World’s largest LEGO exhibit ‘Art of the Brick’ goes to Florida for the summer

If you happen to be in Tampa this summer, it might behoove you to visit the world’s largest LEGO art display. Or take a road trip.

LEGO exhibits all across the world, so the title of “world’s largest” is quite the honor. But that’s what “The Art of the Brick,” opening Friday June 23 in Tampa, Florida, is in. It’s also, per ABC, the world’s “most elaborate display of LEGO art.” Which is to say, if you in the Tampa area or feel strongly about LEGO art, you may want to make your way downtown.

However, The Art of the Brick is actually a global touring exhibit of artwork designed by award winning artist Nathan Sawaya. While the exhibit will be in Tampa — specifically the District 3 Arts center — until September 4, it is also in Midland Michigan this summer. (You can also catch it in Rio de Janeiro, Taiwan, Moscow and London if that’s more convenient for you.)

But back to Florida. Per ABC:

The collection features original sculptures, as well as re-imagined versions of iconic art masterpieces, made entirely from LEGO bricks. Examples include Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Additionally, the exhibition features a gallery showcasing an innovative, multimedia collection of LEGO brick-infused photography produced in tandem with photographer Dean West.

It’s close to interactive, meaning you can get up close and personal. There’s also what ABC describes as a fan favorite: “A life-size sculpture of a man ripping his chest open and thousands of yellow LEGO bricks cascading from the cavity.”

Also there’s a dinosaur — because that’s just a must.

ABC reports there’s also something called “The Brickyard.” The Brickyard is a “hands-on and interactive build space.”

The Art of the Brick is a LEGO phenomenon and, in some ways, historical achievement. The exhibit is the first to focus exclusively on the use of LEGO as art and Nathan Sawaya has received consistent acclaim for his work. If you’re in the Florida, Michigan or the surrounding areas, it may just be worth the road trip.