A Traveling Exhibit
for Schools, Libraries, and Museums


For more than two decades, OrigamiUSA has sponsored Origami by Children, an annual exhibition of outstanding origami by children from around the world.

  • View an online gallery of the 2007 winners' models here.
  • View an online gallery of the 2006 winners' models here.

Children whose origami is selected for the exhibition will receive a Certificate of Merit, a one-year membership to OrigamiUSA and a small gift. Experience is not necessary and every interested child is welcome to participate. Most models are made from directions in origami books available in libraries and bookstores. However, original creations are especially encouraged.

Every year children are invited to submit their best folded models; either their own creations or the designs of others. The finest of these are selected to become the Origami By Children exhibit for that year. During the year the exhibit travels to the communities of the various participants where it is displayed in local schools and libraries. The display is made available to other interested communities in subsequent years.

Started in 1978, Origami By Children provides an inspiration for children of all ages to explore their own creative potential as well as to enjoy the creativity of other children from around the world.

To submit an entry, you must be 18 or younger as of the submission deadline, March 31, in the year you are making your submission. Models must be classic origami, without drawing, embellishments, glue, tape, or cutting. For further submission requirements and instructions, please download the submission form here [pdf].

If you are interested in displaying the Origami By Children winner's collection, or you have any further questions about the Origami By Children exhibition, please contact the Origami By Children Committee here.