Man Enjoys 18 Hours Crafting Lego Models of Iconic Monuments
Ethan Dewhurst with his Legos in front of the Notre Dame in Paris.
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NEED TO KNOW
- Ethan Dewhust began playing with Legos as a child
- He rediscovered his passion for Legos in 2019 with the San Francisco skyline set
- Dewhurst now creates a TikTok series titled “Legos on Location,” building models of famous monuments at their sites
Ethan Dewhurst’s journey with Legos began in childhood, where he fondly recalls unwrapping colorful sets alongside his brothers each Christmas. However, as he matured, those cherished bricks were put away—until a resurgence of interest occurred in 2019.
“After my wife and I started traveling, I picked up small skyline sets, and San Francisco was my first,” Dewhurst said. “Once I started building again, I just got addicted.”
Soon, he collected skyline sets for each city he visited, and by 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, his enthusiasm had him “ordering a large set every day.”
Dewhurst began sharing his Lego collection on social media, and after a few of his travel-themed videos gained traction, the idea for “Legos on Location” was born. The series features him constructing Lego sets of prominent monuments right at their locations.
“It started about a year and a half ago when we traveled, and I’d casually bring my Legos to discuss for a couple of minutes before stowing them away,” he explained. “Branding it ‘Lego on Location’ allowed us to develop a more structured approach—not just showcasing the set, but focusing on the building process itself.”
The maiden episode of “Lego on Location” took place at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and quickly attracted attention.
“In Germany, we had a line of about 50 people wanting photos—not because of me, but because there was a castle in front of a castle,” Dewhurst noted. As his online following grew, he noticed increasing curiosity from passersby—not just about the Lego setup, but about him personally.
“People stop to chat, either because they recognize me or are just interested in Legos. This adds a fun dynamic but also poses a challenge, as it slows down the building process,” he said.
Dewhurst further shared that these interactions often lead to lengthy conversations, as fans want to engage over his building techniques and favorite sets. His live builds have spanned from iconic locations like the Rockefeller Center to Hobbiton in New Zealand, with a special mention of his experience at the Eiffel Tower.
“Building the Eiffel Tower was particularly challenging; it took around 18 hours,” Dewhurst stated, describing it as a tough but rewarding accomplishment.
Despite the public attention, Dewhurst expressed that he has typically encountered friendly interactions since “Lego just makes everyone nice.”
“If you’re building something unique, especially involving Legos, people tend to be very kind. It’s a refreshing experience to see such positivity.”
Reflecting on his building experiences in Paris, he described the excitement of constructing Legos in various locations throughout the city, culminating in a memorable night on a boat under the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights.
One logistical challenge remains: transporting the finished models home. Initially, Dewhurst used plastic wrap to protect them during travel but has since decided to give completed pieces away to fans he meets along the way.
“Meeting fans lets you see who genuinely enjoys the experience. I collect their contact information and gift the completed houses to them,” he shared.
Navigating the balance between constructing sets and engaging with followers can be daunting. “What used to take me 30 minutes now takes 15 hours on location, but this unique experience makes it worthwhile,” he said.
Recently, Dewhurst hosted an event in New York City, allowing followers to observe his live building process.
“Interacting with followers I’ve connected with over time was a rewarding experience,” he remarked. “It’s incredible to meet people I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise.”
Looking to the future, Dewhurst hinted at ambitious plans without revealing specifics, stating he’s excited to “push the limits in 2026” as he continues his global Lego-building adventures, fostering connections, one brick at a time.
