Milton Keynes’ New LEGO Museum Showcases Over 5 Million Bricks
Published: 1 year ago
Last Updated: 7 months ago
Inside Brickz: A Lifelong LEGO Collection Becomes a UK Attraction
Why This New Museum is a Must-Visit for LEGO Fans and Collectors Alike
A new museum in Milton Keynes is making waves among collectors and enthusiasts alike with a display of over five million LEGO pieces, meticulously curated by lifelong collector Jason Joiner. Now 55, Joiner’s passion for the iconic plastic bricks began when he was just seven years old, and his journey has taken him across the globe in search of rare and unique LEGO® sets.
A Nostalgic Journey Through LEGO History
Dubbed "Brickz," the museum presents a fascinating look into decades of LEGO history. Visitors can marvel at a re-creation of Hogwarts, explore a collection of bricks dating back to the 1960s, and admire an elaborate space station model composed of 15,000 bricks—a project that required 200 hours of assembly. One of the museum’s highlights is the first-ever LEGO mini-figure, a 1978 depiction of a policeman, which offers a tangible link to the brand’s storied past.
Reflecting on his efforts, Joiner said, "There's nowhere in Britain you can actually see all the LEGO kits we had as kids. I'm regaining my childhood and I wanted to share it." His sentiment resonates with visitors, who come to relive memories of a time when LEGO played a central role in creativity and play.
Beyond the Bricks: Rare Finds and Global Treasures
Though the museum is not officially connected to the LEGO Group, Joiner is confident that his collection captures the very essence of what the company represents. In addition to mainstream LEGO sets, the museum boasts prototypes, unreleased items, mint-sealed boxes, and even vintage wooden toys from a Danish firm dating back to the 1930s—offering a broader perspective on the evolution of play.
The curation process has been anything but simple. "We've gone out there to find everything we could – all the missing links, prototypes, unreleased items," Joiner noted. His travels to Denmark and beyond underscore the lengths he has gone to in order to bring this extraordinary collection together.
A Hub for Culture and Collectors
The museum not only showcases Joiner’s prized collection but also enriches the cultural landscape of Milton Keynes. Adjacent to the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum—a project also overseen by Joiner—the venue is designed to appeal to both longtime LEGO fans and new generations discovering the magic of these building blocks for the first time.
In a nod to his early influences, Joiner recalled the inspiration he drew from his father’s collection of fire engines, including an actual fire engine. "I was always around collectors, and it was a normal thing for me, so I generally try not to do things by halves," he said, highlighting the personal dedication behind the museum’s creation.
This museum is poised to become a major attraction, celebrating decades of creativity and innovation. It not only offers a unique glimpse into the legacy of LEGO but also stands as a testament to how one man’s lifelong passion can bring joy and inspiration to an entire community.
Author: Priya Shah
With a career in data science and forecasting, Priya brings a methodical mindset to the world of LEGO. She became an AFOL after joining a local LEGO User Group to meet creative people outside of work, and quickly became fascinated by both building and collecting. Her favourite themes include Modular Buildings, City, and Architecture, where she enjoys comparing LEGO’s interpretation of real-world spaces. Priya specialises in trend analysis, using data to understand how themes perform over time.
See Priya's Articles
