If you like small details, this one’s for you. The Australian Museum turns vintage relics into LEGO brick cities in RE LICS: A New World Rises, with the big imagination coming from LEGO Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler. I love the way the exhibition story uses discarded everyday items (radios, pianos, arcade machines, suitcases) to build worlds you can actually study up close. I also like the hands-on momentum—there’s an interactive build space plus a scavenger hunt. One thing to consider: during busy periods, it can get crowded and noisy, so you’ll want some patience (and comfy shoes).

What really makes this ticket work is the mix of “look carefully” and “do something.” You can move at your own pace through 14 displays, then switch gears into play. If you’re hoping for a quick in-and-out stop, you may feel the time drifts; the exhibition rewards people who slow down and hunt for details.

Key points before you go

• 14 LEGO displays built around vintage objects—you get story plus visual detail in one walk
• Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler are behind the design, bringing LEGO Masters craft to museum scale
• Interactive build space lets you create and display your own mini idea
• Scavenger hunt exists for both kids and adults, so different ages can play the same concept
• Free accessible audio description guide is available—bring your own device and headphones
• Crowds can be real at school-holiday times, so plan your pace

RELICS at the Australian Museum: What you’re actually walking into

RELICS: A New World Rises is set in the year 2130. Humans have left Earth after exhausting natural resources, and LEGO civilizations have taken over the leftovers. That setup matters because it gives the exhibition a theme you can follow without reading a ton of text.

Instead of big, abstract panels, you’ll see tiny scenes housed inside older things—think vintage radios, pianos, arcade machines, and suitcases—each one acting like a container for a miniature city. The point isn’t just cuteness. It’s the playful way the show talks about use, waste, and what might survive after humans move on.

From a practical standpoint, it’s also the kind of exhibition where you can succeed quickly. You don’t need to be a die-hard LEGO fan. You just need curiosity and a willingness to stare at small bits longer than you planned.

14 LEGO “relic” displays: How the mini-worlds reward careful looking

There are 14 displays in total, and they’re built to work like little chapters. Each one combines a familiar object (the “relic”) with a LEGO-built world inside it. That design choice is smart for families. Kids get the instant hook of LEGO. Adults get the satisfaction of spotting how each tiny scene relates to the original object.

What I like about this format is that it naturally creates a loop:

1) You notice the vintage item first.

2) You then realize it’s not a prop—it’s the setting.

3) You start scanning for characters, signals, and hidden bits that connect the scene to the bigger story.

You can take your time here. If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this style also helps everyone find something. A child might focus on minifigure-scale action. An adult might focus on the craftsmanship of the world-building inside the object.

One heads-up from the vibe of the experience: it can be noisier than a typical museum gallery when there are lots of families in the same time window. So if you’re sensitive to crowd energy, pick a calmer time of day when you can.

The hands-on build area: Where play becomes your souvenir

One of the best parts is the interactive build space. Instead of only looking, you get a chance to build and then display your own creation. That’s a big deal for a ticket like this, because it shifts the experience from “entertainment viewing” into “participation.”

In practice, this is often where the kids (and the kid-at-heart adults) recharge. It also gives you a natural reset point during a busy visit. If you’ve been walking galleries and scanning details, you’ll likely welcome the chance to sit, build, and focus on something physical.

Even if your LEGO skills are basic, the value is the process. This part makes it easier to turn the exhibition into a memory you actually made, not just something you photographed.

Scavenger hunt for kids and adults: A simple way to slow down

The exhibition includes a custom scavenger hunt, and it comes in different versions for children and adults. That’s a practical touch. It prevents the classic family problem where one person wants to “do the thing” while another is stuck with clues they can’t use.

A scavenger hunt also changes how you move. Instead of drifting, you get a reason to look again—at angles, at small details, and at the “why is that there?” elements. And in a show built from tiny LEGO worlds, that’s the difference between seeing the big picture and catching the good stuff.

If you’re visiting with kids, this is one of the easiest ways to keep energy positive. If you’re visiting as an adult, it’s also a gentle excuse to be playful without feeling like you’re forcing it.

Audio description guide: A free extra that actually matters

There’s a free accessible audio description guide available. The key detail is that you need to bring your own device and headphones.

This is worth planning for because audio descriptions often change how you experience a visually detailed exhibition. Instead of skipping over smaller scenes due to time or attention limits, you can get guided context that helps you connect what you’re seeing to the story.

If you’re the type who likes to understand design choices, audio can also help you notice relationships across the displays—how the theme shows up again and again inside different relic objects.

Just make sure your phone (or other device) is charged. Pack headphones even if you think you won’t use them. In museums, you often end up using extras you didn’t plan on.

Timing in Sydney: Crowds and noise can affect your enjoyment

The Australian Museum is a popular stop, and this LEGO exhibition is easy for families to choose. During school holiday times, the experience can get busy, and that can mean more noise and tighter viewing.

Here’s how to handle it without ruining the day:

• Give yourself extra time so you’re not rushing the displays.
• Visit with a “short burst then reset” rhythm. Look at a few displays, then step into the build area or take a pause.
• If you’re traveling with someone who needs quieter moments, plan a slower pace and don’t schedule this as your only tight-timeline activity.

In other words: the exhibition is worth it, but your enjoyment depends on how you manage the crowd energy.

Photography: What you can expect in the galleries

Photography for personal use is typically allowed in most exhibition spaces. Still, it’s smart to check on arrival for any restrictions. Museum rules can vary by room, temporary installations, or special areas inside the exhibition.

If you’re hoping to capture LEGO details, use that advice as your guide:

• Bring a charged phone or camera.
• Expect to stand close for some shots, especially in miniature scenes.
• Don’t block others while you find the best angle—small scenes attract lots of eyes.

What to do right after: The Australian Museum shop

After your visit, you can browse the Australian Museum shop for RELICS-themed souvenirs, LEGO gifts, and the exhibition book. That last part matters if you want to extend the experience at home.

If your goal is a “keep the story going” souvenir, the exhibition book is often the best bet. If you want something more immediate for kids, themed gifts and small LEGO items can turn the visit into a take-home activity.

Who this ticket is best for (and who might want to reconsider)

This is the kind of outing that works across age ranges. It’s family-friendly, and the future Earth and resource depletion themes are presented in a playful, accessible way. That means kids don’t need to understand heavy topics for the show to land.

It also suits LEGO fans who like world-building, not just building sets. The format here is about design and storytelling inside miniature environments.

You might rethink it if:

• You’re looking for a very quick museum stop.
• Your group dislikes crowd noise during school holiday peaks.
• You only want a straightforward LEGO show with minimal “slow-looking” time.

Price can be tricky to judge without knowing what you’re paying. What I can say is this: this ticket gives you more than gallery time—there’s the build space, plus the scavenger hunt, plus the audio guide option. That bundle is where the value usually comes from. But if you go in expecting only one highlight, you might feel underwhelmed.

Should you book the Sydney LEGO RELICS entry ticket?

Book it if you want a museum day that’s hands-on, story-driven, and built for both kids and adults. The combination of 14 detailed displays, the creators Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, and the chance to build your own creation makes it feel like more than a pass-through exhibition.

Skip it or time it carefully if you’re sensitive to crowds. If you can, choose a calmer moment when the museum isn’t packed. Then give yourself time to look properly. This show rewards patience, not speed.

FAQ

How long should I plan for RELICS: A New World Rises?

The ticket is valid for one day, and the exhibition is designed so you can explore at your own pace. If you want time for the build space and scavenger hunt, plan on a full visit rather than a quick stop.

Is there an interactive LEGO build area?

Yes. There is an interactive build space where you can build and display your own creations.

Is there a scavenger hunt?

Yes. The exhibition offers a custom scavenger hunt, with different versions for children and adults.

Is there an audio description guide?

There is a free accessible audio description guide. You’ll need to bring your own device and headphones.

Is the exhibition wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and the museum has step-free access and accessible facilities.

Can I bring a pram or stroller?

Yes. Prams and wheelchairs are welcome with the museum’s step-free access.

Is photography allowed?

Photography for personal use is typically allowed in most exhibition spaces, but you should check on arrival for any restrictions.