The newly opened LEGO Discovery Center Washington DC, in Springfield Town Center, is a dream Lego playground with more than 3 million bricks for kids to create with.
Visitors will find 12 immersive zones, from the Imagination Express to Build Adventures, where kids can design their own Lego creations.
Mini World includes some of DC’s most recognizable landmarks, including the US Capitol and the Tidal Basin.
“Children and their families learn as they play, as they create amazing memories together using math, science and technology,” said Julie Estrada, director of public relations for Merlin Entertainment.
The center’s master model builder is a DMV resident. Andrew Litterst is a former environmental science teacher and Lego enthusiast. He got the job after winning a contest.
“This is all made of one and a half million bricks and it took a team of more than 25 model builders and 4,065 total hours to put it together,” said Litterst, adding that this is his dream job.
“I literally get paid to sit and play with Legos, interact with guests and teach a few classes, which has something to do with my earlier career,” Litterst told sister network NBC4’s Juliana Valencia.
The Lego Discovery Center officially opened its doors on Thursday, August 10. Admission is between $28.99 and $30.99 and is for children ages 3-12.
“To ensure a child-friendly environment at all times, we do not allow groups of adults, adult couples or single adults, regardless of ethnicity, gender or physical condition, who are not accompanied by one or more children,” the center said. However, some adult-only events are in the works.
The center sold out its tickets the first few days, so it is a good idea to book them in line before visiting it.
Joseph Coradino, president of the real estate company PREIT, which has the Springfield Town Center in its portfolio, hopes the Lego Discovery Center will attract more visitors to the surrounding businesses.
“30% of the space in this mall is for dining and entertainment. And this is really the icing on the cake. And the icing will be made of Lego bricks, by the way.” Coradino said.
