Nature Connects is an award winning exhibition now touring North America. Created entirely with LEGO brick pieces, this show features larger-than-life sculptures built with LEGO bricks by New York artist Sean Kenney. The South Coast Botanic Garden will be the only Southern California stop for this nationally touring exhibit, which was unveiled to the public on February 19 and on display through May 8, 2016.
Per the press release:
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA, CA—October 28, 2015 – Imagine a walk through a beautiful garden where you round a corner and come face-to-face with a bison! Not a real one, of course, but one entirely constructed from 45,143 LEGO® bricks. Families will be able to enjoy a toy-filled exploration this spring at the South Coast Botanic Garden, which will host an exciting family-friendly ecosystem of fun, flowers and fauna: Nature Connects. This interactive art installation entirely constructed from nearly half a million toy bricks will bring 15 nature-themed sculptures to the Garden, along with multiple hands on activities.
On Sunday, Stephen and I went to the South Coast Botanical Garden to check it out. Stephen is a member, so admission was already prepaid. The brochure said there was a total of 15 sculptures, which took seven months to build and were scattered all over the Botanic Garden. They ranged from a 575-piece statue of a goldfinch to a hummingbird, which required 31,555 pieces and stands more than six feet tall.
Upon entering, the first Lego you are greeted by the first Lego: the Bumblebee in the courtyard.
As you walk into the actual Garden itself, you can veer left to the Koi Pond, or straight ahead to the Children’s area and the Rose Garden. We chose the latter and discovered the Hummingbird, Goldfinches, and Lawnmower.
We found the interactive Garden of Senses, where you can touch, smell, and look at various plants and flowers.
We continued up the path and found the Fox and Rabbit, and, near the Upper Meadow Gazebo was the Rose and the Butterfly.
Continuing down the path, we ran into the Dragonfly and the Germinating Acorn. Just up the path, tucked away in the shady Sakura meadow was the Bison and Calf.
By this time we needed a break. There are only 2 locations for water: the main entrance, and the old main entrance. We continued on the path, heading back toward the main entrance, where we eventually ran into the Garden Worker.
We were almost done making a near complete circle of the Garden. We just had to finish with the Koi Pond, and located inside the gift store was the Orchid.
It took about 2 1/2 hours to walk the entire South Coast Botanical Garden. We arrived just after 2:00, and left at 4:30 pm. I was totally unprepared and had on a black t-shirt and jeans. At least I had sneakers on (I saw some ladies wearing heels!). I should have brought water and wore shorts, as there’s not always shade along the path.
Overall, it was a nice visit. I’m glad the SCBC had the opportunity to have this exhibit, as it drew in more people than I’ve seen in a long time. The parking is free, and they close at 5:00 pm. There was also 2 food trucks inside in case you wanted a snack.
You must be logged in to post a comment.