The Municipal Art Society hosts a variety of youth programs throughout the year, some are annual programs, like Investigating Where We Live and My CITI, and others are organized in association with policy initiatives or exhibitions at the Urban Center.

Investigating Where We Live

Investigating Where We Live is a free summertime program in which middle- and high-school students (12-16 years) use a camera to examine diverse neighborhoods in New York City. Through photographs, drawings, and text, participants document their experiences while developing an understanding of their physical environment. A final exhibition of the students' works gives the public a fresh perspective on the City and its unique neighborhoods. Click here to read an overview of the program.

Program Goals: Learning and Skill-Building

Students in the program:

• explore the city's built environment

• learn about urban planning, architecture & historic preservation

• learn basic photography and graphic design skills

• meet and work with photographers and designers

• have fun

• learn the boundaries, parks, and landmarks that define a community, as well as the history of the people who live there

• visit and evaluate museum exhibitions

• learn to read & create maps

• learn how to design an exhibition

• keep photos and negatives for future projects, college admission, or a portfolio

• receive a 35mm instamatic camera

• fulfill community service requirements for school

Program Information

Investigating Where We Live is a program of the National Building Museum sponsored in New York by the Municipal Art Society. The National Building Museum is a private non-profit institution in Washington, D.C., created by Congress in 1980 to celebrate American achievements in building.

For more information about the New York City program, applications and volunteer opportunities, contact Jane Cowan at 212-935-9727 x 284, or download an application form for this year's program. You can also visit the National Building Museum's IWWL website.