It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? And there are a million-goings-ons right now. It’s like it’s full-speed-ahead to Christmas Break in my house. And that may mean that sooner than soon, I will be hearing the words: “What are we doing today?”
Does anyone else feel like their kiddos are just 100% stir crazed at this time of year? I feel like mine are at each other 24/7. My husband had to break up a rather spirited wrestling match last evening between the 6 and 8-year-old. And the newly-minted-4-year-old is running laps throughout the first floor.
So. Last Friday night, I knew we couldn’t stay in for the evening. We needed to get these boys out of the house. And into something else.
I’d received an invitation to attend “The Art of the Brick” exhibit that is currently live in Omaha. What is Art of the Brick, you might be asking? Well, let me tell you what the website says, cool? Cool.
The Art of the Brick is a global touring exhibition rated by CNN as one of the world’s “Must See Exhibitions.” These are the first art exhibitions to focus exclusively on the use of LEGO® bricks as an art medium and artist Nathan Sawaya has taken it to new heights.
This award-winning artist has multiple unique exhibitions created solely from standard LEGO bricks. Each show has countless colorful LEGO pieces which Sawaya has transformed into whimsical and awe-inspiring creations.
My boys love Legos. We love showing the boys new things. And I love to explore our city as a family. So. Art of the Brick seemed like the perfect combination for a winning Friday night.
The exhibit is at the Capitol District (225 N 12th St). On Fridays, it is open until 9 pm so we decided we’d head down, enjoy the art, and then take the boys out for dinner. Parking was a cinch — we got street parking however there is also a lot available for $2 when other events are not happening — and the weather has been so unseasonably warm that we didn’t mind a short walk.
The boys loved the exhibit. But they all took it in differently.
Harrison (4-year-old) was obsessed with all the colors. Literally.
Jonah (6-year-old) was really into looking closely at the Legos and the way they’d been crafted into full-blown-3D-wonders. His favorite was this blue swimmer.
And Barrett (8-year-old) seemed to like to read all of the information that went along with each exhibit including the information about the inspiration art and also, how many bricks or how much time it took for the artist, Nathan Sawaya, to create.
And personally, as a 35-year-old, I just thought the whole thing was pretty cool.
Each of the boys had a favorite. And they even found the “hidden” heart as we walked through (hint: get to the point).
The exhibit is compact with just about 5 sections of art so it doesn’t take hours to get through.
In fact, I think we were there for about 30-45 minutes. The time was just right for our family and the ages of our kids given the fact that I’ve never taken them to a true exhibit before.
And I thought it was an incredible opportunity to expose them to a very real-life art experience made from materials and inspiration that they are interested in.
The one thing I would note is that it isn’t a “cheap excursion” so while I loved having Harrison in tow, I would probably suggest leaving the very littles at home if you want to be able to read and mosey as long as possible.
The very best part of it all is that my boys already love creating non-instructed Lego creations so this allowed them to think even further outside the box… or… the brick… and how there is truly no limit to what they can create.
Additionally, it’s pretty rad that Nathan took his passion for Legos and turned it into a career. And I love that that the exhibit includes video that shares that story.
In my mom opinion, The Art of the Brick would make a great activity for kids ages 8 and up. And especially a fun daytime outing during Holiday break when you can see the exhibit and maybe grab a bite downtown.
In my wife opinion, I think this would be an out-of-the-box date night. And in my creative opinion, it would make a really fun gift idea to give someone tickets to enjoy.
It will be in Omaha through February 19, 2018.
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 6pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am – 9pm
(NOTE: last tickets are sold 1 hour prior to closing)
Please note they are closed on Christmas Day and will be closing at 3PM on Christmas Eve.
Ticket Prices:
Adult: $15.50
Children (3-12): $10.50
Senior/ Military/ Student: $14.50
Family 4 Pack: $42.00
(must include 2 children’s tickets)
And…for Group Discounts please call them at (402) 933-1293. You can even rent out the exhibit for a private party which I think is a pretty fun and festive idea.
Thanks so much to The Art of the Brick for having the Brehm family out. I love giving my kids every type of experience I can so that they will see the world, even from their own backyard.
