LEGO, those colourful interlocking bricks that have been sparking creativity for decades, hold more than just the power to build incredible structures. They are packed with fascinating tidbits that can make you appreciate these small plastic wonders even more. Here are some fun facts about LEGO that might surprise you!
The Birth of LEGO
Did you know that the name “LEGO” is derived from the Danish phrase “leg godt”, which means “play well”? Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter from Denmark, founded the company in 1932. Originally, they made wooden toys, but in 1949, the first plastic interlocking bricks as we know them today were created. Talk about a legacy of fun!
The Perfect Fit
One of the most remarkable aspects of LEGO is their precision. The bricks are manufactured to an exact tolerance of 0.002 millimetres, ensuring they fit perfectly every time. This attention to detail is why a brick from 1958 will still connect seamlessly with one produced today.
Building Big
LEGO isn’t just for small creations. The largest LEGO model ever built is a life-sized Star Wars X-Wing fighter, which took over 5.3 million bricks to construct. It weighs more than 20,000 kilograms and measures 13 metres in length. Now that’s what we call thinking big!
The Minifigures
Introduced in 1978, LEGO minifigures have become iconic. With over 4 billion produced, they are officially the world’s largest population group. There are even minifigures in space! In 2011, NASA’s Juno spacecraft carried three LEGO minifigures representing Galileo, the Roman god Jupiter, and his wife Juno.
Endless Possibilities
The versatility of LEGO bricks is astounding. With just six eight-stud bricks, you can create over 915 million different combinations. This flexibility is what makes LEGO such a timeless and engaging toy for all ages.
Sustainability Efforts
LEGO is committed to sustainability. By 2030, the company aims to make all its products from sustainable materials. They’ve already started producing some elements from plant-based plastics. So, you can build your dream world while caring for the real one.
Fun with Numbers
LEGO sells more than 75 billion elements every year, which is equivalent to about 2.36 million pieces per hour. If you laid all the LEGO bricks sold in a year end-to-end, they would stretch around the world more than 18 times!
The LEGO House
In Billund, Denmark, you can visit the LEGO House, a museum and activity centre dedicated to all things LEGO. It features interactive exhibits and impressive displays, making it a must-visit destination for any LEGO enthusiast.
LEGO in Art
LEGO has found its way into the art world. Artists like Nathan Sawaya use LEGO bricks to create stunning sculptures and artwork. Sawaya’s travelling exhibition, “The Art of the Brick,” has inspired millions with its creative use of LEGO bricks to recreate famous artworks and original pieces.
We talk about Nathan in this Article.
A Helping Hand
LEGO has been used for more than just play. Engineers and tinkerers have utilised LEGO bricks to create prosthetic limbs, robots, and even scientific research tools. This demonstrates the incredible versatility and utility of these simple bricks in practical applications.
A Record-Breaking Tower
In 2014, Budapest built the tallest LEGO tower, measuring a staggering 34.76 metres high. This tower, constructed from over 450,000 bricks, holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest structure built with interlocking plastic bricks.
A Global Phenomenon
LEGO sets are sold in over 140 countries worldwide. This global reach has made LEGO a universally recognised and beloved toy, transcending cultural and language barriers to inspire creativity in children and adults alike.
Hidden Easter Eggs
LEGO designers love to hide Easter eggs in their sets. From subtle references to pop culture to hidden features and secret messages, these little surprises add an extra layer of fun and discovery for dedicated builders who take the time to look closely.
LEGO bricks are not just toys; they are pieces of history, engineering marvels, and a canvas for creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just starting, there’s always something new to discover in the world of LEGO.
