22. February 2025 – 26. October 2025

They may be just little bricks, but they can be used to create fantastic worlds. Building blocks are one of the oldest toys, reflecting an ancient human practice: around the world, blocks are stacked, worlds are recreated or entirely new ones invented. This universal form of play connects cultures and generations, giving rise to the most imaginative of worlds – with no words or guidelines necessary.

In the 19th century, children began building from reference images and instructions for the first time. The designs of these kits reflected the educational concepts, values and circumstances of the era. Materials also evolved. In the 1940s, plastic bricks revolutionised building, with their flexibility and new interlocking systems enabling the creation of more complex structures.

Building blocks develop imagination, fine motor skills, spatial awareness, problem solving and patience. Exhibition play stations invite visitors to build and “grasp” the world through play, both literally and figuratively.