“Art of the Brick,” the Lego art exhibition, transforms Lyon’s Grand Hôtel-Dieu into a colorful art haven, from September 12, 2024.
After captivating audiences in New York, Shanghai, London and Milan, the world-renowned “Art of the Brick” exhibition finally arrives in Lyon. The iconic Grand Hôtel-Dieu will host Nathan Sawaya’s extraordinary sculptures, built from over one million vibrant Lego bricks. From reimagined masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David and Van Gogh’s Starry Night to original creations, this exhibition is set to amaze visitors in this majestic setting.
Nathan Sawaya, a former New York-based corporate lawyer turned artist, is the creative force behind all the displayed works. Having rediscovered his childhood passion for Lego in 2007, he rose to fame with his iconic piece Yellow, which marked the beginning of his artistic career. In Lyon, visitors will also encounter the awe-inspiring T-Rex skeleton and the famous Hall of Skulls installation, showcased for the first time in Europe.
Beyond its artistic value, Lego plays a crucial role in children’s cognitive and creative development. Building with Lego bricks not only stimulates creativity and enhances fine motor skills, but also encourages critical thinking. More than that, Lego is an excellent tool for fostering architectural skills in young minds. By constructing increasingly complex structures, children learn fundamental concepts like balance, symmetry and the core principles of building. Each brick must be carefully selected and placed, helping them develop problem-solving abilities while honing essential spatial awareness.
Lego also plays a pivotal role in fostering imagination. With these small, colorful bricks, children can create imaginary worlds, futuristic buildings or monuments inspired by their surroundings. This freedom of creativity strengthens their ability to think outside the box and explore different perspectives. Lego thus becomes an educational tool that merges play with learning while boosting young builders’ self-confidence.
The exhibition offers a true family experience, featuring interactive zones where guests can stack Lego bricks, dive into a Lego pool, or explore a shop filled with exclusive items.
This is a unique opportunity to discover art through such a playful and unexpected medium.