Travel Itinerary
Something extraordinary has arrived at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina! Imagine walking among giant wildlife sculptures made entirely of LEGO bricks; animals so lifelike you’ll do a double-take.
This incredible exhibition, called ‘Nature Connects,’ transforms ordinary plastic blocks into breathtaking works of art that celebrate our connection to the natural world.
1. Stunning LEGO Masterpieces By Sean Kenney
Acclaimed artist Sean Kenney brings his extraordinary talent to Columbia, crafting wildlife sculptures using millions of tiny LEGO pieces. Each creation requires painstaking attention to detail, with some featuring over 500,000 individual bricks!
Kenney’s work transforms simple toys into museum-quality art, capturing the essence of endangered species with remarkable precision. Visitors often stand mesmerized, counting bricks and marveling at the engineering behind each piece.
2. Interactive LEGO Building Zones For All Ages
While admiring the professional sculptures, families can unleash their own creativity at special building stations throughout the exhibit. Kids squeal with delight as they stack colorful bricks, attempting to recreate miniature versions of the magnificent displays.
Parents often join in, rediscovering childhood joy through collaborative building projects. Zoo staff circulate with helpful tips and creative challenges, making this a hands-on experience that bridges generations through play.
3. Conservation Messages Hidden In Plain Sight
Look closely at each sculpture and you’ll spot subtle environmental storytelling woven throughout the exhibit. A polar bear stands on a shrinking ice floe. Bees pollinate vibrant flowers. Endangered frogs huddle near disappearing water sources.
QR codes beside each creation link to conservation initiatives visitors can support. By transforming environmental concerns into accessible art, the exhibit sparks meaningful conversations about biodiversity and humanity’s role as environmental stewards.
4. Perfect Blend Of Education And Entertainment
Morning field trips buzz with excited students sketching their favorite sculptures while completing educational scavenger hunts. Science teachers point out anatomical details accurately represented in brick form.
Afternoon visitors snap selfies beside towering giraffes and playful otters. Zoo educators host mini-lessons about the real animals that inspired these plastic counterparts, creating memorable learning moments disguised as pure fun.
5. Limited-Time Exhibition Worth Multiple Visits
Running from September 14 through February 20, 2026, the exhibition changes subtly with the seasons. Fall brings special Halloween-themed LEGO additions, while winter introduces holiday elements to the displays.
Morning visits offer peaceful contemplation of the sculptures in golden light. Evening tours feature special lighting that transforms the colorful bricks into glowing works of art. Many locals purchase annual memberships just to experience this temporary exhibit in all its seasonal variations.