LEGOs are a universal love. Kids around the world adore them; adults geek out on them. So I wasn't surprised when the Brick Party to launch the new LEGO exhibit "Block by Block: Inventing Amazing Architecture" at EMP Museum sold out.
A group of lucky kids and adults, including my family, got to take in the exhibit before it opened to the public on Jan. 25. And suffice it to say there was plenty of enthusiasm to go around.
"Block by Block" is an exhibition of iconic landmark buildings made from more than 200,000 LEGO bricks by Tacoma-based builder Dan Parker. He is one of only 13 people outside the company authorized to do such tasks.
The structures range from four to nine feet tall and include the Space Needle, Chrysler Building, Hearst Tower and Burj Khalifa in Dubai (the tallest building in the world), among others. The skyscrapers are awe-inspiring, in original architecture and also in LEGO form. Your kids will "ooh" and "aah" as they make their way through the exhibit. Parents can see how many landmark buildings they are able to identify.
But I'll be frank; the exhibit perusing will be short-lived because there is a sizeable LEGO play area within reach, where kids can sit and create their own architectural marvels. And herein lies the best part of the exhibit. After looking at these remarkable buildings made out of LEGOs, the kids are just itching to start creating themselves. Inspiration exudes from them. Kudos to EMP for having a place for them to exercise their imaginations!
My 7-year-old daughter liked the patterned Gherkin building in London best and my 9-year-old son liked the blue Taipei 101 building in Taiwan best, and that is what inspired their creations. Chances are the kids won't be done building when you have to haul them away, so remind them that they can continue working on their ideas at home. LEGO building makes a great family night project.
If your child does complete a LEGO structure at EMP, it can be added to the "Mini-Megalopolis" community display inside the gallery.
EMP Museum carries a bigger price tag for entry then most museums around town, but the LEGO exhibit offers a great way for younger kids to experience EMP for the first time. I recommend families build in some extra time to see the other fabulous stuff at EMP, such as the "Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic" exhibit, to make the admission well worthwhile.
Before the grand opening, my son and I had a chance to chat with Dan Parker about his love of LEGOs. First and foremost, my son wanted to know how he got so good at what he does. He aptly responded, "Practice, practice, practice."
My son also wanted to know about the best thing he ever built (of course). Even with the 10 amazing models at EMP, Parker counts the 2,200-figure castle battle scene he built with his son as his favorite project.
And his advice for kids who love to build and create? "Read and draw a lot, get good grades in school and mind your parents." He goes on to say that creating with LEGOs opens your brain and teaches you how to master tasks while learning discipline.
Sounds good to me.
IF YOU GO
Where: EMP Museum, 325 5th Ave. N., Seattle.
When: “Block by Block” runs through April 20. EMP Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Adults $20, students and seniors $17, youth ages 5-17 and military $14 (save a few bucks by getting your tickets online), kids 4 and younger and members free.
Contact: 206-770-2700, www.EMPmuseum.org.
Taryn Zier is website editor at Seattle’s Child and mother of two mega LEGO lovers.
