WASHINGTON — Get ready to run, jump, climb — and learn — inside one of the most unique museum experiences of the summer. The National Building Museum has launched Momentum Park(our), a high-energy, parkour-inspired installation open now through Sunday, July 20.
Designed in collaboration with American Parkour and founder Mark Toorock, the exhibit transforms the museum’s Great Hall into a giant indoor obstacle course. The installation is divided into age-specific zones, allowing toddlers to adults to safely explore parkour principles like balance, flow and momentum.
Parkour beginners are welcome. Coaches are on hand daily to assist visitors of all ages and skill levels, and instructional videos are available throughout the course to help participants learn the basics and move with confidence.
Obstacle Courses by Age Group:
- Toddler Foam Obstacle Play Area for Ages 2–5: Soft foam elements and balance activities.
- Kids’ Self-Explore Play Area & Beginner Kids Course for Ages 6–10: Beginner-level parkour course with ramps, balance bars and interactive features.
- Intermediate Kids and Adults Course for Ages 11 and up: A more advanced urban-style course with vaults, monkey bars, scaffolding and precision zones.
- Forces of Motion Zone for all ages: Interactive science activities exploring energy, acceleration and momentum.
Workshops for Kids: Special sessions for ages 7–11 will be held on July 7 and July 14. Workshop registration is $17 per participant and includes guided instruction on parkour fundamentals and safe movement techniques.
What to Wear: Participants are required to wear flat, closed-toe shoes with laces securely tied — no high heels, sandals or Crocs are permitted on the intermediate course. Rubber-soled athletic shoes, such as sneakers, are strongly recommended for all obstacle areas. For safety, participants should wear leg coverings — pants, shorts or leggings — to protect against scrapes in the event of a fall.
Admission Info:
- $10 per adult
- $7 for youth (ages 3–17), students with ID and seniors (60+)
Professional athletes will offer live demonstrations throughout the exhibition’s run, giving guests a chance to see parkour in action and engage directly with the experts. With Momentum Park(our), the museum adds movement and momentum to its lineup of unforgettable summer experiences.
Visit nbm.org for full details and registration.
Location:
National Building Museum
401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Four blocks from the National Mall
Metro accessible via Judiciary Square (Red Line)
Visitor Hours:
Open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
About the National Building Museum
Established by an act of Congress in 1980, the National Building Museum explores how architecture, engineering, construction, landscape, planning and design shape our world. Through exhibitions, educational programs and special events, the museum invites visitors of all ages to engage with the built environment and its impact on daily life and future communities.
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