The LEGO Group will open its first and only U.S. Manufacturing plant near Richmond, Virginia following this exhibition
This fall, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) Will open its galleries to a 23.5-foot-long Titanic replica, a 10-foot-tall skyrocket, a 6.5-foot-long Boeing 747 and more than 100 other model vehicles constructed from nearly 1 million LEGO® bricks. “Traveling Bricks,” on view Oct. 19, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025, invites guests to explore the wonders of transportation history through replicas of iconic land, air, sea and space vehicles. The presentation at VMHC marks the exhibition’s continental U.S. debut and precedes the LEGO Group’s opening of its first and only U.S. manufacturing plant.
“Traveling Bricks is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the opening of the first U.S. LEGO facility in Virginia,” said Jamie Bosket, president and CEO at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. “This exhibition brings together two beloved aspects of life — LEGO bricks and Virginia’s rich history — to create a captivating experience for guests of all ages.”
“Traveling Bricks” is one of the largest exhibitions of its kind and includes stories that connect models with Virginia’s history in air, space, land and water transportation. In addition to the model vehicles, the exhibition will feature a quilt made entirely of LEGO bricks. The work created by LEGO clubs from Richmond Public Libraries and Chesterfield County Libraries illustrates what Virginia youth love about the state.
In addition to the “Traveling Bricks” exhibition, the VMHC will also share the story of the LEGO Group and its arrival in Virginia with a stand-alone display that showcases the new state-of-the-art LEGO factory’s contribution to Virginia’s already rich manufacturing history. The factory is slated to open in 2027 in Chesterfield County, which borders the state capital, Richmond.
For more information on “Traveling Bricks,” please visit VirginiaHistory.org/TravelingBricks.
Related programming
First Fridays at VMHC – Donation Drive for LEGO Bricks
September 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The VMHC stays open late for this free family-friendly event which includes free admission to museum galleries, specials in the café, live music and family-centered activities. In September, the museum is asking for guests to bring their gently used LEGO bricks to donate for programming related to the upcoming “Traveling Bricks” exhibition.
Fall homeschool open house
Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free, registration required
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture invites homeschoolers of all ages to enjoy enriching activities inspired by “Traveling Bricks.” Explore the exhibition and hands-on stations, create custom printed images using LEGO bricks with University of Richmond’s special collections team, read stories, complete crafts and scavenger hunts and see a 15-minute Virginia history film. For details and to register, visit VirginiaHistory.org/TravelingBricks.
First Fridays at VMHC – Movie Screenings
First Fridays runs from 5 to 8 p.m. with movie screening starting at 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 1 – “The LEGO Movie”
Dec. 6 – “The LEGO Batman Movie”
Jan. 3, 2025 – “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part”
Build workshop with LEGO Bricks
Nov. 9 and 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Tickets available starting Sept. 3.
Learn interesting facts about architecture and how it shapes the landscape around you as you partner with other participants to create a sprawling miniature city skyline, showcasing the overlap between LEGO products, play and architecture. Learn tips and tricks for building with LEGO bricks from Ben Edlavitch, a season four competitor on Fox’s LEGO Masters competition show. For details and to purchase tickets, visit VirginiaHistory.org/TravelingBricks.