On Sunday, my daughter and I had the opportunity to preview the new exhibit called The Art of the Brick at The California Science Center in Los Angeles. Hailed as “the world’s largest display of LEGO art”, The Art of the Brick consists of one million LEGO bricks transformed into more than 100 sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya. I was absolutely amazed to see what you can create with LEGO!
The Art of the Brick at The California Science Center
The Art of the Brick: The Science of the Brick is the brainchild of former lawyer, now artist, Nathan Sawaya. Featuring intriguing works of art made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world, the exhibit inspire visitors of all ages. What’s mind-boggling is to think that only one artist created all this artwork.
The critically acclaimed collection includes Sawaya’s original sculptures as well as re-imagined versions of some of the world’s most famous art masterpieces, such as Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Other highlights include a 20-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, a 7-foot tall Easter Island Moai statue and an innovative, multimedia collection of LEGO brick infused photography produced in tandem with award-winning photographer Dean West.
The masterpieces are immediately recognizable. Each piece is superbly lit, which, combined with the nature of the material used, means that every angle produces a different effect on the piece.
It will take you approximately an hour and half to look at each art piece and read the individual captions. Along with telling you the number of bricks in the piece, each caption gives you insight into the original work of art and why they are important to the exhibition.
The Art of the Brick Kid’s Activities
After you finish walking through the exhibition, you will enter a play area with LEGO brick building activities and challenges for kids. The list of activities include:
- Art & Architecture – Recreate famous building, bridges and structures using LEGO bricks.
- Hidden Hands – Build a mystery object inside a covered box using only your sense of touch.
- Assistive Devices – Design a tool that will allow you to pick up an object on a post through a series of various sized windows.
Describe It – Build a simple object out of view and describe the object to your friend. Then, see if your friend can build the same object based only on the description. - Six Bricks – Find out how many different things you can build using only six LEGO Duplo bricks.
- LEGO Drag Race – Build a LEGO brick car and test it out on ramps of different inclines.
- Free Play – Use your imagination in the free play area to make and create with bins of LEGO bricks and LEGO Duplo bricks.
How To Get Tickets To The Art of the Brick in LA
Don’t miss the hands-on The Art of the Brick at the California Science Center in Los Angeles from March 1 – September 7, 2020. Admission to see the exhibit is separate from free admission into the center. You can purchase timed-entry tickets for Art of the Brick at here. Tickets reserved by phone can be sent electronically or you can pick them up at our Box Office Will Call window.
Group Discounts To The Art of The Brick
Plan a field trip to see Art of the Brick and get a group discount! Kids and adult chaperones are $9.00 each if you register as a school group and have at least 15 people in your group. Groups will receive one complimentary ticket for every fifteen tickets purchased.
Best Tips For Attending The Art of the Brick
- The exhibit opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m.
- Last entry time into the exhibit is 3:30 p.m.
- Arrive at least 40 minutes before the time listed on your exhibition.
- It is recommended that you allow 90 minutes to view the exhibition.
- Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic in the Rose Garden.
- Flash photography is not allowed.
- Parking costs $10.00.
Closest Hotels To The California Science Center
If you’re looking to spend a day or two in Los Angeles enjoying all the sites and sounds of the city, I recommend going to Downtown LA to take a ride on Angel’s Flight, sliding down LA’s only outdoor glass slide at OUE Skyspace or visiting one of the many other excellent museums Los Angeles has to offer.
For best places to stay, I recommend the following hotels:
- USC Hotel (located right across the street from the California Science Center)
- Lowes Hollywood Hotel (puts you right in the middle of all the action)
- The Inn at 657 (a fun B&B in the heart of LA)
- Hollywood Hotel (located across the street from the Redline Metro station)
To learn more about The Art of the Brick Exhibition at the California Science Center, please visit www.californiasciencecenter.org.
Happy Field Tripping!
Jilleen
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