LEGO® can be hard enough to build with a manual, but what if you had absolutely no instructions? “Fortunately, there are no rules in art!” says Nathan Sawaya, the creative genius behind The Art of the Brick. At his latest D.C. exhibit, you’ll encounter over 130 sculptures that are nothing short of astounding.
On display in Northeast D.C. for a limited time, The Art of the Brick is a traveling exhibition made from a whopping 1 million LEGO® bricks. Read on for my thoughts on this unique LEGO® showcase.
What can you expect to see at this limited-time LEGO® exhibition in D.C.?
The better question might be, what won’t you see? From a life-sized replica of the famed Moai statues on Easter Island to a stellar depiction of Michelangelo’s David, The Art of the Brick brings numerous iconic works of art to life.
The brick count on each plaque creates a fun guessing game, and I thoroughly enjoyed trying to determine how many bricks were used in each creation (even if I consistently underestimated the total). For reference, the LEGO® site’s version of the Mona Lisa contains 1,503 bricks, while Sawaya’s creative recreation of the famed portrait uses over three times that amount. And that’s one of his smaller creations!
The critically acclaimed collection also contains reimagined ordinary objects, including a spectacular red dress, captivating clouds, and other full-scale sculptures. It was wild to notice how the LEGO® creations embodied the qualities of their subject matter. The depictions of marble sculptures remained rigid, while the dress seemed to flow effortlessly like fabric.
Grab tickets to this popular LEGO® exhibit that has gained over 10 million visitors worldwide!
My favorite LEGO® artworks
As an avid lover of painting, I must say I’m slightly partial to Sawaya’s recreations of famous works like Klimt’s The Kiss and Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. It was fun to take note of his different approaches to each work, as some remained flat like a traditional canvas, while others transformed into dynamic three-dimensional sculptures.
Perhaps the most wow-worthy discovery, however, was the room containing animal sculptures towards the end of the exhibition. Designed to celebrate nature and bring awareness to endangered species, the space is home to a towering giraffe, adorable elephant trio, magnificent orca whale, and so much more.
My fellow exhibit attendees appeared equally in awe of Sawaya’s creations, snapping photos left and right. If I had to take a guess, you’ll likely feel the same!
The Art of the Brick is open at 524 Rhode Island Ave NE, conveniently located by the Rhode Island Ave Metro Station and Bryant Street Market. If you’re feeling hungry, we recommend grabbing tacos from Taqueria Habanero before or after your visit!
All ages are welcome at The Art of the Brick, and children under four enter free of charge. Plus, the D.C. exhibit is hosting some fun Easter activations this April. On select days, visitors can paint Easter eggs and take home a keepsake – it’s the perfect family activity!
