Downtowns across the U.S. are undergoing a remarkable transformation, and the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, is showcasing the visionary ideas and people leading this change.
A New Vision for America’s Downtowns Takes Center Stage
The National Building Museum’s exhibition Coming Together: Reimagining America’s Downtowns is now open. This three-part exhibition reveals how cities are reinventing themselves after the pandemic. Curated by Uwe S. Brandes from Georgetown University and designed by Reddymade and MGMT., it features over 60 U.S. cities as case studies. Visitors will see firsthand how adaptive reuse of old office buildings and the creation of vibrant public spaces are turning challenges into opportunities.
The exhibition features interactive displays and a City Action Hall, a space where civic leaders and residents can collaborate on real-world solutions.
Downtowns Remain Essential to Urban Life
Downtowns occupy just 2% of a city’s land but drive a quarter of its jobs and cultural activity. These areas are growing three times faster than the surrounding neighborhoods. The exhibition will share how urban centers are transforming vacant storefronts into cultural hubs and sidewalks into vibrant gathering spaces. Salt Lake City’s residential boom, Nashville’s tourism-driven investments, and Dallas’s Klyde Warren Park (our featured image) are just a few examples of how cities are redefining their cores. This transformation reflects a commitment to creating downtowns that truly serve their communities.
The City Action Hall Inspires Real-World Change
The City Action Hall is the heart of the exhibition, providing a flexible space for workshops and public programs. It’s designed for policymakers, business owners, and residents to engage in meaningful dialogue. Groups can reserve the hall to host events, turning it into a hub for urban innovation. The future of cities is shaped by everyone who cares about them, and this space makes that possible.
You Can Play a Role in the Future of Urban Living
Coming Together encourages visitors to engage with the ideas driving urban revitalization. With support from organizations like AARP and Wells Fargo, the exhibition shows that downtowns thrive when people work together. The pandemic revealed both vulnerabilities and opportunities, sparking a wave of creativity. Now is the time to build on that momentum.
Whether you’re drawn to data, design, or community action, this three-part exhibition proves that the future of American cities is being shaped today—and you can help!
The National Building Museum is located at 401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001, and is open Thursday through Monday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for youth and seniors, with free access to the Great Hall and Museum Shop.
