Not just another Brickz in the wall

A new Museum has opened in the heart of the new city, and this one is guaranteed to appeal to kids of all ages.
Sammy Jones spoke to the man responsible for bringing Brickz alive…

Less than four years ago, Milton Keynes welcomed a new addition to its attraction list, and the National Film & Sci Fi Museum has proven a big hit with its ridiculously cool exhibits.

Props, costumes, art and footage from some of the biggest films have been assembled within its space; movie moments spanning Star Wars to Indiana Jones and Harry Potter to Marvel.

Later, the Pixel Bunker retro arcade opened its doors from the same site at Lloyds Court.

And now, there is a third attraction under the roof: Brickz – the Museum dedicated to all things LEGO®.
None of these things have happened overnight, but they are all from the mind of dedicated collector Jason Joiner.
The Milton Keynes man, who also delivers the super successful Collectormania film and comic con, has built these collections up one prop at a time, or – as in the case of the new attraction – one brick at a time!

And what a lot Jason has got – Brickz features more than five million bricks, taking you through official sets, custom MOCs (My Own Creations) and the full history of the LEGO® brand, which began with wooden toys almost a century ago.

“I’ve been enchanted by LEGO since I was just seven years old, back when I got my first LEGO Castle in 1978,” Jason said, explaining the start of his fascination, “The mini-figures were a big hit with me. They brought so much joy and sparked my imagination, and here I am, decades later, still captivated by the creativity they foster.”

People the world over love the LEGO® brand – it’s one of the most famous names in all of children’s toys. Having an appreciation for it is one thing, but where did Jason’s passion to collect and preserve it come from?

“Collecting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” he smiled, “My dad was a collector of fire engines, and collecting just seemed like a normal thing in our household.

“For me, LEGO wasn’t just to be appreciated and then put aside; it was about preserving a piece of childhood, a tactile link to memories that are universal yet deeply personal.

“I am also a historian who wants to tell the story of LEGO and preserve it for others to see. There was no place like this in Britain, and now we have the Brickz Museum where people can see all the sets they had as a child.”

If you had a penchant for LEGO® as a wee nipper, or older, Brickz will take you right back to the moment. Its rooms are bursting with phenomenal displays, which have taken months to organise. It is creative and colourful, and then some!

Even if the lure of LEGO® somehow bypassed you, you’ll have a healthy respect for all that is featured here. You can feel the passion in the displays.

“This collection is a labour of love and persistence and it represents a comprehensive history of LEGO, from its beginnings in the 1930s to the iconic plastic bricks and minifigures known globally today.

“Every piece in this collection tells a story, and together, they narrate the evolution of not just a toy, but an icon of creativity.”
And Jason has searched high and low and spent a small fortune bringing the best of the best together for this new venture.

Asking Jason for his favourite pieces is akin to asking which child a parent prefers, but he has three creations that hold a special place.
“The LEGO Castle from 1978 is definitely one of them,” he said, “It was the very set that started it all for me. It’s more than just bricks; it’s the cornerstone of my lifelong journey with LEGO. Then there’s the first-ever poseable minifigure, the LEGO policeman from 1978. It’s special because it marks a significant evolution in the design of LEGO, making the play experience more dynamic.

“Lastly, the massive blue space station model, with its 15,000 bricks, is a testament to the limitless possibilities of what can be built with LEGO.”

That policeman figure is also one of the rarest hosted at the CMK site: “It’s a pivotal piece in the history of LEGO, marking a moment when the figures could be more than static shapes.”

Brickz opened its doors in April and has proven to be an instant hit with all ages wanting to engage with the 3,500 square foot space, which has been set up as a charity dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the iconic brick. It must surely be one of the most complete and largest collections of the famous LEGO® name and its story anywhere.

You could imagine the company itself being wowed by the care and attention that has gone into telling this story.
Aside from its impressive exhibits, the space will also be hosting presentations and talks, with plans to hold dedicated themed events and educational activities.

The LEGO® brand has its HQ in Denmark, so a comprehensive Museum like this being built (pun intended!) in Milton Keynes might seem a little strange. Think again.

“Milton Keynes is deeply connected with LEGO in the UK. The LEGO World exhibition was held in 1982 in Middleton Hall, and the brand opened its first UK LEGO Retail Store here in 2002.

“So, while London might have the bigger name, Milton Keynes has the historic connection with LEGO and is therefore the best place to tell the story.

“This Museum will resonate with anyone who has ever connected a couple of LEGO bricks together,” Jason promises, “Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a casual fan, or a curious newcomer, there’s something here to ignite the imagination of children and adults alike.
“It’s a celebration of creativity, engineering, and nostalgia.”

Essentially, it’s a toy-mendous excuse to let the child in you run free and the collector in you be inspired, and you can rest assured that Jason will continue to build up this impressive collection for future generations to enjoy, one block at a time.

Visit Brickz at Secklow Gate West, MK9 3AT. The Museum is open Monday – Sunday during school holidays, and Friday – Sunday during term time. Visit BrickzMuseum.com for more information.