Fourth Annual LEGO Exhibit at Jacksonville Area Museum Features 120+ Builds

The Jacksonville Area Museum opened its fourth annual "Building with Brick - The Art of LEGO" exhibit Dec. 3, presenting more than 120 original and kit-based creations submitted by builders of all ages. The exhibit runs through February 28, 2026, and invites daily in-person voting that will determine prize winners.

Entries were accepted at the museum during a designated submission window, November 16 through November 23, 2025, and participants completed a participation form. Children’s entries required parental permission to be eligible for public voting. The museum ties that November drop-off schedule directly to voting eligibility, underscoring the event’s local, participatory nature.

Organizers divided submissions across five competition categories with the following wording: Kit Build (all ages); Jacksonville 200th (all ages); Original Build (ages 13+); Original Build (ages 8–12); and Original Build (ages 0–7). The Jacksonville 200th category gives builders a direct way to mark the city’s bicentennial through brick-based interpretations of local history and place.

Public participation is central to the exhibit. “LEGO gift cards worth $100 will be awarded to those receiving the most public votes,” organizers say. Voting rules require visitors to cast ballots in person at the museum, and “Visitors can vote once per day, but must do so in person at the museum.” The museum’s published hours for viewing are Wednesdays and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. For additional questions, the museum asks that people “Please call 217.408.1197 with any questions.”

The exhibit builds on a local tradition. “It’s a tradition! Each year from December thru February, the Jacksonville Area Museum hosts our annual LEGO exhibit ‘Building with Brick – The Art of Lego.’” The museum notes that the display highlights the talents of local LEGO enthusiasts and showcases creations by young and old for the entire community to enjoy. Photos currently posted on the museum page are from the 2023 exhibit; organizers have indicated that the 2025-2026 display includes more than 120 entries.

For Morgan County residents, the exhibit is both a family outing and a civic event. It provides an accessible cultural draw during the winter months, encourages intergenerational participation, and ties creative expression to Jacksonville’s 200th anniversary in a visible, public way. The public voting mechanism channels community preference into concrete awards and creates a low-barrier civic engagement moment that draws regular museum visitors and casual passersby alike.

The exhibit remains on display through Feb. 28, 2026; residents who want to view displays or cast a ballot should plan visits during museum hours and may call 217-408-1197 with questions.