First look at Lego made dinosaurs in the Harris

Lego dinosaurs in the gallery at the Harris

Sounds from a prehistoric era screech from the walls and a life-size dinosaur roars towards you in the new exhibition at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery.

Blog Preston was invited down for a first look inside the Brick Dinos which have invaded Preston.

Opening on Saturday (15 July) the exhibit sees models of dinosaurs which have taken up to 800 hours to build.

There’s a pterodactyl flying from the rafters, a plesiosaur having a swim and a masakiasaurus in the jungle for you to enjoy.

The free exhibition also has dozens of smaller LEGO-built dinosaurs in cases around the room.

One of the dinosaurs within the cabinets dotted around the exhibition

Children of all ages can be entertained in the fossil sand pit and the chance to have a go at building their own dinosaurs out of lego.

Harris Brick Dinos project co-ordinator Alan Buchanan said: “Visitors won’t only just be able to look at the dinosaurs; they will be able to create and build their own. There are interactive activities to try, dinosaur workshops and even an art competition. The whole family will find something to enjoy in this awe-inspiring prehistoric world.”

Many of the larger dinosaur exhibits arrived part-formed and have been painstakingly put together by the team at the Harris.

Brick Dinos is put together by artist Warren Elsmore who has decades of experience working for LEGO.

Cabinet member for culture and leisure at Preston City Council councillor Peter Kelly said: “We’re delighted to be showing this exciting family exhibition just as the summer holidays are about to begin. Dinosaurs and LEGO® building are firm favourites with generations of children and Preston families will be able to visit the show over and over again as there is so much to see and do.”

Open to all ages the exhibition, on the top floor of the Harris, is to be open the same time as the museum’s opening hours and until Sunday 17 September.

The Harris is open from 10am to 5pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 11am to 5pm on Mondays and 11am to 4pm on Sundays.

One of the kids play areas at the exhibition

A dedicated Brick Dinos shop has been set up in the museum gallery, where LEGO toys can be bought along with other museum merchandise.

A number of special events are taking place during the summer holidays.

Family workshops are on every Monday and Wednesday during July and August from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Children aged five to 12 can create their own artwork. It’s free.

On Wednesday 26 July there’s the chance to make 3D dino eggs for the Harris’ Brick Dino trail. It’s suitable for ages eight to 12 and runs from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, and it’s free.

Kids are invited to take over the Brick Dinos exhibition during Wednesday 2 August. From 11am to 4pm there’s a whole day of activities inspired by the dinosaurs. It’s free.

On Monday 21 August the exhibition is being closed off for an hour (10am to 11am) – apart from to autistic children. It’s for under-12s and it’s free, although you need to book in advance by contacting the Harris.

Let us know what you think when you go along to Brick Dinos in the comments below