2026 Architecture Week at the Modern
The Modern Art Museum, in partnership with the American Institute of Architects Fort Worth, proudly celebrates Architecture Week (April 12–18) with a series of special events. Join us for guided architecture tours, a special film screening, and a hands-on family program, Box City.
Family Program: "Box City"
A Hands-On Celebration of Architecture Week
Friday, April 17 from 5–8 pm
Saturday, April 18 from 10 am–5 pm
Modern Grand Lobby and Education Studio
Free Admission | All Materials Provided
Join AIA Fort Worth and the Modern for an engaging, family-friendly celebration of Architecture Week with Box City! This interactive workshop, led by members and educators from AIA Fort Worth along with architect Ashleigh Hood and artist Claire Kennedy, invites children and families to explore the principles of architecture and urban design through creative play and sculptural building.
Participants will begin by learning with Ashleigh Hood about architectural concepts, city planning, principles of design, and the role of permits and building functions within a community. Guided by this foundation, and under Claire Kennedy’s creative direction, participants will then use predominantly recycled materials to design and construct their own sculptural, officially “permitted” buildings, contributing to a collaborative miniature sculptural city installed in Grand Lobby.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own boxes—such as shipping, shoe, or cereal boxes—to transform into buildings, though materials will also be provided. The layout of Box City, inspired by a special painting in the Modern’s permanent collection, will come to life on a large-scale, pre-painted canvas serving as the city grid and vibrant foundation for the collaborative creation. Additionally, a public park will be incorporated into the city layout, where guests will have the opportunity to design small sculptures, contributing to a public art installation within the cityscape.
Perfect for all ages, this hands-on program fosters creativity, teamwork, and deeper appreciation for the built environment. Drop in anytime and take part in building a sculptural city! The completed Box City will remain on display in the Modern’s lobby through the end of the day on Sunday, April 19.
Special Architecture Tours
Friday, April 17 at 4 pm - Light and Space
Saturday, April 18 at 3 pm - Inside/Outside
Sunday, April 19 at 3 pm - Materials
Special Film Screening
Eames: The Architect and the Painter
Tuesday, April 14 at 6 pm
A feature-length documentary that explores the groundbreaking partnership of Charles and Ray Eames, the husband-and-wife team who transformed modern design in America, playfully blurring the boundaries between art and architecture. The film traces their creative collaboration from iconic molded plywood and fiberglass furniture to films, exhibitions, and architectural projects, revealing how their shared curiosity and disciplined practice reshaped the way we experience design.
AIA Fort Worth presents Emerging Visions: An exhibition of student work from the 2025 High School Architecture Summer Camp
Friday, April 17, 5–8 pm and Saturday, April 18, 10 am–5 pm
Education Department
Free admission
Celebrate creativity, innovation, and the future of design! We're proud to showcase the work of talented high school students from across the North Texas region. These young designers have poured imagination and effort into their projects, exploring architecture and the built environment. Each piece reflects originality, a thoughtful design process, and strong presentation—offering a glimpse into the next generation of creative professionals. Explore their work and see what's possible when young minds tackle big ideas.
The showcase will be on view in the Education Department’s hallway during our family program, Box City.
This program exhibition is presented as a part of AIA National’s Architecture Week. The camp and program exhibition were funded, in part, by a grant from the AIA College of Fellows.
