Build it! Adventures with LEGOⓇ Bricks
Friday 29 January to Sunday 17 April 2016
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh
ADMISSION FREE
The chance to help build a 1.5 metre LEGOⓇ brick model of one of the Lewis Chessmen and watch the construction of a 3.5 metre model of the National Museum of Scotland are two of the highlights of Build It! Adventures with LEGOⓇ Bricks, a series of events and activities taking place at the Museum from 29 January until 17 April.
Build It! Adventures with LEGOⓇ Bricks also features a display of over 40 models created by the renowned ‘artist in LEGOⓇ bricks’, Warren Elsmore and his team. This includes a model of a tenement in Edinburgh’s Broughton Street, Mons Meg, the Angel of the North, the Empire State Building, the balcony at the 2011 Royal Wedding at Buckingham Palace, the Arc de Triomphe and the Colosseum.
The National Museum of Scotland LEGOⓇ brick model will be constructed by Warren Elsmore and his team, who will work on their creation on Wednesdays and Fridays in February and March. The model will feature an intricate cross-section of the building to showcase the attraction’s famous Grand Gallery and is expected to use over 30,000 LEGOⓇ bricks.
During the half term break from 15-17 February, visitors will be able to assist with the building of a giant version of The Berserker, one of the Lewis Chessmen, which is one of the Museum’s most iconic and popular objects.
Other interactive elements will be a Brick Bingo Challenge where families search for museum-inspired models hidden in the Museum’s Natural World galleries, and a Play and Display area where visitors can make their own LEGOⓇ brick creations.
Stephen Allen, Head of Learning and Programmes, National Museums Scotland, said:
“For children and adults alike, LEGOⓇ is more than just a toy - it makes architects, designers, sculptors and storytellers of us all. From watching an ‘artist in LEGOⓇ bricks’ at work to helping us build a giant LEGOⓇ Lewis Chessman, or enjoying making their own LEGOⓇ brick creations, we’re greatly looking forward to showing our visitors the huge potential and versatility of these famous coloured bricks.”
Build It! Adventures with LEGOⓇ Bricks is part of the Festival of Architecture 2016, which celebrates Scotland’s fantastic built environment, as part of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design celebrations.
Karen Cunningham, Director of The Festival of Architecture said:
“It is entirely appropriate that one of the first events in our year-long celebration is about LEGOⓇ – the first hands-on building experience for generations of children. This event will be educational, inclusive and fun – a very good way to start a Festival of Architecture.”
For further information and photographs please contact Karen Finlay or Yvonne Bruce at Artisan PR, Tel: 01578 722690 or karen@artisanpr.co.uk.
Notes to Editors
- National Museums Scotland looks after museum collections of national and international importance and provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.
- The National Museum of Scotland reopened in summer 2011 following a three-year, £50m redevelopment. With over 8 million visitors since reopening, the National Museum of Scotland is the most popular museum in the country outside of London according to ALVA figures.
- Build It! Adventures with LEGOⓇ Bricks is proud to be part of the Festival of Architecture 2016, Scotland’s celebration of design, creativity and build environment. The Festival runs throughout 2016 with over 40 events taking place across Scotland. Go to www.foa2016.com to get involved. @foa2016 #foa2016
- The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) was founded in 1916 and is the professional body for chartered architects in Scotland. Including student members, Honorary Fellows and retirees, the Incorporation has over 4,700 members. The RIAS promotes excellence in architecture in Scotland. In June 2013, in its new Policy on Architecture, Creating Places, the Scottish Government announced its support for a Festival of Architecture in 2016 to be led by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, working in partnership with a range of interested bodies. In September 2013 the First Minister announced the official designation of 2016 as Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and design, further affirmation of the Government’s support of the Festival.
- About The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design:
• 2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity beginning on 1 January 2016 and ending on 31 December 2016.
• The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, and supported by a variety of partners including Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).
• The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
• Discover more about The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design at www.visitscotland.com/IAD2016 - LEGOⓇ, the LEGOⓇ logo, the Minifigure and the Brick and Knob configurations
are trademarks of the LEGO Group of Companies. © 2014 The LEGO Group. Build It! Adventures with LEGO® Bricks is not sponsored, endorsed or otherwise supported by the LEGOⓇ Group.