Regular Registration is now open for the 2026 Monument Lab Summit.
The 2026 Monument Lab Summit: “School of Monumaking” invites artists, educators, activists, and cultural leaders to imagine monument-making as a living classroom.
Over three days, participants gather for a dynamic “school day” of screenings, keynote conversations, creative sessions, and collaborative workshops that explore how public memory is made—and remade—through art, care, and collective action. From bold national perspectives to intimate community histories, the Summit centers monument-making as an ongoing practice of learning together: asking who is remembered, how stories are told, and what it takes to build more just public landscapes.
Across keynote talks, “class periods,” film screenings, and hands-on sessions, the School of Monumaking celebrates experimentation, repair, and imagination in public art. Attendees will move between reflection and celebration—learning new strategies, sharing ideas, and experiencing art that expands what monuments can be. Whether joining conversations about national memory, collaborating on creative exercises, or dancing together at the closing celebration, participants will experience a Summit designed as both a classroom and a community.
What it means to attend the School of Monumaking:
Class Periods with Leading Practitioners
Participate in themed sessions with artists, scholars, and cultural leaders exploring monument-making through art, history, activism, and technology.
Monumaking 101
A hands-on workshop where Monument Lab leaders and partners share tools, strategies, and lessons from real-world monument projects—inviting participants to develop their own ideas.
Film Screenings
Experience films and digital artworks that reveal the hidden stories and creative processes behind monuments, including An American Reflection, a powerful visualization of Monument Lab’s National Monument Audit.
Office Hours
Bring your own ideas, proposals, or works-in-progress to small-group consultations with Monument Lab’s network of artists and experts.
Community Panels & Conversations
Learn from collaborative monument projects that model how public art can honor collective action and shared histories.
Celebrations & Gatherings
From the opening Back to School Night reception to the closing Promument dance party, the Summit creates space to connect, reflect, and celebrate together.
Special Summit Moments:
Recess
An evening gathering of music, art-making, snacks, and playful collaboration—because even monument-makers need time to recharge and create together.
Promument
A prom-themed closing celebration and Labby Awards honoring the creativity, collaboration, and joy that power monument-making today.
Featured Presenters:
Elizabeth Alexander President, Mellon Foundation
Andrea Douglas Executive Director, Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
Nekisha Durrett Artist
Devon 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.
Regular Registration Tiers:
VIP: $300.00
General: $250.00
Student, Educator, Artist: $150.00
General + Student, Educator, Artist 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 presenters, partners, and friends 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 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 2026 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.
FAQ's:
Ticketing
How do I purchase a ticket to register for the Summit?
Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite here.
How much does it cost to attend?
VIP: $300.00
General Admission: $250.00
Student, Educator, Artist: $150.00
Meals are included with every registration tier: breakfast and lunch will be provided on Thursday, May 7th and Friday, May 8th; light refreshments are also available at all evening events. Please see below for more information on meals.
What is the difference between ticket tiers?
General and Student, Educator, Artist Tickets include:
- Kick-off party on Wednesday, May 6th
- Two full days of speakers, panels, workshops, art, film, and connection
- Recess, an evening of fun, hands-on activities, and play on Thursday, May 7th
- Promument, our Summit closing party on Friday, May 8th
A VIP Ticket includes all of the above plus:
- A special reception with presenters, partners, and friends on Wednesday, May 6th
- A print copy of Monument Lab’s National Monument Audit
- A limited edition “School of Monumaking” gift
What is your refund policy?
Refunds are available through Eventbrite until April 27th. Eventbrite will deduct an 8% processing fee.
Are there any discounts for booking groups?
There are no discounts available for group bookings at this time. For any special registration group booking requests or questions, please contact [email protected].
What happens after I register?
You will receive an email confirmation for your ticket(s) and subsequent updates about the Summit via email.
Will I need to show a ticket or booking confirmation to enter?
Yes, registrants will be required to show a printed or digital ticket and identification to enter.
I’d like to volunteer at the Summit in exchange for entry. Do you accept volunteers
There are no volunteer opportunities available at this time. If cost is a barrier to access, please reach out to [email protected].
Program
What are the Summit dates?
The 2026 Monument Lab Summit: “School of Monumaking” takes place from May 6-8, 2026 at the Village of Industry and Art (320 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102).
Will I be able to enter late or reenter the venue if I need to leave during the day?
Of course, but we ask that you hold on to your name badge for ease of entry at check-in.
Will food be provided?
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be served for all registered participants on May 7th and May 8th. Evening events also will include catered refreshments. Vegan and gluten free options will be available for all sessions. A list of recommended coffee shops, restaurants, and bars in the area will be available to participants closer to the Summit for needs outside of these planned meals.
Is there a dress code?
No, we encourage you to dress comfortably and come as you are.
For Promument on the evening of May 8th, we invite you to dress to impress in cocktail attire in the spirit of a school prom!
My organization is interested in sponsoring the Summit. How can I find out more?
Please send email [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Are there vending or exhibiting opportunities for aligned organizations?
Please share your vending or exhibiting interests and questions with [email protected].
Accessibility
Entrance
The accessible entrance to VIA is located at 1431 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Check in is available at all entrances for all attendees.
Event Spaces
Summit programs will take place on multiple floors in the building, which can be reached using an elevator near the accessible entrance. Ample signage and staff members will be present to assist with wayfinding.
Seating
Primary seating options will be armless with backs, step-free, and theater-style. Spaces will be reserved for mobility devices.
Access Services
Captioning / CART will be available for most plenary sessions. A description of available access services during each presentation will be shared closer to the Summit.
Accommodations
If you have any questions regarding accessibility at the Summit, please contact us at [email protected].
Lodging and Transportation
Is there a discounted hotel rate for Summit attendees?
Hyatt Centric Rittenhouse Square (1620 Chancellor St, Philadelphia, PA 19103) is the 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, 2026.
How far is the hotel from the Summit venue?
The Village of Industry and Art (VIA) is 0.4 miles away from the Hyatt Centric Rittenhouse Square, an estimated 10 min walk or 4 min drive.
Is there dedicated parking at the Village of Industry and Art?
No, but metered street parking is available on blocks surrounding the building (subject to posted signage) and there are several parking garages nearby:
- Hamilton iParkit Garage
- Academy of the Arts Parking Garage
- Symphony House iParkit Garage
Can I use public transportation to get to the Summit?
Yes, the Village of Industry and Art (VIA) is located nearby multiple subway and bus stops. Please visit SEPTA or the Transit app for more information.
Subway
- Broad St Line: Walnut-Locust stop (5 minute walk from VIA)
- Market-Frankford Line: City Hall stop (15 minute walk from VIA)
Bus
- Bus routes 4, 27, and 32 stop at Broad & Pine St, right outside of VIA
- Additional routes that stop nearby include 2, 9, and 12