THE PLAYGROUND
Opening July 3rd at the National Building Museum
Following the success of The BEACH (2015) and FUNHOUSE (2018), the National Building Museum is once again partnering with New York-based design firm, Snarkitecture for a spectacular interactive summer installation.
THE PLAYGROUND transforms the historic Great Hall into a monumental, sculptural landscape that reimagines the familiar experience of parks and playgrounds with a delightful twist.
Playgrounds are part of our universal memory—a shared space of delight and discovery that transcends age, location, and time. By bringing typically public infrastructure indoors, THE PLAYGROUND provides an awe-inspiring, nontraditional environment centered on the mental and physical benefits of play. Designed for all ages, the installation supports motion, exploration, and togetherness in an immersive environment where play becomes a shared social and cultural experience.
THE PLAYGROUND applies principles of landscape architecture to combine intentional, innovative design with everyday fun. Through nine distinct activation areas, THE PLAYGROUND encourages open-ended exploration and play while also highlighting construction materials essential to our built environment that are often overlooked. From plywood to scaffolding, the installation invites visitors to experience these everyday resources through an unexpected lens. Whether climbing, digging, building, or relaxing, visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy a variety of interactive experiences throughout the space.
Created in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, THE PLAYGROUND frames the nation’s story through the lens of placemaking—creating opportunities for people to move, connect, and rediscover joy together. This once-in-a-generation moment offers a chance to reflect on how America’s story unfolds in the places we create together, as a community.