Events

Events

Upcoming Events

Humorist and four-time Emmy Award-winner Randy Cohen joins us again to host his live podcast, an interview show based on the idea that people are most engaging when they speak not about themselves, but something they care about. Guests talk about one person, one place, and one thing that are important to them. The result? Surprising stories from great talkers.

We're delighted to welcome Person Place Thing back to Van Alen Institute with guest speaker Kia Weatherspoon, interior designer and design justice advocate.

Learn more and get tickets!


December 16, 2023

GLOwanus Giveaway

GLOwanus is a public art project designed to inform Gowanus residents about water quality in the Gowanus Canal. Join us in December for the official launch of the newly-designed GLOwanus light at our neighborhood giveaway event.

Get a free GLOwanus light to display in your home, office, or business. The GLOwanus team will also lead a discussion about water conditions in the Canal and ongoing government-led clean up actions. Hear and share ideas for improving water quality in Gowanus and holding public officials accountable in the future.

Learn more and RSVP for free!


Past Events

Join us at the Flatiron Public Plaza for the first look at Interwoven by Atelier Cho Thompson, which celebrates the joys of reconnecting in public space.


Join us for a book discussion about Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Wellbeing, co-authored by Jenny Roe and Layla McCay, which provides a practical guide for policymakers and practitioners in the COVID-19 recovery period.


October 2, 2021

Van Alen Block Party

Van Alen’s inaugural Block Party is a celebration of our new Gowanus community and will bring Sackett Street alive with street art, free treats, family activities, and live dance and music!


Presenters from the Chinatown, South Bronx, and Lower East Side working groups shared their achievements, reflections on interdisciplinary practice, and plans to carry their work forward.


In this two-part public forum, our participating designers and our community partners reflected on how collaborative design can inform neighborhood recovery strategies.