Massive Lego exhibit stampedes into Beijing this September

Relive your childhood (and/or adulthood) with these life-sized Lego creations

Using over two million Lego bricks flown over from the UK, the Brick Live Animal Paradise exhibition creates a unique world for both children and adults. Coming to Beijing this September through October and hosted at the Bird’s Nest, this Lego-filled world brings just a little bit more sunshine to the city as summer draws to a close.

Despite what it might look like – i.e. a heavenly utopia for Lego fans – the exhibition also attempts to raise awareness about animal conservation and protection across the world. While other Brick Live exhibitions around the world tend to focus on the interactive fun, the Animal Paradise showcase coming to China combines that age-old Lego enjoyment with a deeper look into the effects humans are having on creatures big and small.

With over 91,520 species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (including plants), it’s becoming ever-more important for us to learn, and teach the next generation, about biodiversity and the importance of protecting our Earth and all of her species. Even more alarming are the 25,820 species that are threatened with extinction, which include 25 percent of mammals and 41 percent of birds. If we want to keep seeing these animals in the wild, and not just in Lego form, it's crucial that more is done to protect species and their habitats. 

A map of the exhibition's layout

The 5,000-square-metre Bird’s Nest venue will be set up into four distinct zones: the snow and ice world, the jungle realm, the ocean world and the wilderness. Amongst the impressive life-sized animal creations, giant Lego pools and interactive games help visitors immerse themselves in an animal world to discover more about over 80 different endangered species.

The Snow and Ice World

Set amongst pale blue ice and snow, discover snow leopards, walruses, Siberian tigers, polar bears and more. Make sure to check out the incredibly adorable penguins – the smallest animal sculptures in the exhibition. 

The Jungle Realm

See if you can spot all the animals hidden amongst the trees, with gorillas, brown bears and lemurs taking cover in the jungle. Cuddle up to the national treasure of China, the loveable panda, which is made up of 40,000 Lego bricks. 

The Ocean World

With Chinese giant salamanders and river dolphins frolicking in the deep blue sea, catch a glimpse of the incredible diversity of animals that call the ocean home. The shark (pictured, above) is made up of a whopping 80,000 bricks. 

The Wilderness

The dark brown carpet of earth covering the wilderness zone plays host to Tasmanian devils and pangolins. Go on a safari through the wilderness zone and see the biggest sculpture there: the African elephant, which is made up of a mind-boggling 272,000 bricks and weighs 1,200kg. 

Brick Live brings Animal Paradise to China this year with the support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The Foundation ­­– which donates millions of dollars to environmental projects across the world – calls on human beings to help protect and nurture our planet. The interactive exhibits, robot shows and giant Lego creations offer something for everyone. Keep the kiddies entertained while you ogle the animal art-works. 

Animal Paradise runs from September 10 to October 22, from 9am to 9pm daily in the National Stadium (aka the Bird's Nest). Tickets are 380 RMB per person with half-priced early bird tickets and holiday tickets at 30 percent off. To get tickets, scan the QR code below. 

For other great family-friendly events in Beijing, hit 'Read more'.

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