exhibits

In The Works

Ever wondered what it would be like to step inside the scaffolding you see all over New York City? In the Works, Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s newest exhibit, transforms these ever-present urban structures into an exciting, two-story play space that invites children to explore, climb, slide, and interact with their city in entirely new ways.

This one-of-a-kind installation reimagines the familiar construction site as a vibrant safe space for discovery, offering a rare opportunity for hands-on engagement with elements of the urban environment typically off-limits to young explorers. Kids can climb colorful structures, slide down chutes, crawl through netting, and discover hidden nooks—all made from repurposed scaffolding components. As they play, children gain new perspectives on their urban environment, develop spatial awareness, and exercise their creativity. The installation will grow and change throughout its run as families participate in special workshops to add their own artistic touches to the structure. By making the invisible visible and the inaccessible accessible, In the Works encourages kids to see endless possibilities in their city and feel a sense of ownership in the place they call home.

In the Works was created by Yeju Choi and Chat Travieso, NYC-based artists known for their innovative, community-based, socially engaged public art projects that encourage playful interactions with everyday surroundings. Their vision comes to life in this installation, where bright colors pop against industrial materials, creating a visually striking environment that captures the dynamic energy of New York City. The title In the Works plays with a double meaning – referring both to the familiar sight of construction in progress, and to the experience of being inside an evolving artwork that visitors help shape.

Designed for children aged 2-10, In the Works offers age-appropriate challenges and discoveries for a wide range of young visitors. From climbing and sliding to adding their own creative mark during special workshops, children can explore this unique space in different ways with each visit. Don’t miss this chance to see the city from a whole new angle – come experience In the Works and see how your city’s everyday structures can become spaces for discovery and play!