07/01/2017
In an ordinary building in downtown Tampa currently resides an extraordinary FREE, fun, family activity. Artist Nathan Sawaya has brought 100 of his unique sculptures to over 80 countries around the world. Currently they are on display in the bay area for the first time since the tour began in 2007. CNN has called this installation “one of the world’s must see exhibitions” and I absolutely understand why. What makes Nathan Sawaya’s sculptures so unique? They are made entirely out of millions of Lego bricks. Yes, MILLIONS! The first two rooms focus on art history. This portion of the gallery includes 1:1 scale replicas of famous paintings such of The Great Wave Off Kanagawa, Starry Night, American Gothic, The Scream, the Mona Lisa and many more. Sculptures such as Venus De Milo, Augustus of Prima Porta, David, and a full size replica of the Moai heads of Easter Island can also be found. In the remaining six rooms you will encounter Sawaya’s original artwork. Everything from portraits to still life to surrealism is represented, many of the pieces have special and uplifting meanings. The largest piece on display has a room all to itself. Over 80,000 bricks have been brought together in a 20 foot long T-Rex skeleton. Upon exiting the gallery family’s will find themselves in the Brickyard, a large room full of Lego bricks for children and the young at heart to create their own sculptures. It was wonderful to see parent’s reliving the days they played with Legos strewn across the floor while teaching their children how to create whatever their hearts desired for the first time.
This exhibit is truly incredible. I photographed way more that I am allowing myself to post. As much as I want to show you EVERYTHING I want you to go see this for yourself even more. Have a fun date night, spend an inexpensive afternoon with the whole family, catch up with old friends you’ve been meaning to get together with. Just GO! You won’t regret it.
After the exhibit moves on I will post many more photos for anybody that was not able to see it in person.
The best part about this exhibit? It is free of charge. Metered parking and two small lots are available nearby. You can visit the Art of the Brick at 802 E Whiting Street in downtown Tampa, Florida every Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. The exhibit will be on display until September 4th, 2017.
