A highly-anticipated exhibition featuring one of the world’s most recognizable and successful toy brands opens this Tuesday at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre in Bendigo, Australia. Conveniently located adjacent to the Bendigo Station carpark, the exhibition promises to attract visitors from near and far.
The exhibition, titled CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks, is a collaborative effort between the Discovery Science & Technology Centre and the Bendigo Art Gallery. It aims to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the creative possibilities of LEGO.
Innovative Creations and Interactive Experiences
Designed and built by Bendigo-schooled LEGO artist Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught and his team, the exhibition brings together spectacular models, hands-on challenges, and immersive learning experiences. It encourages visitors to experiment, problem-solve, and imagine new possibilities.
Highlights of the exhibition include a 460,000 brick, 7.5-meter-tall replica of the NASA Space Launch System, Mars exploration models, and seven minifigures built at different scales ranging from 256 centimeters to two centimeters. Visitors can also marvel at a giant periodic table of elements and a display celebrating women in science.
Educational Impact and Creative Inspiration
McNaught, who has gained fame domestically through his role as a judge on the television show LEGO Masters Australia, hopes that visitors to CURIOSITY will not only have fun but also learn something new. “I call it education by stealth, sneaking in STEM through play,” he explained. “Whether that’s kids building bridges and testing them against an earthquake or simply problem-solving with bricks, they’re learning without even realizing it.”
“I hope that people who visit CURIOSITY not only have fun, but learn something, go home and say, ‘Oh, I might have a crack at that myself.’” – Ryan McNaught
As the only LEGO® Certified Professional in the Southern Hemisphere, McNaught finds it challenging to pick a favorite from the exhibition. However, he describes the Mars Rover model as “out of this world in terms of detail and size.” At 2.9 meters long, the Rover is the largest model in the exhibition. “It’s an interesting thing to think about – seeing pictures from Mars, you think the rover is tiny, but it’s pretty much the size of a four-wheel drive. It’s enormous,” he added.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
The exhibition runs from Tuesday, March 3, to Sunday, November 29, at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre, 7 Railway Place. This event not only serves as a source of entertainment but also as a platform to inspire future generations in the fields of STEM.
Meanwhile, the collaboration between the Discovery Science & Technology Centre and Bendigo Art Gallery highlights the growing trend of integrating art with science to foster creativity and innovation. This approach aligns with educational strategies worldwide, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary learning.
As visitors engage with the exhibits, they are likely to leave with a newfound appreciation for the intersection of art and science, potentially sparking a lifelong interest in STEM fields. The exhibition represents a significant step towards making STEM education accessible and engaging for all ages.
With its blend of creativity, education, and entertainment, CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks is set to be a landmark event in Bendigo, drawing enthusiasts and curious minds alike. As the exhibition unfolds, it promises to leave a lasting impact on the community and beyond.
