The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn is launching a new exhibition featuring NASA's Artemis moon craft built entirely out of LEGO bricks. Opening Sunday, Oct. 18, the "Artemis Adventure with LEGO Bricks" exhibit uses toy models to demonstrate the engineering required for lunar exploration.

What is inside the exhibit?

The hands-on display allows visitors to adopt roles such as scientists, engineers, or astronauts. Guests can participate in build challenges, such as designing habitats for Mars or racing rovers across rocky terrain.

Large-scale LEGO sculptures of various NASA vehicles serve as centerpieces throughout the hall. These models include:

  • A Space Launch System (SLS) rocket consisting of 13,184 pieces.
  • An Orion spacecraft made of 9,800 bricks.
  • A Lunar Terrain Vehicle requiring 25 hours to build.
  • A Human Landing System based on SpaceX's Starship, featuring 24,764 pieces.

Exploring space through play

By using LEGO bricks, the exhibition aims to blend play with scientific discovery. Each build challenge is designed to introduce visitors to concepts like problem solving, collaboration, and innovation. The museum provides a space to "build, experiment and explore what it takes to reach the moon—and what comes next," according to a description from The Henry Ford.

Beyond the large sculptures, the exhibit includes a life-size build of a lunar spacesuit. This display provides a photo opportunity where visitors can stand behind the model to appear as if they are wearing the AxEMU lunar garment. The experience concludes in a zone where guests can design future Mars habitats using interactive projections.

Where has this exhibition traveled?

Developed by the touring exhibition company Flying Fish, this exhibit is currently on its third stop. It first premiered at Science World in Vancouver, Canada, in June 2025. Following its time in Vancouver, it was shown at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle from May through September.

FAQ

When can people visit the exhibit?

The exhibition is scheduled to remain at The Henry Ford until Jan. 3.

What is the purpose of the build challenges?

Each challenge is designed to introduce visitors to the concepts of innovation, collaboration, and problem solving.