Coming Together uses case studies, data infographics, large-scale video, digital interactives, and voting activities to illustrate the vital role American cities play in the fabric of our society. It also suggests that the future of downtowns depends on collective action. By creating an engaging space for exploration, dialogue, and action, the Museum invites all audiences to consider how they can come together to help shape more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant cities.

The exhibition is organized into three distinct galleries that thematically explore the evolution of America’s downtowns capped by a ‘City Action Hall’, a dedicated space for real-time engagement. The City Action Hall is available to organizations and community groups who are working to improve cities.

The first gallery, Social Distancing, initiates visitors as it sets the historical and emotional context for the exhibition. It explores the origins of the term “downtown” which is unique to the American city and looks at how the image and identity of a city is represented by this term. It also takes a sweeping study of the current state of American downtowns and examines how a public health emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerated shifts in downtowns that were already underway.

The second and third galleries, Cities Take Charge, highlight contemporary themes, strategies, policies and tactics that American cities are advancing to reimagine and reposition their downtown districts post-pandemic to meet new demands. These galleries focus on the story of transformation, experimentation, and resilience where old office buildings become apartments, sidewalks turn into gathering places, and vacant storefronts evolve into cultural spaces.

Finally, the City Action Hall provides a flexible collaboration space within the exhibition that provides a unique venue for meetings, strategy sessions, workshops, and public programs, connecting inspiration from the exhibition with real-world planning and action.

The space includes flexible seating, AV capabilities, and a pin-up board where groups can share their outcomes, creating a dynamic setting for urban innovation. Visitors and civic leaders alike will be invited to engage with the space, making it an active hub for collaboration throughout the exhibition’s run. Groups or individuals can apply to use the City Action Hall via this form.

Aileen Fuchs, president and executive director of the National Building Museum said, “Coming Together invites visitors to reflect on how cities are evolving and to explore bold ideas for building a more inclusive, resilient, and joyful future. This exhibition reflects the National Building Museum’s commitment to being a convener of dialogue, understanding, and action as we co-create the future of the places we call home.”

Added curator Uwe S. Brandes “This is a pivotal time in the history of American cities.

The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities, but it also revealed the imagination and resilience of communities. Across the country, we’re seeing a groundswell of innovation that’s redefining what downtowns can be.”

“The exhibition itself gives physical form to our evolving understanding of our cities and their new potential post-pandemic,” said Suchi Reddy of Reddymade. “This is a space for deeply understanding our experience of public space and rethinking how we come together—across economies, geographies, and politics—to shape downtowns that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of their communities.”

Coming Together features examples from more than 60 U.S. cities, both large and small, who have undertaken innovative efforts during the last five years to breathe new life into their downtowns.

Examples include:

• Salt Lake City, UT has seen its downtown residential population grow since the pandemic by focusing on downtown residential development.
• Washington, D.C. has invested in downtown sports and entertainment uses to offset structural changes to its economy.
• Nashville, TN has rapidly cultivated a robust tourism economy, resulting in billions of dollars of private investment.

Coming Together builds on the National Building Museum’s mission to advance understanding of the built environment and its impact on our lives. The exhibition offers visitors a deeper look at the forces shaping American downtowns today, highlighting how design, planning, and community engagement influence the places where we live, work, and connect. Whether it’s small business owners who are reviving main streets, place-management organizations who are rethinking stewardship, or cultural workers who are using art to foster connection, this aptly titled exhibition underscores that it is only by people coming together that we can experience urban resilience in America. 

COMING TOGETHER SPONSORS

Coming Together was made possible with support from AARP, Enterprise + Wells Fargo, Whayne and Ursula Quin, Rooted Communities, National League of Cities, CBRE, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and Kohn Pederson Fox Associates PC.

EXTENDED HOURS

To celebrate the opening of Coming Together, the Museum will remain open until 7 pm, on Monday, September 29, 2025.