1. The LEGO House
When you were a child, did you dream about having an entire house made out of LEGO bricks? You weren’t alone. In the United Kingdom, television personality James May actually acted on this dream, constructing a fully functional house entirely out of LEGO bricks. The home required 3.3 million Lego bricks and featured a working toilet and shower. A pet cat made of LEGO bricks was also included in the home (sans litter box). The built-in bed, however, was admittedly quite uncomfortable.
James completed his 200-foot tall house with the help of more than 1,000 volunteers on a vineyard in Surrey. Unfortunately, the house was destroyed when the vineyard needed to reclaim the land at planting time. James tried to give the house away to anyone who could move it but found no takers for his epic creation. The silver lining? That must have been an easy demolition project.
2. A Working V-8 Motor
Building a detailed replica of a V-8 motor from LEGO bricks is a challenge in and of itself, but some of the brilliant people who work at LEGO did just that - and their engine worked! Since then, several working engines of various shapes and sizes have been built. This is pretty incredible to witness, so here is a video of a working replica V8 made entirely from Legos. You're welcome:
3. 2004 Volvo XC90 LEGO Replica
While replica V8 motors are smaller than the engines they represent, the Lego 2004 Volvo XC90 replica was carefully built to actual size. The SUV was created by professional LEGO builders who work at LEGOLAND California, and it’s incredibly detailed. The car can't be driven, but you would never know it if you were standing more than a few feet away. The building process for this project was captured on film and saved.
4. Obama Inauguration
Those who missed President Obama's inauguration were given a little extra time to see it in miniature. LEGOLAND California created and displayed a miniature replica of the event, complete with recognizable guests including Barbara Bush and Oprah Winfrey. The display was incredibly detailed and included thousands of Lego figurines. The display has since been removed, but pictures of the exhibit clearly show that no detail went unnoticed.
5. Torso Man
Artist Nathan Sawaya is known for creating stunning visual masterpieces with LEGO bricks, but perhaps his best is his sculpture of a man tearing open his own chest. From the open wound pours out several Lego bricks, spilling out onto the table. The piece is one of Nathan's most recognizable and has been put on display all around the globe.
From feats of engineering to beautiful art, LEGO is responsible for inspiring artists, builders, historians, architects, and scientists of all ages. Seek out some of your own inspiration today with one of the many sets at BRICK Marketplace!