New exhibition in a Lego its own
Jackson Bell was entranced by the millions of pieces of Lego on display at Te Papa yesterday – what 4-year-old wouldn’t be?
But his grandmother, Carol Galloway, was just as mesmerised by some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and masterpieces, built exclusively from tonnes of tiny plastic bricks.
They were part of a lucky few invited to see the Wonders of the World exhibition before it opens in Wellington today.
It features pieces including the Taj Mahal, a sinking Titanic, the International Space Station, and Michelangelo’s David statue.
Thousands of enthusiasts, young and old, are expected throughout the nine-week exhibit to see what the Lego artist known as Brickman has designed using seven tonnes of the miniature blocks.
Ryan McNaught is one of 14 certified Lego professionals in the world who, with a team of Lego architects, spent nearly 5000 hours creating the Arc de Triomphe and the Temple of Artemis, among others.
McNaught will also enlist the building skills of the public to help with some of the model making.
Christchurch-based Centuri Chan was one of the builders who helped McNaught bring his dream to life.
‘‘What we’re trying to achieve with this exhibition is to encourage children and adults to build crazy things with Lego, things that are fun, and inspire people with the things that we’ve built,’’ Chan said.
Researching the models was the first building block to creating the masterpieces. ‘‘We want kids, as well as adults, to see the model and understand what went into it and what the history and stories behind them are.’’
And with a Kiwi touch comes some New Zealand humour.
The keen-eyed might spot Greek mythological monster Medusa mid-song at a karaoke bar, watched by Indiana Jones.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Lego likeness can be seen tossing a Golden Globe off the back of the Titanic, while some 1980s Star Wars characters hide away in the space station.
‘‘Lego is a generational toy, it’s ingrained in our culture almost,’’ Chan said.
❚ Wonders of the World runs until February 11. Tickets from ticketek.co.nz. Adult $19.50, child $9.50, concession $15.50, family $49.50.