One man built a scale replica of Mt. Rushmore with 22,000 Legos. Here's how you can see it

Put your shoes on, because Kentucky's only Lego convention will be back in Louisville for the fourth year this February.

An event for all ages, BrickUniverse is a place for Lego fans to come together to build and see professional Lego creations and masterpieces.

"We are so excited to be returning to Louisville, Kentucky," Greyson Beights, the 18-year-old who started BrickUniverse in 2015, said in a press release. "In the past, we have inspired thousands of local families to build and create — and we look forward to continuing that in 2020." 

Several world-renowned Lego artists will be at the convention with their Lego masterpieces on display, including Chicago-based artist Rocco Buttliere, who recently finished a Mount Rushmore replica with 22,000 Lego bricks. 

Buttliere, 25, has been building with Legos since he was a kid and started in 2009 on his current collection of work, which will be on display at BrickUniverse. The collection includes the Mount Rushmore model, as well as a 12-foot Golden Gate Bridge and models of the Eiffel Tower, a London landscape, the tallest building in the world and more.

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"I really like to go the extra mile and sort of be realistic with its context," Buttliere said, adding that he includes crosswalks, trees and other topographic details in his work. 

Given his degree in architecture, Buttliere said Lego was the obvious medium for him to use as a creative outlet. He uses his design knowledge in his work — the landscape and landmark models are all built at a consistent scale, about one to 650. 

"I really find value in being able to have a platform to show what I do," he said about the conventions he travels to. "It's really cool to be able to be there."

If you're one of the thousands of Lego fans in the Louisville area who came to the convention last year, or if you're new to the Lego world, we have answers to all your questions about the 2020 event.

When and where is it?

The convention will run Saturday to Sunday, Feb. 1-2. 2. There are two sessions each day: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m., and your tickets will only be valid during the time slot you register for.   

For its fourth year coming to Louisville, BrickUniverse will return to the Kentucky International Convention Center, but this year it will be in "an even larger exhibit hall," according to a news release. 

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What can I do there?

The convention includes several building zones for testing your Lego skills, including a "Challenge Zone," where you can compete against other builders, a "Star Wars Zone," a "Lego Friends Building Area," and a "Big Brick Building," where younger visitors can build with larger Lego Duplo bricks.

BrickUniverse also will host meet and greets with internationally renowned LEGO artists, and there will be a retail center for purchasing Lego merchandise "you can't find anywhere else," according to the news release. 

Some of the Lego attractions on display include a Mount Rushmore landscape, Golden Gate Bridge, Joker's Funhouse, Chicago cityscape, trains and other massive displays, according to the convention's website.

Can I take home the creations I build?

No. BrickUniverse requests all creations built at the convention stay at the event, but there will be Lego-related merchandise available for purchase. 

BrickUniverse also asks attendees not to bring their own creations to the event and to only use provided Lego bricks while there. 

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How can I get tickets?

Tickets are available now for $15 online at brickuniverse.com/louisville and can be purchased for $12 using the promo code "FB3" according to a BrickUniverse Facebook post.  

BrickUniverse says tickets have sold out at previous events, but if they have not, they will be available for $18 at the door.

Children ages 2 and younger are free.

Contact Emma Austin at eaustin@gannett.com and 502-582-4180 or follow on Twitter @emmacaustin. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: subscribe.courier-journal.com.