Melbourne is set to make history as it welcomes a unique LEGO exhibition dedicated entirely to the Star Wars universe. This ground-breaking showcase, crafted by renowned LEGO Masters’ participant Ryan “Brickman” McNaught, presents an extraordinary collection of iconic Star Wars creations. Visitors will be treated to life-sized pod racers, detailed throne rooms, and imposing Death Stars. Additionally, there will be interactive LEGO building stations, ensuring a deeply engaging experience for fans of all ages.
The exhibition, which features an astounding 8 million LEGO bricks and represents a colossal investment of 25,000 hours of craftsmanship, is set to officially open at the Melbourne Museum on May 4. An exclusive preview revealed the impressive scale and creativity behind the builds, with McNaught highlighting the significance of a model of C-3PO, which he believes might be one of the most valuable LEGO pieces ever made. The unique gold bricks used in the droid’s construction are a rarity in the LEGO world, with a price point of $5 to $6 each, compared to the standard brick’s cost of 20 to 30 cents.
McNaught has indicated that creating C-3PO required immense attention to detail, particularly with the intricate design of his face, resulting in several prototypes. When compared to his previous projects, such as the Jurassic World exhibition that utilised 6 million bricks, this Star Wars exhibition stands out for its scale and complexity.
The exhibition also showcases other iconic elements, including a detailed cutaway of the Death Star, made up of over 180,000 LEGO pieces, which allowed for an enhanced narrative experience not achievable with previous themes like dinosaurs. McNaught emphasises the interactive components of the exhibition, encouraging visitors to build their own spaceships and immerse themselves in dynamic street scenes, highlighting the exhibition’s uniqueness.
For those eager to attend this one-of-a-kind event, it’s important to secure a booking in advance, as walk-ins will not be accommodated. The LEGO Star Wars exhibition will run from May 4 until January of the following year, promising a thrilling adventure for both LEGO aficionados and Star Wars fans alike.