Fan-made LEGO exhibit displayed as fine art

Members of the OHIOLug (Ohio LEGO Users Group) have put a fun twist on fine art in their annual LEGO display, made up of well over 1 million bricks.

Their builds are available to view at the Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio until August 20. The ‘Think Outside the Brick: The Creative Art of LEGO’ display is a mini-version of the city of Columbus itself, with both realistic renditions and imaginative inclusions. The brick-built city is 8 by 30 feet wide and 6 feet tall.

This is the ninth year that the members of OHIOLug have brought their work to the museum. Each year, they come up with creative new ideas to add, like 2021’s watery features of aquatic animals and underwater treasure, a flying saucer cruising over the city, and an 18-hole mini-golf course that includes holes themed with dinosaurs, Super Mario and space adventures.

“For too long, a lot of people have thought about museums as places where expensive paintings hang,” said Josh Wilke, president of OHIOLug. “But there can be a different approach to art. LEGOs are an accessible art form. They’re an art medium. You can make mosaics or murals. It can be an engineering endeavour. And more and more, it’s become a display piece. There are just so many things you can do with LEGOs. There is no limit.”

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The exhibit was originally supposed to run in the winter months, but was delayed due to the pandemic. If you’re keen to see Columbus in brick form, you will need to reserve your place in advance online. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $9 for senior citizens, students, and those aged between 4 and 17. If you pick your timings well, you can also browse the builds at a discount, with tickets costing just $5 for everyone on Thursdays from 5pm to 9pm and free for all on Sundays. 

Featured image: Fred Squillante/Columbus Dispatch, The Columbus Dispatch

Keep track of all this year’s May the Fourth offers with our dedicated page, and support the work that Brick Fanatics does by purchasing your LEGO Star Wars sets through one of our affiliate links.

Author Profile

Rachael Davies
I am a freelance journalist based in Edinburgh, writing about all things nerdy, from Star Wars and Marvel through to LEGO flowers and Gundam. When I’m not writing, you’ll likely find me trying to stop my two pet rabbits from chewing everything I own, meaning I essentially work two full-time jobs at once.

Rachael Davies

I am a freelance journalist based in Edinburgh, writing about all things nerdy, from Star Wars and Marvel through to LEGO flowers and Gundam. When I’m not writing, you’ll likely find me trying to stop my two pet rabbits from chewing everything I own, meaning I essentially work two full-time jobs at once.

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