The Art of the Brick | The World's Most Elaborate Display of LEGO® Art
May 25 - September 1, 2019
Presented by CEFCU
THE ART OF THE BRICK takes LEGO somewhere you wouldn’t expect and shows you things you have never seen before. The goal with this collection of art is to demonstrate the potential of imagination and the power of creativity.- Nathan Sawaya, artist
THE ART OF THE BRICK, a captivating touring exhibition, features intriguing works of art made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world, the LEGO® brick. This critically acclaimed collection of creative and inspiring pieces constructed using only LEGO bricks is created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya.
Designed to inspire ingenuity and creativity, is the world's most elaborate display of LEGO brick art, featuring more than 100 artworks. The collection highlights original pieces as well as re-imagined versions of some of the world's most famous masterpieces made exclusively from LEGO bricks, such as van Gogh's "Starry Night" and da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" as well as a gallery showcasing an innovative, multimedia collection of LEGO brick-infused photography produced in tandem with award-winning photographer Dean West.
Visitors will have the opportunity to get up-close and in-person with the fan favorite, "Yellow," a life-size sculpture of a man ripping his chest open with thousands of yellow LEGO bricks cascading from the cavity. In addition, visitors will be able to walk under a 20-foot-long T-Rex dinosaur skeleton made out of bricks and come face-to-face with a giant LEGO skull.
THE ART OF THE BRICK is the first major museum exhibition to use LEGO bricks as the sole art medium. Sawaya transforms LEGO bricks into tremendous and thought-provoking sculptures, elevating the toy to the realm of art. Sawaya’s ability to transform this common toy into something meaningful, his devotion to spatial perfection and the way he conceptualizes action, enables him to elevate what almost every child has played with into the status of contemporary art.
Interactive Activity Area
THE ART OF THE BRICK is sure to inspire the artist within. Take inspiration from Sawaya’s artwork to create your own LEGO brick sculptures in an interactive activity area, where you can build whatever you can imagine.
Exhibition sponsors
The Peoria Riverfront Museum gratefully acknowledges our exhibition presenter, CEFCU, and our exhibition sponsors, the Gilmore Foundation and the Visionary Society.
Photo: "Yellow," Nathan Sawaya
Got Robots?
How robots are preparing the way for humans to live and work on Mars someday!
Free Family Friendly Event!
Fri, Jun 28 | 1-2 pm
Giant Screen Theater
NASA has been using robots to investigate and explore Mars for more than 5 decades. Kurt Leucht, Software Engineer for NASA, will explain NASA's apparent infatuation with the red planet. Kurt's presentation gives an overview of NASA's history with Mars and then explains why NASA continues to focus on robotic missions to Mars leading up to future exploration of the red planet.
Free & Open to the Public with reservation.
Reserve free seat online now - click here.
Kurt Leucht, NASA Software Developer
Kurt used to be quiet and shy as a child. But he found his voice along with his passion while working in the NASA Swamp Works lab on software for robots and other systems that could someday help us live off the land on Mars during manned exploration missions. He started at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center 28 years ago as a young college intern and then graduated to electronics failure analysis investigator. Then he worked as a software developer and tester for several command and control systems and advisory systems. Now he performs exploration research and technology development for NASA. That’s tech-speak for preparing the way for humans to live on Mars!
More info is also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Brick Building Challenge!
Sat, Jun 29 | 2-4 pm
Permanent Collections Gallery (Interactive area of Art of the Brick)
Join in the creative brick building fun with your friends and family at the museum! Each session enjoy a new challenge to build or spin our challenge wheel for a challenge all your own. Work as a team or solo, either way you’ll have fun with this structured building time. When you’re finished, you can add your design to our display. Does not include taking home brick creations.
Upcoming Dates: Jul 27, Aug 17, Aug 24
Free for Members & with Art of the Brick Admission
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Deep Space Planetarium Concert Series
Featuring: Suit & Tie Guy, Cory Flanigan, Juggable Offense
Sat, Jun 29 | 8 pm
Percussionist Cory Flanigan and visual artist Bubba Ayoub team up to create a entheogenic light show. Flanigan plays two 32 inch Paiste gongs to create meditative sound waves which are then processed and modulated by Ayoub through analog synthesizers which visually represents the sound waves via a laser.
Immediately following the light show, local synth engineer and sound artist Suit & Tie Guy will wow the audience with his ambient house music played through analog synthesizers he has built and engineered himself.
This summer, Peoria Riverfront Museum is hosting Deep Space, a limited concert series in the Dome Planetarium. Each month, Deep Space will feature a different artist in the planetarium where they will showcase their incredible talent set to mind-blowing and immersive visuals.
$10 Members | $15 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
See the full Deep Space concert series schedule - click here.
For more information call 309.686.7000
Deep Space is a unique music performance unlike anything else in Central Illinois. This is an all-ages show with limited seating, pre-purchasing tickets is encouraged. Concessions and drinks are available for purchase with legal ID.
GeekFest
Sat, Jun 29 | 5:30-10 pm
All ages fun! Games, building bricks, cosplay, costume contest & more!
Experience the Museum transformed into a nerdy night to remember at our 2nd annual GeekFest: Round 2. Challenge friends and family to video games, explore our new " Art of the Brick " exhibition, build a cardboard fortress, play with giant bubbles, participate in yoga on the sun plaza, and much more! Throughout the night there will be awesome panels, fabulous door prizes, awesome exhibitions in the galleries, vendors selling geeky wares and showing off cool stuff in the auditorium, as well as a juried costume contest.
Be sure to review our Cosplay and Costuming Weapons Policy !
All ages welcome; under 16 cannot be admitted without a parent.
$15 Members | $20 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309-686-7000.
Miyazaki Fest in the Giant Screen Theater:
Noon | Princess Mononoke
2:30 pm | Kiki's Delivery Service
5 pm | Howl's Moving Castle - 15th Anniversary!
7:30 pm | Spirited Away - Academy Award-winning Animated Film
Get $2 off admission to GeekFest when you purchase a ticket to one Miyazaki Film - discount only available in person or by phone 309.686.7000. Or show your Miyazaki Film ticket day of & get $2 off GeekFest admission!
For film descriptions - click here.
For more info about the event and a full schedule - click here.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Showing daily July 2-18
Giant Screen Theater
Peter Parker returns in Spider-Man: Far From Home, the next chapter of the Spider-Man: Homecoming series! Our friendly neighborhood Super Hero decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent!
2D
Public: Adult $10.50, Child $8.50, Senior (60+) $9.50
Member: Adult $8.50, Child $6.50, Senior (60+) $7.50
3D
Public: Adult $14.50, Child $12.50, Senior (60+) $13.50
Member: Adult $10.50, Child $11.50, Senior (60+) $12.50
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Relax Under the Stars | FREE Noon Event!
Wed, Jul 3 | Noon-1 pm
First Wednesday of every month, Noon-1 pm
Dome Planetarium
Stressed at work? Need a break from your hectic day? Come to Dome Planetarium and calm down. Enjoy a short star talk, then let your tension float away under starry skies with soothing background music. First Wednesday of every month at noon.
Free parking in the museum's parking garage, just bring in your ticket to be validated at the Front Desk. If you arrive past Noon, it will be dark in the Dome. Please pause for a few moments to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark. Someone will help you find your seats. Food and drink welcome in the Dome.
Please note that all are welcome, but this program may not be suitable for young children. It is designed to give people a quiet time to relax, and periods of long sitting can be difficult for some young ones.
Upcoming Dates: August 7
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Member presale begins May 13-19
Nonmember tickets available May 20
Click here to purchase your tickets!
Member bonus! Bring your family and friends! Purchase up to 4 guest tickets per household at the member rate.
Please bring your own seating.
For questions call 309.686.7000 or email events@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
Art Club
Tue, Jul 9 | 1-2 pm
Boardroom
Art Club is a monthly meeting of people who love art. We select a different topic each month, and enjoy a casual staff-led discussion (with Powerpoint slides) accompanied by coffee and treats. Participants are encouraged, though not required, to submit discussion suggestions of art that is related to the topic. It's like a book club, but without as much homework!
This month's topic is Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party!
If you would like to discuss a piece please email: goden@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
Coffee and treats are served. Please bring your own coffee cup!
Free to members and with general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Senior Morning Lecture Series | “We Are Astronomers”
Wed, Jul 10 | 10-11 am
Lobby, Planetarium, & Galleries
This month, coffee and treats will be in the lobby, our presentation will feature our new planetarium show "We Are Astronomers", in the Dome Planetarium. This will include free entry to "Art of the Brick: The World's The World's Most Elaborate Display of LEGO® Art".
Enjoy a presentation in the auditorium, then you will be able to explore the museum. Free parking in the covered park deck off of Water Street.
9:45 am Doors Open
10:00 am Coffee and danish, muffins, and other light breakfast treats in the Auditorium
10:30 am Program
11:00 am Gallery visit
For the full schedule of Senior Morning Lecture Series - click here.
To learn more about Senior Free Days - click here.
Registration is not necessary, but groups are encouraged to call ahead so that we will be prepared. Please call Shelby Lessen at 309.863.3015.
Free event for seniors.
More information available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Brick's Night Out
Fri, Jul 12, 7-9 pm
Lobby, Art of the Brick
Try something new for date night or a night out with friends by bring them to The Art of the Brick experience during adults-only, evening hours. Be inspired by more than 80 jaw-dropping brick creations, then design your own brick masterpiece to add to our display. Cash bar available. One drink ticket included with ticket.
Ages 21+
Upcoming Dates: Aug 3, Aug 30
$12 Members | $18 Public
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000. Buy tickets online now - click here.
Space Family Night | Walking on the Moon
Fri, Jul 12 | 6 pm
Dome Planetarium
12 men walked on the Moon during NASA’s Project Apollo. In 5 years, NASA’s Project Artemis aims to send the next man and the first woman to the Moon, near the lunar south pole. Learn about these exciting adventures of exploration while also learning about our mysterious and beautiful neighbor in space. We’ll have educational activities related to the Moon, we’ll use all of the planetarium’s capabilities to explore the Moon, and if the weather cooperates, we’ll even use a pretty big telescope to look at the Moon.
Light refreshments will be provided.
$2 Members | $8 Member Family (immediate family only)
$5 Public | $12 Public Family (immediate family only)
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Deep Space Planetarium Concert Series
Featuring: The Golden Fleece
Sat, Jul 13 | 8 pm
The Golden Fleece is comprised of four psychedelic wizards from, Peoria, IL, who use their sorcery to cast a spell on your body, trip out your eyes, and take over your mind. Their hypnotic vocals amidst soaring guitar melodies and a driving rhythm section offers powerful, fuzzed-out breakdowns aside tender moments of introspection. The Golden Fleece is joined by visual artists Dystopia Kid and Marble Lobe.
This summer, Peoria Riverfront Museum is hosting Deep Space, a limited concert series in the Dome Planetarium. Each month, Deep Space will feature a different artist in the planetarium where they will showcase their incredible talent set to mind-blowing and immersive visuals.
$10 Members | $15 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
See the full Deep Space concert series schedule - click here.
For more information call 309.686.7000
Deep Space is a unique music performance unlike anything else in Central Illinois. This is an all-ages show with limited seating, pre-purchasing tickets is encouraged. Concessions and drinks are available for purchase with legal ID.
Tiny Tot Explorers
Thu, Jul 18 | 11:30 am-Noon
IL River Classroom
Join us every third Thursday for Tiny Tot Explorers! Preschoolers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a story and hands-on art or science activities related to the book. Each month will have a different theme that correlates to one or more of the museum’s pillars of art, science, history and achievement!
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on The Moon, our theme for July will be…Space!
Free for members and with general admission.
Astronaut Training Day
Sat, Jul 20 I 11 am-2 pm
Museum Lobby
Train like an astronaut! Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with space science activities in the museum lobby.
Free for members and with general admission.
One Small Step ... One Giant Party
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11
Sat, Jul 20 I 7-10 pm
Lobby, Sun Plaza, Dome Planetarium
Dress up in your best retro wear and step back in time to 1969! Relive the moment when we took our first steps on another world with heavy hors d'oeuvres, signature cocktails, and live music. Watch the moon landing, view the moon through telescopes, take in a planetarium show, and explore space science demonstrations.
Ticket price includes one drink ticket and hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar available.
$35 Members | $45 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Brick Building Challenge!
Sat, Jul 27 | 2-4 pm
Permanent Collections Gallery (Interactive area of Art of the Brick)
Join in the creative brick building fun with your friends and family at the museum! Each session enjoy a new challenge to build or spin our challenge wheel for a challenge all your own. Work as a team or solo, either way you’ll have fun with this structured building time. When you’re finished, you can add your design to our display. Does not include taking home brick creations.
Upcoming Dates: Aug 17, Aug 24
Free for Members & with Art of the Brick Admission
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Brick's Night Out
Fri, Aug 3, 7-9 pm
Lobby, Art of the Brick
Try something new for date night or a night out with friends by bring them to The Art of the Brick experience during adults-only, evening hours. Be inspired by more than 80 jaw-dropping brick creations, then design your own brick masterpiece to add to our display. Cash bar available. One drink ticket included with ticket.
Ages 21+
Upcoming Dates: Aug 30
$12 Members | $18 Public
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000. Buy tickets online now - click here.
An Evening with Nathan Sawaya
Featuring an Interview by Ed Sutkowski of “Interesting People”
Sat, Aug 10 | 6 pm
Giant Screen Theater
Meet the creative genius behind the fantastic sculpture featured in Art of the Brick, Nathan Sawaya. Learn about his creative process, how he took the leap from his “ordinary” job as a lawyer to becoming an artist who sculpts with LEGO® bricks, and more as he is interviewed live in our Giant Screen Theater by Ed Sutkowski.
Reception with light refreshments to follow.
$8 Members | $10 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Art Club
Tue, Aug 13 | 1 pm
Auditorium
Art Club is a monthly meeting of people who love art. We select a different topic each month, and enjoy a casual staff-led discussion (with Powerpoint slides) accompanied by coffee and treats. Participants are encouraged, though not required, to submit discussion suggestions of art that is related to the topic. It's like a book club, but without as much homework!
This month's topic is Grant Wood's American Gothic.
If you would like to discuss a piece please email: goden@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
Coffee and treats are served. Please bring your own coffee cup!
Free to members & with general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Brick's Night Out
Fri, Aug 30, 7-9 pm
Lobby, Art of the Brick
Try something new for date night or a night out with friends by bring them to The Art of the Brick experience during adults-only, evening hours. Be inspired by more than 80 jaw-dropping brick creations, then design your own brick masterpiece to add to our display. Cash bar available. One drink ticket included with ticket.
Ages 21+
$12 Members | $18 Public
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000. Buy tickets online now - click here.
