Art of the Brick was easily one of the coolest experiences I've attended recently.
Located near Rogers Stadium in North York, in the newly dubbed YZD area, it feels like part of a larger effort to bring more attractions into this space.
I've included photos of the entrance and surrounding buildings as landmarks so you'll know you're in the right place.
A few things worth knowing before you go:
* It's a bit out of the way if you live closer to the downtown core
* Paid parking is available
* Purchase tickets in advance if possible
What stood out most is that one person (Nathan Sawaya) created all of this.
There are various installations with different themes throughout, and I strongly recommend taking your time to move through the exhibit and read the context behind the pieces. It added a lot to the experience for me.
I was lucky enough to visit when crowds were light, which made it easier to take everything in.
While there are a few tables where visitors can build and play with Lego, it's important to keep hands away from the exhibit pieces themselves. I noticed several people allowing children to touch displays either out of curiosity or while taking photos.
That said, I genuinely think this exhibit can be appreciated at any age.
At a time when arts funding seems increasingly limited nationwide, places like this feel like a reminder of what can happen when people pursue creative passions.
You also have to respect someone who gave up a career in law to pursue what they loved and built something like this. read more