I think one of the neatest things we as moms get to experience is that look of awe and wonder on our children’s faces. I witnessed this recently when my kids entered the Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota. We are a Lego family, and one of our favorite things to do together is building with Legos or Duplos. I have to tell you, we haven’t built anything nearly as impressive as these towers!
Upon entering the exhibit, we were greeted by the sight of 20 towers, replicas of actual skyscrapers from around the world. We learned how these replicas were meticulously modeled after the real towers, using only standard Lego bricks. It was absolutely incredible to take in. Even the colors of these Lego towers matched the colors of the actual towers.
Each tower had an information board next to it, sharing facts about the tower and special insights from the Lego builders about their challenges in making the replica. My husband and I, as well as our 1st-grade daughter, loved reading these!
Lego building tables were available throughout the exhibit where anyone could sit down and create. My 3-year-old son gravitated toward these areas almost immediately. Even my 1-year-old got in on the action. She toddled over to a low wall near the edge of the exhibit that contained Duplos! It was at the perfect height for her to explore and build. In total, there are over 200,000 Legos out for people to use in building their own creations. I felt very thankful that we were building with over 200,000 Legos at the Science Museum and not in my living room. I can’t imagine picking all those up!
My kids walked back and forth from the Lego towers to the Lego building tables. It was as if they got inspired with each pass through the replicas and had to test out new things for themselves at the building tables. My daughter ran up to me at one point and said, “Mom! Let’s take a second look around and see if we notice anything new!” So we went around together again, examining each tower for things we had missed the first time. I learned so much! We even took out my cell phone and used the flashlight to peer into the towers that had see-through blocks for their exteriors. We found some surprising things! I won’t give it away, but I highly suggest you try this on your visit!
Near the end of our time there, I stood off to the side, observing my kids exploring and enjoying the exhibit. It was one of those good mama heart moments, surprisingly reflective and somehow transcending time.
I glanced over at the wall next to me and was stunned to read the following quote from the creator of the Lego towers, Ryan McNaught. The quote is about Legos, but at that moment his words spoke to me of Motherhood. He said:
“It’s by far the biggest building job I’ve ever faced, and certainly the most fun. My head’s still spinning…”
Click HERE to get your tickets for the Towers of Tomorrow Exhibit!
{included with regular museum admission}
