“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” — Jane Jacobs 

Coming Together: Reimagining America’s Downtowns explores the lessons learned and opportunities embraced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a period of adapting and reshaping, cities across the country are coming to terms with lasting changes in work, housing, mobility, entertainment, and recreation.

Across America, mayors, employers, institutions, and communities are partnering to generate strategies to improve urban spaces for everyone. By coming together, we can reimagine the way we live, work, play, eat, worship, learn, and heal within our downtowns. A new chapter in the history of the American city lies ahead. Through case studies, data infographics, large-scale video, digital interactives, and voting activities, the exhibition offers a multimedia exploration into how bright the future of American downtowns can be if we continue coming together.

Coming Together is the first of three major exhibitions planned, for the National Building Museum’s Future Cities initiative, a multi-year, interdisciplinary initiative that explores the city as a hub, catalyst, essential building block and reflection of society. A special feature of this exhibition is the City Action Hall, a collaboration space where organizations committed to improving neighbourhoods and cities can meet, strategize, and take action.