“Snarkitecture has always been interested in the familiar made unfamiliar –environments that invite people to see and experience the world differently. The Playground reimagines the familiar experience of a playground into something unexpected: an invitation for people of all ages to rediscover the joy, creativity, and wonder of open-ended play,” said Alex Mustonen, co-founder of Snarkitecture.

The Hill serves as the centerpiece of THE PLAYGROUND, transforming layers of birch plywood into a sculptural landscape with slides, tunnels, and places to gather. From there, visitors are invited to continue exploring the installation's eight additional activity zones. They can navigate a 100-foot Obstacle Course, climb a 15-foot Climbing Wall, unwind in oversized rope hammocks, shoot hoops at the Sport Court, wander through the Wavy Walls maze, or dig through the Dig Pit, a construction-inspired play space filled with natural cork.

One of the installation's most distinctive spaces is the Adventure Yard, inspired by a movement that encourages children to shape their own environments through building and experimentation. Using real materials and tools, young builders are invited to imagine, construct, test ideas, and collaborate as they explore the fundamentals of design and making. Rather than providing a predetermined outcome, the space encourages creativity, problem-solving, and confidence through hands-on exploration, demonstrating that the built environment is not just something we inhabit, but something we can all help shape. Nearby, the Tot Spot offers the Museum's youngest visitors an age-appropriate place to discover, climb, and play.

Material selection is central to design of THE PLAYGROUND. Industrial scaffolding frames spaces for gathering and recreation, while cork, a renewable material more often associated with construction and manufacturing, fills the Dig Pit, inviting visitors to dig, build, and imagine. Layered birch plywood shapes The Hill and Wavy Walls, and recycled flooring provides a durable surface throughout the installation. Whenever possible, materials used throughout the installation will be repurposed or recycled following its close, reflecting the Museum's commitment to thoughtful stewardship of the built environment.

THE PLAYGROUND was designed for visitors of every generation. Through immersive environments, thoughtful design, and opportunities for open-ended exploration, the installation invites children, teens, and adults alike to experience curiosity, creativity, and connection in their own way. Whether climbing, creating, gathering with friends, or simply taking in the space, every visit offers a different experience.

Throughout the summer, the experience extends beyond the installation with a full calendar of programs and special events for adults, teens, children, and families. Visitors can enjoy Late Nights featuring live music, food, and drinks, hands-on workshops inspired by the installation, weekly storytimes, Building Readers Club events, STEAM Saturdays, and drop-in artmaking activities.

“Playgrounds are where so many of us first discover the joy of exploring, creating, and connecting with others,” said Aileen Fuchs, President and Executive Director of the National Building Museum. “With THE PLAYGROUND, we're inviting visitors of all ages to experience that sense of wonder together in an entirely new way. As the nation celebrates America's 250th anniversary, this installation reminds us that public spaces have the power to bring people together, spark curiosity, and create lasting memories. We hope every visitor leaves with a smile, a sense of possibility, and a deeper appreciation for the role that thoughtfully designed places play in our lives.”

THE PLAYGROUND is open daily through August 30, 2026. Timed tickets are included with Museum admission and may be reserved in advance at https://orders.nbm.org/events/a953fd9c-aeb7-68fa-e235-d2116048654d.