The Strangers Project/Brandon

In 2009, Brandon Doman started asking strangers a simple question: what is it like being you? ✍️ Sixteen years later, The Strangers Project (@strangersproj ) has collected over 100,000 handwritten, anonymous, true stories from people of all ages and backgrounds. Every single one was written face to face, in person, never submitted online. Stories about love and loss, joy and fear, and everything in between. What they all share is something rare in a world that feels increasingly divided: an honest, unfiltered voice of the human experience. Right now, Brandon is bringing that experience to New York City through a free interactive exhibit inside the World Trade Center Oculus. 🗽 Thousands of handwritten stories fill the space, and visitors are invited to sit, read, and add their own to the collection. No ticket required, no agenda, just people connecting through words. 🤍 The exhibit runs Thursday through Sunday from 2 to 6:30pm. In a city of eight million strangers, this might be the most meaningful hour you spend this week. 💫 The Strangers Project (@strangersproj ) 📍185 Greenwich St LL3110, New York, NY 10006 (WTC Oculus, South Concourse, Main Floor) #newyorklocals

Brandon Doman has collected over 100,000 stories from people across the world for @strangersproj highlighting the shared human experience. All of the entries are handwritten and anonymous — and the founder’s work even inspired our very own @vladduthierscbs to write one of his own.

Hey everyone! Brandon here to announce that the new Strangers Project pop-up is now open at the World Trade Center Oculus! I’m thrilled to share another exhibit featuring over 2,000 handwritten stories (from the full collection of 95,000), offering a glimpse into the lives of the strangers we pass every day. This pop-up is more than just an exhibit—it’s a space where strangers can connect through their stories, providing a profound opportunity to understand each other and ourselves better. Come explore and, if you choose, write your own story. The pop-up will be open weekly until further notice, so make sure to visit before it closes. Looking forward to celebrating our shared humanity with you. Swipe to see what recent visitors have said about the experience. Details: 📍 Where: World Trade Center Oculus, South Concourse, Bottom Floor (same building, new space!) ⏰ Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 2-6:30pm (subject to change, stay tuned here for updates!) 💰 Cost: FREE (Donations appreciated to support this ongoing mission!)

I hope this space finds everyone who needs it.

At Webby Creator Weekend this year, we were lucky enough to have The Strangers Project at our Anthem Lounge! ㅤ @anthemawards General Manager Trisha Mcloughlin chatted with @strangersproj 's founder Brandon Doman to learn more about their mission and the activation 📝🫶🥹

“Is there any space in the world for me?” “I’m trying. I’m alive.” “What will your stardust leave behind?” “I love you son, I promise to cry.” “I got so used to being alone, that being loved feels lonely too.” “Mom! I miss you so much.” This place is for you. The Stranger’s Project is a collection of handwritten stories shared anonymously, but its magic lies in its invitation for you to participate and share what it’s like being you. This exhibit is such a beautiful expression of the human experience, I can’t recommend it highly enough! The Stranger’s Project Santa Barbara exhibit is open at Art & Soul on State Street May 7th-10th, and 14th-17th. What’s Your Story?

Santa Barbara! @friendsofstatestreet brought me out to collect your stories today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday) at @artandsoul.sb Gallery here on State Street. Hope to see you. The space is for you. PS - the exhibition will be on display for a week after this weekend, but I’m only here until Sunday. The exhibition will be read only after I’m gone. Come by any time today and tomorrow to share a story with the project!

@strangersproj es una exhibición permanente de acceso libre y gratuito. Se encuentra en el Oculus del World Trade Center, en Manhattan.

Free interactive NYC exhibit: @strangersproj My favorite solo adventure ❤️ This space is filled with thousands of anonymous, handwritten stories you can read—or add your own. Founder Brandon has collected over 100,000 stories over the years. Want to write one? Just 2 rules: 1. It must be true 2. It has to fit on one side of an 8.5x11 page (the founder provides the materials!) There are tissues everywhere… because some of these stories really hit you in the feels After 16 years, this community-supported project might not last—so visit and support if you can because spaces like this matter. P.S: If you choose to donate, don’t forget to grab a merch item handmade by the founder! Share with someone you’d go with ✨ 📍WTC Oculus, South Concourse main floor (next to “I ❤️ NY Gifts”, across from “Le Cafe Coffee”) 🗓️ Open Thurs–Sun, 2–6:30pm . . . . #NYCexhibit #nycart #nyc #wtc #nycthingstodo thingstodonyc thingstodoinnyc

From the walls of the Strangers Project. Each of the 100,000+ stories in the project was handwritten on the spot by a stranger. The collection moves over time, but you can currently visit the exhibit inside the World Trade Center Oculus in NYC, where you can read thousands of stories — and if you choose to, add your own. This space is for you.

Found this in the comment box at the exhibit today. People often tell me all the different ways they find the space. This is one of them.

Hey everyone, Brandon here. This month I’m experimenting with how I share stories here on Instagram. Because they’re handwritten, it’s always been a challenge finding the right way to present them on small screens — they’re really meant to be experienced up close, in person. I’m going to be playing with different title card formats and seeing what feels best — but I’ll always include the exact handwritten story in the carousel, just as I always have. This project has always been about you all, so if you have thoughts on what’s working (or what’s not), I’d love to hear them. Feel free to DM me anytime. I can’t respond to everything, but I do my best to see everything.