, Innovation and Wonder, now guide the organization.

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Previous Programs

  • Where is My Land? May 18, 2022 Free
    • Equity in the Built Environment
    • Upcoming Programs

    Register

    Learn how the nonprofit organization Where Is My Land? works to return stolen land to Black Americans. Kavon Ward, spoken word artist, activist, reparative justice consultant, and co-founder of Where Is My Land? shares the story in successfully returning Bruce’s Beach to the Bruce family of Manhattan Beach, California.

    This program continues the National Building Museum’s Equity in the Built Environment series of conversations that focus on how buildings, landscapes, interiors, and streets can be the cause of—and, more important, the cure for—social and racial disparities.

    Read More +
  • Architectural Photography: Capturing the Essence of Design and Place April 25, 2022 $10 Museum Member / $5 Student / $15 Non-member
    • Museum Exhibitions & More
    • Upcoming Programs

     

    Register Here- In Person Event

    Photographer Alan Karchmer presents his current work and shares thoughts on how architectural photography communicates the built environment to the public.

    This program complements the exhibition Alan Karchmer: The Architects’ Photographer.

     

    Read More +
  • Video
    Black Women Build - Baltimore April 13, 2022
    • Equity in the Built Environment

    Learn about Black Women Build – Baltimore (BWBB), a home ownership and wealth building initiative.

    Read More +
  • Planet Curious April 10, 2022 Free
    • Museum Exhibitions & More
    • Upcoming Programs
    This event does not require an RSVP. Registered users can request event reminders.

    Register

    This complimentary family and community event will explore the causes and effects of climate change and help you and your family learn how to have a role in reducing its impact on your community and the world. Designed for all ages, NBM Climate Day will offer essential information and hands-on, interactive activities for the whole family led by architects, landscape architects and builders that show new ways that they are addressing climate change.

    • Talk with community activists to learn how you can support their efforts and become engaged in their work
    • Attend a series of quick, engaging talks to learn about solution-based projects already in progress
    • Experience family-friendly hands-on activities designed to inspire children ranging from 5 to 12
    • Explore a curated exhibition of projects inspired by the Green New Deal Superstudio that translate its core goals—decarbonization, justice, and jobs.
    • And more!

    Planet Curious – A World of Climate Curiosity is presented as part of the National Building Museum’s Climate Action Weekend and its Climate ABC series’ programming. The weekend starts with the Grounding the Green New Deal Summit that examines the intersection of policy, design, and advocacy to identify ways to accelerate individual and collective actions to effect change. Learn more about the summit here (you will be taken to the summit’s official, secure site).

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  • Video
    Climate ABC: Raising the Green Bar March 28, 2022
    • Climate ABC
    • Upcoming Programs

    Marshall Andrews, project manager, DPR Construction; Ryan Poole, global sustainability leader, DPR Construction; and Stet Sanborn, AIA, principal, SmithGroup, discuss how working with local governments can lead to positive outcomes that address climate change, as demonstrated in DPR Construction’s Sacramento office. The program is moderated by architect Susan Piedmont-Palladino, director of Virginia Tech’s Washington Alexandria Architecture Center.

    Climate ABC (Action/Building/Community) is a new signature series focusing on three essential aspects to addressing climate change: Actions by individuals, businesses, non-profits, policy makers, and civic entities; Building — examples of both physical structures and landscapes, as well as coalitions of stakeholders; and Communities at every scale that are working to slow climate change.

    This program qualifies for 1.5 LU/HSW (AIA), 1.5 PDH (LA CES/ASLA)

    closed captioning is available for this program

    CABC Sponsors_1.18 v2.jpg

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  • ADFF:DC OPENING NIGHT - SPOTLIGHT ON DESIGN: BRUCE MAU March 24, 2022 $40 Museum Member / $25 Student / $50 Non-member
    • Spotlight on Design
    • Upcoming Programs

    REGISTER HERE

    The Architecture & Design Film Festival:DC, presented by the National Building Museum with the Revada Foundation of the Logan Family, returns for another run with a live, in-person Spotlight on Design. Join fellow architects, designers, filmmakers, and design enthusiasts for the Washington, D.C. premiere of Mau, the first feature-length documentary about the design visionary Bruce Mau. Over the span of his career, Mau has transformed from a world-class graphic designer to designer of the world by advising global brands like Coca Cola and Disney — and rethinking a 1,000-year plan for Mecca, Islam’s holiest site.

    Following the screening of the film, hear a conversation with Bruce Mau and ask your own questions. Then, share your thoughts and reflections with others over drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres during the opening night reception.

    See the full festival schedule here.

    Want to see several films during the festival without having to register for each one separately? Consider a Flex Pass. Learn more here.

    $40 Museum Member / $25 Student / $50 Non-member

    The National Building Museum is prioritizing the health and safety of our guests, speakers, staff, and volunteers. We are requiring that all of our guests wear masks. Further, by registering to attend this program in person, you attest that you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have received a negative COVID-19 test within the previous three days. Thank you for helping us slow the spread of COVID-19.

     

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