Exhibit recreates downtown New Westminster out of Lego

It's downtown New Westminster like you've never seen it before: built out of morethan 100,000 Lego blocks.

Step into the "People Gotta Move" exhibition at the New West Museumand you'll be struck by the distinctly geometric and colourfullandscape that runs from the Fraser River to Carnarvon Street.

The exhibitexamines New West's transportation history, from roads andsidewalks to waterways and tracks. New West has long been a thoroughfare for regional movement, says curator Oana Capota.

But take a closer look really, crouch downand scrutinize and you'll catch some historical gems.

The Copp's shoe store, for instance, which burned down in 2013, has been brought back to life.

Also replicated is thescene of a young boy in New West waving goodbye to his father as he heads off to serve in the Second World War, initially captured in what would become one of the most famous photographs in Canadian history.

Why Lego?

It's approachable, saysRob McCullough, manager of museum and heritage services.

"People from threeto 93years old can get into it," he said.

"It's an opportunity for us to address some of the historical issues with traffic in our community. Not just trafficbut ways of getting through the city and to the city and mobility in general."

A year of building

It took about a year and thousands of hours for two dozen volunteers from the Vancouver Lego Club to design and build the exhibit.

"A lot of passion and creativity went into this," said club memberAndrew Delbaere.

Some members referred to photosand improvised when building, while others were more meticulousand used a design software,Delbaeresaid.

One of his favourites: the Paramount Theatre, which operates today as astrip club. Its Lego version, however, features a tamer marque.

"It's almost like a Disney movie," Delbaere said. "Kids are going to really appreciate itbut an adult will see that and get a chuckle out of it."

The exhibit runs to November 16, 2018.