What Happened On June 7th?
In Billund on a sunny June 7th, 1968, a quiet town turned into a global destination. On this day, Denmark held the grand opening of the world’s first Legoland resort.
The extraordinary theme park was dedicated entirely to the colorful, interlocking plastic bricks that had enchanted children and adults since their creation in 1958.
Workshop To Bricktopia
The story of Legoland begins with Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish carpenter who founded The LEGO Group in 1932. Initially, the company produced wooden toys, but in 1949, they began manufacturing the iconic plastic bricks known today. By the mid-1960s, LEGO bricks had gained immense popularity, prompting Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, Ole’s son, to envision a theme park that could showcase the endless possibilities these simple blocks offered.
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen’s idea was ahead of its time. He envisioned a place where children could experience the magic of LEGO on a grand scale, blending play and learning seamlessly. The concept was to create a space where imagination knew no bounds, and where families could explore and create together.
A World Of Bricks
Planning and building Legoland Billund was a huge task that took nearly three years. The design and layout of the park were carefully created so that all visitors would get an immersive experience. The central attraction, Miniland, featured miniature replicas of famous buildings and landscapes, all made from LEGO bricks. This attention to detail required millions of bricks and countless hours of labor, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship that LEGO had become known for.
The first models constructed for Miniland included detailed replicas of Denmark’s landmarks, such as Amalienborg Palace and Nyhavn, made from over 20 million LEGO bricks. This not only showed the potential of LEGO as a building material but also showcased Danish culture and architecture to an international audience.
Engineers and designers worked tirelessly to overcome challenges, such as ensuring the large LEGO models were sturdy and integrating interactive elements that would engage visitors. This collaborative effort between LEGO designers and local craftsmen not only brought the vision to life but also set new standards in theme park design.
A Brick-tastic Celebration
When the gates of Legoland Billund opened on June 7th, 1968, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Families from across Denmark and beyond gathered for the opening. The park’s opening ceremony was a spectacle in itself, featuring a parade, musical performances, and speeches from key figures within The LEGO Group and local government officials.
One notable aspect of the opening ceremony was the attendance of the Danish royal family, who added a touch of regality to the event. Crown Prince Frederik, just a young boy at the time, was reportedly fascinated by the LEGO models and even contributed a few bricks to a structure.
From the Statue of Liberty to the Taj Mahal, each model in Miniland demonstrated the versatility and potential of LEGO bricks. The park also featured rides, play areas, and interactive exhibits, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Growing Billund, Brick By Brick
The opening of Legoland had an immediate and profound impact on Billund, transforming the sleepy town into a bustling hub of tourism. Local businesses flourished as visitors poured in, eager to experience the unique attractions of the new park. Hotels, restaurants, and shops sprang up to accommodate the influx of tourists, driving economic growth and development in the region.
On the first day alone, over 3,000 visitors passed through the gates, a large number considering Billund’s modest population at the time. This surge in tourism was a boon for the local economy, prompting rapid infrastructure development and improvements in local amenities. In its first year, the theme park attracted over 625,000 visitors.
Building The Future
Since its opening, Legoland Billund has grown, adding new attractions to keep up with the times. The park has added themed areas, such as Pirate Land and Adventure Land, each offering a unique experience while staying true to the LEGO spirit.
The success of Legoland Billund paved the way for the establishment of other Legoland parks across the globe. From the United States to Japan, Legoland parks continue to inspire creativity and innovation in millions of visitors. Each park, while unique, retains the core values of its Danish predecessor, celebrating the endless possibilities that LEGO bricks provide.
Did You Know?
Another fascinating detail is that the initial models in Miniland were constructed using a specially developed, weather-resistant type of LEGO brick. These bricks, known as “Climatic Bricks,” were designed to withstand the harsh Danish weather, ensuring the longevity of the outdoor displays.
