In 1949 LEGO, a family-owned Danish wooden toy company introduced a new plaything: a construction toy, based on the principle of interlocking individual plastic bricks. The “Automatic Binding Blocks” as they were first dubbed, proved popular, and within a few years became the foundation for a system of toys, each consistent with one another. By 1960, the company ceased production of wooden toys, its one-time mainstay: from that point forward, it would develop the play system based on the interlocking “Lego Mursten” or bricks.
The Lego system was developed for children’s play, but adults find it fascinating as well; this December, the Arkansas Capitol’s displays highlight creations of ArkLUG, the Arkansas Lego Users Group, a statewide association of adults who create worlds in small scale with Lego. Highlights of the installation include a winter town scene, a bustling urban river spanned by London’s famous Tower Bridge, a Christmas tree with plenty of Lego playsets under it and a case devoted to transportation, including Lego versions of locomotives that once ran on Arkansas railroads.
The effect of the displays’ varied themes is to suggest the wide potential for creativity and learning designed into the Lego system. ArkLUG’s members embrace the corporate ideal, encouraging young and old alike to “think creatively, reason systematically and release their potential to shape their own future.” And, they have fun doing it. And share the fun with us all.
“Tiny Bricks, Big Dreams” will remain on display through December in the Arkansas Capitol’s first-floor exhibit galleries.
This Saturday, the Capitol will host its annual Lighting Ceremony for the holiday season. Come bring the family and see the Christmas decorations, meet Santa Claus, listen to music, watch fireworks, and see the Legos!
Starting this weekend, the Capitol will begin extended holiday hours. The building will open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM and 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM on weekends, during the month of December.
