Scaffolding—typically a dull necessity in urban landscapes—gets a delightful makeover at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum this winter. Running from November 23, 2024, to May 11, 2025, the museum’s newest exhibit, “In the Works,” reimagines scaffolding as a vibrant, interactive play space for children aged 2-10.
Designed by NYC artists Yeju Choi and Chat Travieso, the installation turns steel beams and construction materials into an imaginative two-story playground. Think tunnels, slides, and climbing zones—all created with safety, exploration, and creativity in mind.
Why Scaffolding?
The concept behind “In the Works” is both simple and profound. Scaffolding represents transformation, an ever-present sign of New York City’s perpetual evolution. At the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, children are encouraged to see these structures not as obstacles but as opportunities for creativity and collaboration.
The exhibit also incorporates workshops where kids can personalize elements of the design, fostering a sense of ownership and community engagement. During a preview, I saw how quickly children connected with the exhibit, turning industrial materials into sources of wonder.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum Redefines Play
As the first museum in the world specifically designed for children, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is no stranger to innovation. “In the Works” continues this legacy, merging art and play in ways that inspire kids and parents alike.
It’s also a nod to the museum’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that exhibits remain engaging for a wide range of ages and abilities. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn mundane city fixtures into artistic marvels, this is the place to find out.
For those not familiar with the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, watch this:
A Play Structure that Redefines Scaffolding
The installation, created by NYC artists Yeju Choi and Chat Travieso, is a two-story wonderland. Inspired by urban construction sites, “In the Works” repurposes scaffolding materials into slides, tunnels, and climbing zones for kids aged 2-10. It’s a bit like if MoMA and a playground had a baby.
I’ll admit, when I first heard about this, I was skeptical. Scaffolding? For kids? I mean, I trip over my own shoelaces walking under the stuff! But my visit to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum erased any doubts. The exhibit is stunningly colorful, safe (thank goodness), and packed with clever design that invites exploration.
Even better, kids can collaborate in workshops to personalize the exhibit, adding a layer of community art. As a NYC travel blogger and a parent, I couldn’t help but think: why isn’t this kind of creativity everywhere?
Opening Day Highlights
Kick-off for “In the Works” happens on November 23, with special events like scavenger hunts, hands-on workshops, and appearances by the artists themselves. The exhibit is located in the museum’s expansive Crown Heights space, offering plenty of room for families to explore.
For just $15 general admission, you can spend the day rediscovering the city’s scaffolding through the eyes of your child—and trust me, you’ll leave seeing those steel beams differently.
Why Visit?
- Interactive Learning: Children engage with urban design in a playful, hands-on way.
- Cultural Exploration: The exhibit celebrates NYC’s constant evolution.
- Perfect for Families: The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is one of NYC’s most family-friendly destinations.
Plan your visit today, and experience how the Brooklyn Children’s Museum transforms an everyday annoyance into an artistic adventure. Who knew scaffolding could be so inspiring?
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram