Detroit Institute of Arts Gets LEGO Tribute

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), which is currently exhibiting the ICP’s Richard Avedon restrospective as well as a survey of photos from its own collection, is housed in a glorious 1927 Beaux-Arts building that recently underwent a seven-year renovation and reinstallation. Architecture buff Jim Garrett decided to pay tribute to the Paul Philippe Cret-designed museum by recreating it in LEGOs. He describes his “brickitecture” DIA as “selectively scaled down” (a scale model would be about three times wider and longer) but didn’t sacrifice detail. For dramatic effect, a Thomas Crown Affair-style art heist is in progress on the roof. Garrett’s other creations include LEGO versions of the Detroit Public Library and the Sphinx, as well as an eleven-foot tall model of Detroit’s Penobscot Building.

Previously on UnBeige:

Saving Detroit’s Soul, One Funk Karaoke Contest at a Time

LEGO Makes Child’s Play of Frank Lloyd Wright Icons

Neiman Marcus Offers Life-Size LEGO Likenesses for $60K

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