At a time when the future seems overwhelmingly unpredictable, how can we draw on our past to bounce back from the current crisis?

Open House New York and Archtober invite you to explore how adversity has shaped New York into the city it is today through a 36-hour, five-borough outdoor scavenger hunt taking place during this year’s Open House New York Weekend (October 17-18). Think: urban trivia meets New York City Marathon meets socially distant adventure.

Participate solo or team up to decipher clues as you dash from, say, a post office in the Bronx to a public art installation in Brooklyn. Yes, this is a competition and, yes, there will be prizes. Deadline to register is Thursday, October 15.

How it Works

• Teams must register in advance. Play solo or in teams of up to 6.
• Each team must designate a team captain who is responsible for confirming team details prior to the event.
• Before October 17, designate a team mascot—make your own or pick an object that will be pictured in all the photos you submit for points.
• On October 17 at 10 am, more than 60 clues will be emailed to team captains that hint at key sites across all five boroughs.
• On October 17 and October 18, decipher clues and race across the city, posing for photos of you, your team, and your team mascot in front of key sites. Teams can walk, run, take public transportation, or use bikes, cars, and taxis. To level the playing field, teams who do not use cars get a “green energy bonus.”
• Submit your photos by 10 pm on October 18 for scoring via Dropbox. Points will be tallied and winners will be announced on Monday, October 19.