An Aviation Adventure in Bricks: CR Smith Museum Launches “Bricks Now Boarding” LEGO® Exhibition
This summer, the American Airlines CR Smith Museum is taking visitors on a one-of-a-kind flight journey—one that trades engines and wings for creativity and bricks. The museum proudly unveils its latest temporary exhibition, Bricks Now Boarding: American Airlines in LEGO® Bricks, a visually stunning and interactive LEGO®-built exploration of the aviation experience. Perfect for families, aviation buffs, and LEGO lovers of all ages, this immersive exhibit promises to turn a visit into a high-flying adventure through the world of air travel—one brick at a time.
Spanning 1,500 square feet, Bricks Now Boarding transforms traditional museum space into a colorful, dynamic landscape made entirely of LEGO elements. From intricately detailed aircraft and airport lounges to international destinations and career showcases, every element has been masterfully constructed using thousands of LEGO bricks. The result is an imaginative, awe-inspiring walkthrough of American Airlines’ aviation legacy, brought to life through miniature architecture, aviation education, and hands-on engagement.
A Family-Friendly Journey Through the World of Flight
The exhibition was designed to be a family-friendly, accessible experience that introduces guests to the complexities and beauty of modern flight. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time flyer, Bricks Now Boarding offers visitors an opportunity to marvel at aviation in a new, unexpected way. Guests will move through various themed zones that celebrate different aspects of air travel—from the check-in desk to the jet bridge, all lovingly reconstructed in LEGO form.
Each section of the exhibition reveals something new about the flying experience. A scale model of a modern American Airlines jetliner, complete with signature livery and structural accuracy, captures the attention of aviation enthusiasts. Nearby, a fully LEGO-crafted Admirals Club® lounge offers a playful nod to the airline’s real-world luxury waiting areas, demonstrating the charm of design detail, even in miniature.
The exhibit also transports guests to some of American Airlines’ most iconic global destinations. Vibrant, brick-built “destination pods” whisk visitors away to cities like London, Rio de Janeiro, and more. These pods not only highlight travel routes but also showcase cultural landmarks and scenes that connect the airline to the world at large.
One of the most engaging elements of the exhibition is the career spotlight area, where various aviation roles—pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and air traffic controllers—are represented in brick-built vignettes. Each display serves to educate younger visitors on the wide range of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and aviation careers that support every flight, offering a fun and imaginative pathway into the field.
Build, Play, Imagine: Interactive LEGO Fun
At the heart of Bricks Now Boarding is not only admiration for what’s been built—but also a space for visitors to build something of their own. The Interactive Build Zone, a hands-on creative space within the exhibition, invites kids (and kids at heart) to roll up their sleeves and become LEGO architects. Here, guests can design their own aviation-themed masterpieces—from futuristic aircraft to imaginative airports—using free-play LEGO elements. The zone is constantly buzzing with energy as visitors channel their creativity and build on what they’ve learned throughout the exhibition.
This blend of interactivity and education supports the CR Smith Museum’s broader mission: to spark curiosity and inspire future generations to explore careers in aviation, technology, and science.
The Artist Behind the Bricks
The mastermind responsible for transforming these visions into brick reality is Warren Elsmore, a world-renowned LEGO artist and exhibition designer. Elsmore has made a name for himself with large-scale, immersive LEGO installations across the globe, and Bricks Now Boarding is no exception. His attention to detail, storytelling, and architectural precision have resulted in a vivid and emotionally resonant exhibition that speaks to the wonder of flight.
From detailed passenger cabins to airport control towers, Elsmore’s work showcases a rare blend of technical skill and artistic flair. Each element was thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of American Airlines, from its storied past to its modern-day innovations. It’s not just about the bricks—it’s about the story they tell.
“Every piece has a purpose,” said Elsmore. “In this exhibition, I wanted to convey the mechanics of flight, the complexity of air travel, and the excitement of destinations—all through LEGO bricks. It’s about blending play and precision in a way that invites exploration and learning.”
A Mission to Inspire
According to Uli Das, Executive Director of the CR Smith Museum, the exhibition has already proven to be a hit among visitors of all ages.
“We’ve seen incredible excitement from visitors of all ages,” Das shared. “Bricks Now Boarding brings aviation to life through imaginative design and intricate detail. It’s a colorful expression of our mission to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.”
The exhibit is more than just entertainment—it aligns directly with the museum’s educational initiatives. The CR Smith Museum, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is known for its focus on youth engagement and STEM outreach. Each summer, the museum runs aviation-themed camps and workshops that introduce children to the science of flight, mechanics, navigation, and aerospace careers.
Bricks Now Boarding complements these programs perfectly, offering a playful entry point for younger visitors to engage with real-world STEM principles. As children explore the exhibits and participate in building activities, they also begin to grasp the broader ideas behind aviation systems—fueling both their imagination and their ambitions.
When and Where to Visit
The Bricks Now Boarding: American Airlines in LEGO® Bricks exhibition is now open to the public during the museum’s regular hours:
- Thursdays: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Fridays & Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance through the CR Smith Museum’s official website. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a summer field trip, or simply want to explore the art of aviation through a new lens, this exhibit is not to be missed.
LEGO®, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure, and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO Group of Companies. ©2017 The LEGO Group. Bricks Now Boarding: American Airlines in LEGO® Bricks is not sponsored, endorsed or otherwise supported by the LEGO Group.