Bricks By The Sea: Key Events & Highlights (2003–2025)
2003 Founding
Bricks By The Sea was established by Owen Grace in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as a local LEGO showcase and community initiative.
2003–2012 Early local shows
The exhibit appears at venues such as the Dartmouth Sportsplex and begins the Anual Holiday displays at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
2008–2016 Discovery Centre & themed builds
Over this period, Grace and MariLUG contributors produced themed exhibits at the Discovery Centre (examples include a Sphinx, Space and Mindstorms displays, and a Town Clock replica), expanding the show’s scope beyond holiday scenes into educational and technical builds.
2013–2019 Community growth and outreach
The show becomes a hub for Maritime builders; MariLUG grows as a forum for local MOC makers to collaborate and contribute pieces. Coverage and blog recaps began noting larger collaborative installations and invited contributions from across Canada.
2019–2023 Expanded holiday installations / 20th anniversary
Annual holiday displays at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History become a signature event. In late 2023, media pieces (Global News, Signal Halifax, blogs) highlight the show’s 20th anniversary, featuring a 20-metre Christmas village, local landmark recreations like the Halifax Citadel, and interactive family elements (scavenger hunts, build stations). Owen Grace remained the show’s lead organizer and curator.
2023 Bricksplosion and other fan events
Owen Grace also presented large works such as “City by the Sea” at regional fan events (e.g., BRICKSPLOSION), further raising public awareness of Bricks By The Sea beyond museum exhibits.
Nov 2024 – Jan 2025 21st Anniversary Holiday Expo
The LEGO Ambassador Network / LEGO.com event listing confirms the 21st iteration of Bricks By The Sea at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History (Nov 15, 2024 – Jan 15, 2025), with continued involvement from MariLUG and invited international contributors. This demonstrates the show’s sustained yearly presence and its recognition within the broader LEGO community.