Flex Creativity, Insect Knowledge and LEGO® Skills with NHMU’s Bug World LEGO® Contest

Contest hosted in celebration of the museum’s ongoing Bug World exhibition and upcoming BugFest. 

SALT LAKE CITY, June 17, 2026 — The Natural History Museum of Utah launches the ultimate insect-lovers LEGO® contest inspired by its current special exhibition, Bug World. Utahns of all ages are invited to enter a photograph of their unique LEGO® insect builds for a chance to win incredible prizes and have the most ingenious creations displayed outside the Bug World exhibition at NHMU. Entries can be submitted via the museum’s website through August 1. 

Whether participants are already buzzing with excitement about insects, or slightly squeamish, the contest extends the influence of Bug World beyond the museum, encouraging admiration for insects among all.  

The theme of the Bug World exhibition is to showcase the genius of insects and the wide influence bugs have on global society, technology and ecosystems. Inside the exhibit, guests interact with larger-than-life models of invertebrates to admire up close their many wonders. Now, using the building blocks of LEGO®, the contest encourages learning through play, potentially inspiring the minds of tomorrow’s entomologists.  

“Entomologists study bugs, but you don’t have to have a degree to appreciate the world of entomology,” said Jason Cryan, Ph.D., NHMU’s Sarah B. George Executive Director and trained entomologist. “Fostering curiosity in insects can lead to empathy, scientific thinking and a working understanding of our natural world — and this contest is a fun way to do just that.” 

For the contest, NHMU partnered with BrickSlopes, Utah’s premiere LEGO® fan experience, and the Utah LEGO® Users Group, for teenagers and adults, who offered guidance on the official rules and contributed to the generous, LEGO®-themed prize packs. Based on these partners’ feedback, the contest features two age categories based on standard LEGO® skill development: Novice (ages 14 and under) and Advanced (ages 15 and over).  

Winners from the Advanced category will be judged on the accuracy of the insect builds, and the Novice category winners will be picked based on the creativity of the build. LEGO® kits are not permitted, requiring entrants to use their observations of insects and creativity to excel.  

If prospective entrants don’t have access to their own LEGO® bricks, Salt Lake County Libraries have partnered with NHMU to offer bug building specific LEGO® Club gatherings. While these themed drop-ins are a great opportunity to construct critters, any loaner bricks or free-build library sessions are encouraged. Participants only need a photo of the creation for a chance to win. 

• Daybreak Branch LEGO® Club is July 9 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. 
• West Valley Branch LEGO® Club is the first Thursday of the month (July 2) from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. 
• South Jordan Branch LEGO® Club is July 8 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

Additional inspiration for the contest was drawn from the creations of some local and advanced LEGO® builders, including Weston Bindrup, who submitted a fully custom, large-scale grasshopper build for the museum to display in promotion of the contest.  

"I used to have a pretty substantial fear of bugs, but when I sat down to build this grasshopper, it forced me to research and understand the insect,” Bindrup said. “I grew to appreciate it, and realized bugs aren’t that freaky after all. They belong here on earth, just like everyone else.” 

Grand prize winners from each age category will win a fitting museum-themed prize pack including the LEGO® Icons Natural History Museum Building Set, a VIP package to NHMU’s BugFest, an all-inclusive pass to the BrickSlopes LEGO® fan event and an honorary installation of their winning creations outside the Bug World exhibition. 

For inspiration, participants can buzz by Bug World currently featured at NHMU. The exhibit is produced by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and built by the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop. The special exhibition is open at NHMU until September 7.  

Readers can learn more about the contest rules and submit photos of their entries at https://nhmu.utah.edu/LEGO 

Learn more about the special exhibit Bug World at nhmu.utah.edu/exhibitions/bug-world  

For more information on this story, including interview opportunities, please contact Ashley Thess (athess@nhmu.utah.edu) or Mark Johnston (mjohnston@nhmu.utah.edu). 

 About the Natural History Museum of Utah 

The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing approximately 2 million objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year.     

About the Salt Lake County Library   

The Salt Lake County Library makes a positive difference in the lives of the community by inspiring imagination, satisfying curiosity and providing a great place for everyone to visit. 

The Salt Lake County Library offers books, music, movies, magazines — in a variety of formats — and much, much more to meet community needs for learning and leisure. From personal reference services, including personalized booklists for individual tastes, to computers with free Internet access, the County Library is here to put Utahns in touch with the world. 

Be sure to explore the many programs, children's storytimes, events and exhibits offered at the nearest County Library. A wealth of culture, education and entertainment is waiting to be discovered. 

About BrickSlopes 

BrickSlopes is Utah's premier LEGO® fan event, bringing together Adult Fans of LEGO® (AFOLs) and the general public for a celebration of creativity and building. The event features incredible LEGO® displays, builder exhibitions, activities for all ages, and opportunities to meet fellow LEGO® enthusiasts.  

About Utah LEGO® Users Group 

Founded in 2006, the Utah LEGO® Users Group is the largest and premiere group of adult and teen LEGO® fans in the state of Utah. ULUG is officially recognized by the LEGO® group as a regional fan group and aims to improve our local communities through our love of bricks. 

ULUG partners with many local groups and events to show locally designed and built LEGO® creations in various corners of the state and beyond. ULUG also meets monthly to share builds, discuss recent and upcoming events, share techniques or tools, play brick-related games, and draft sets for new parts.