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 art, 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.

For more on 2026 Architecture Week at the Modern, click here.