The newest McWane Science Center exhibit, Brickology, an interactive exhibit using construction block play, is built to spark creativity and ingenuity.
The 5,500-square-foot exhibit opened Jan. 23 and was designed and created in-house by McWane’s exhibits department.
Brickology will highlight science, engineering and math concepts that can be taught through building block systems such as Lego, according to McWane officials.
“I am proud of our incredibly talented exhibits team for developing this fun and unique experience. Visitors of all ages will love finding new ways to express their creativity and engineering skills,” said Amy Templeton, McWane’s president and CEO.
The exhibit, on McWane’s third floor, was designed so people of all ages could explore, design, build and test their own brick creations.
Activities include Building Tables McWane, which offers hundreds of pounds of Legos that guests can use to create works to be displayed on one of five Graffiti Walls or City Tables. In addition, guests can test the resilience of their work on an 8-foot, 20-inch Giant Jump Ramp and Earthquake Tables.
“The exhibits team kept safety and positive visitor experience at the forefront of each part of the Brickology design, while at the same time ensuring that precaution did not get in the way of the creative experience,” said Director of Exhibits Erik Lizee.
There also will be a variety of “My Own Creation” works on display – created by some of Birmingham’s most talented Lego creators – including Batman’s Arkham Asylum, a scale creation of the Alabama Theatre and a massive Cyber City.
“These individuals have been very generous by sharing their passion and creations with McWane visitors. It has been amazing to see what they are able to do and how much time, creativity and planning goes into the builds we have on display,” Lizee said.
Brickology is available with regular admission to the museum during normal hours of operation. For more information, visit mcwane.org.
—Emily Williams-Robertshaw
