Houston’s Newest Residents: LEGO Park People

Imagine six life-sized humans, each made out of 21,000 Legos. The more than 120,000 individual LEGO bricks will make you nostalgic for childhood summer days spent crafting creations out of LEGOs.

On a blazing hot summer day, Buzz interns Abby Cohan, Kelly Thomas and Jack Avedesian headed downtown to the Allen Center to scout out one of Houston’s newest art installations: Park People. Designed by artist Nathan Sawaya, the installation is located at the Allen Center’s The Acre, a green space open to guests from dawn until dusk.

Nancy Atwood and John Atwood enjoyed a son-mother outing. (Photo: Abby Cohan)

Six Lego structures resembling life-sized humans lounge on benches, waiting for company. Each one has a unique color and pose, allowing visitors to choose which one resonates with them the most. Also scattered across the lawn are life-sized Connect Four, Jenga, Checkers and some ping-pong tables.

Many are intrigued by the LEGO People display. Nancy Atwood and her son, John, who works nearby, enjoyed exploring LEGO Humans. Nancy said,  “It’s a wonderful way to get people out.” John said, “It’s something new and different, and we all love Legos and Legoland.” He added that it’s awesome that the LEGOs were making a local debut. Nancy added that her sons love Legos, so she wanted to come check it out when she saw it on the news. She also said she loves that there are Connect Four and Checkers too.

Luz Garnica, Andrew Chacko and Matthew Kaden were fascinated by the Lego display. (Photo: Abby Cohan

Luz Garnica, Andrew Chacko and Matthew Kaden all work around the area. Kaden was trying to name all six of the Lego Men, but he only came up with three. Garnica said, “It’s pretty neat and very creative.”

Park People will remain at 1200 Smith St. until Aug. 10. Three days later, they will be moved to a new location at 909 Fannin St., where they will reside until Aug. 24. If you work near downtown or find yourself exploring the area, we encourage you to take a break and check out these vibrant and charismatic LEGO sculptures.