Open from November 22-30
About CANstruction
CANstruction is a nationwide program that aims to raise awareness about hunger. In Washington, D.C., CANstruction is organized by the Washington Architectural Foundation as a creative design-build competition that benefits the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) through donations of canned goods. Teams from DC architecture and design firms build sculptures using cans of food, which are displayed for a week in the Museum's Great Hall. The nutritious shelf-stable food is donated to the CAFB for distribution to those in need after the event. This year’s event will take place from November 22 to November 30 with the theme “Historic U.S. Monuments & Landmarks.” During accompanying drop-in programs, participants can practice building with real cans, design a CANstructuion stamp collage, and reflect on the importance of food security at a community board.
CANstruction Schedule
Sunday, November 22 | 12–4 pm
Build Day
Watch teams construct their CANstructures in the Great Hall.
November 23–29 | 10 am - 5 pm
CANstruction Display
Explore sculptures inspired by historic U.S. monuments and landmarks in the Great Hall.
Monday, November 30 | 10 am - 5 pm
DeCANstruction
Teams take down their structures following the exhibition.
Drop-In Activities
Sunday, November 22 | 10 am–1 pm
Monday, November 23 | 10 am–1 pm
Sunday, November 29 | 10 am–1 pm
Why is food security so important, and what does food mean to you? If you could design a can sculpture, what would it look like, and what would it represent? And just how hard is it to build with cans? Find out through CANstruction drop-in activities!
Experiment with building using cans, design a CANstructure stamp collage, and reflect on the importance of food security on a community board.
Bring a canned good donation to vote for your favorite CANstructure.