The 2026 Monument Lab Summit, a biennial gathering of kindred spirits from across the monument world, will take place in Philadelphia, PA, May 6-8.
The Summit invites cross-sector thought leaders from across the country and the city for three days of learning, dialogue, and play guided by the theme “School of Monumaking.”
The Summit will offer inspiration, ideas, tools, and practice to deepen the monument-making approaches of attendees toward the cultivation and expansion of kinship and belonging in their communities.
Featured Presenters:
Elizabeth Alexander President, Mellon Foundation
Andrea Douglas Executive Director, Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
Nekisha Durrett Artist
Devon M. Henry Founder, CEO, and President, Team Henry Enterprises
Paul Farber Director, Monument Lab
Michelle Angela Ortiz Visual Artist, Muralist, Educator, and Filmmaker
Chuck Sams Conservationist and Former Director of the National Park Service
Sasha Stiles Poet, Artist, and Researcher
Lava Thomas Artist
Shakia Gullette Warren Executive Director, Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
Yolanda Wisher Senior Curator, Monument Lab
A full schedule of panels, workshops, and events will be announced in March.
Discounted rates for Advance Registration are available through March 15.
Advanced Registration Ticketing Tiers:
- VIP: $240.00 [Regular Price $300.00]
- General Admission: $200.00 [Regular Price $250.00]
- Artists, Students, and Educators: $120.00 [Regular Price $150.00]
General and Student, Artist + Educator Tickets include:
- A kick-off party on Wednesday, May 6th
- Two full days of speakers, panels, workshops, art, and film
- Recess, an evening of fun, hands-on activities, and play on Thursday, May 7th
- Promument, our Summit closing party on Friday, May 8th
Get the most out of your Summit experience with a VIP Ticket, which includes:
- All of the above plus:
- A special reception with artists, speakers and close collaborators on Wednesday, May 6th
- A print copy of Monument Lab’s National Monument Audit
- A limited edition “School of Monumaking” gift
Hotel Accommodations:
Hyatt Centric Rittenhouse Square (1620 Chancellor St, Philadelphia, PA 19103) is the official Lead Hotel Partner for the 2026 Monument Lab Summit. Use this link to book at the reduced rate of $215 per night. This discount expires April 15th.
Major support for the Monument Lab Summit has been provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial. The Lead Hotel Partner for the 2026 Monument Lab Summit is Hyatt Centric Rittenhouse Square.