Building Dreams, One Brick at a Time: The LEGO® Legacy and Its Monterey Connection
Monterey is about to host something truly special for LEGO® lovers! The BrickUniverse LEGO® Fan Expo is coming to the Monterey Conference Center on March 22-23, 2025. This highly anticipated event will showcase some of the most incredible LEGO® builds, interactive play areas, and exclusive LEGO® exhibits.
Event Highlights:
Professional LEGO® Art Exhibits – See mind-blowing LEGO® creations by some of the world's best builders.
Interactive Building Zones – Hands-on building stations for LEGO® fans of all ages.
Specialty Vendors – Find rare LEGO® sets, minifigures, and accessories for your collection.
Meet LEGO® Artists – Get inspired by master builders who turn bricks into breathtaking works of art.
Event Details:
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, March 22-23, 2025
Session Times: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
Tickets: Available online with up to 20% discount for advance purchases. Secure your spot at BrickUniverse Monterey Tickets.
The Humble Beginnings of LEGO®: From Wooden Toys to Plastic Bricks
The LEGO® story began in 1932 in Billund, Denmark, when a carpenter named Ole Kirk Christiansen started crafting wooden toys. The name "LEGO" comes from the Danish phrase "leg godt," meaning "play well"—a fitting description for a toy that has sparked the imaginations of millions.
In 1958, LEGO® introduced the iconic interlocking plastic bricks, revolutionizing the toy industry. These simple yet brilliant pieces allowed children (and adults) to build, break down, and rebuild anything they could dream up—a concept that remains at the core of the brand’s success today.
Fascinating LEGO® Facts: Beyond the Brick
LEGO® in Space: In 2011, LEGO® bricks were sent to the International Space Station to study how they behave in microgravity.
A Brick for Everyone: Over 600 billion LEGO® bricks have been produced—meaning there are enough for each person on Earth to own around 86 pieces.
Record-Breaking Builds: The tallest LEGO® tower ever built stood at a staggering 114 feet, using more than 500,000 bricks.
Global Popularity: LEGO® sets are sold in over 140 countries, and it’s estimated that 7 LEGO® sets are sold every second worldwide.
The Most Desirable LEGO® Sets of All Time
LEGO® has released thousands of sets, but some have become particularly legendary among collectors and fans:
LEGO® Star Wars Millennium Falcon (Ultimate Collector’s Edition) – One of the biggest and most expensive LEGO® sets ever made, featuring over 7,500 pieces.
LEGO® Taj Mahal – Originally released in 2008, this set remains one of the largest and most intricate architectural builds.
LEGO® Café Corner (Modular Building Series) – A fan-favorite set that launched LEGO’s famous modular building line, inspiring collectors to create their own cityscapes.
LEGO® Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle – An incredibly detailed, magical recreation of the beloved wizarding school.
LEGO® NASA Apollo Saturn V – A stunning tribute to space exploration, designed with a level of detail that appeals to both kids and adult collectors.
LEGO® Minifigure Series 1 – The first-ever collectible minifigure series is now highly sought after, as these small but mighty characters are the heart of the LEGO® experience.
These sets prove that LEGO® isn’t just a toy—it’s a passion, an investment, and for many, a way to express creativity.
LEGO® and the Monterey Peninsula: A Creative Connection
While there isn’t an official LEGO® set dedicated to Monterey (yet!), our region has definitely inspired LEGO® builders. One particularly notable fan-designed set was a Giant Kelp Forest Aquarium, modeled after the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. This creative build captured the stunning underwater beauty of our coastal waters, proving that LEGO® is a fantastic medium for showcasing real-world wonders.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to see a LEGO® set featuring Cannery Row, the Lone Cypress, or Fisherman’s Wharf? Maybe one day, Monterey will get its own place in the LEGO® world!
LEGO® and Real Estate: Building Blocks of Home
At first glance, LEGO® and real estate might seem unrelated—but think about it: both are all about vision, creativity, and structure.
Just like a home, LEGO® builds start with a strong foundation.
Customization is key—whether you're designing your dream home or building a city skyline with bricks.
And most importantly, both bring people together—families bond over both homeownership and LEGO® creations, creating lasting memories.
LEGO®: Bringing Families Together One Brick at a Time
One of the greatest things about LEGO® is its ability to bring families together. Whether it’s a parent introducing their child to their first LEGO® set, a group of friends tackling an advanced build, or multiple generations reminiscing over classic sets, LEGO® has a way of connecting people.
Especially in a world where digital screens dominate, LEGO® provides a hands-on, interactive experience that fosters creativity and collaboration. Families who build together are not just constructing models—they’re creating memories.
Embrace the Playful Spirit of Monterey
The upcoming BrickUniverse LEGO® Fan Expo is a perfect reminder of how LEGO® has inspired generations of builders, dreamers, and collectors. Whether you're a lifelong LEGO® enthusiast or just discovering the magic of the brick, this event will be an unforgettable experience.
So, grab your tickets, bring the family, and get ready to celebrate creativity—because whether it’s a LEGO® masterpiece or a dream home on the Monterey Peninsula, every great build starts with a single brick.
Photo by Xavi Cabrera on Unsplash
