Celebrate Australian ingenuity with our building block design competition, inspired by In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists.

Open to ages 7 and up, design and build your creation at home using construction blocks, then bring it to National Archives for display and judging.

Enter on your own or as a team to build something original or reimagine an invention or structure – perfect for families, friends or creative minds.

What to do:

– Build your creation at home using any connective blocks (for example LEGO®, Nanoblock or K’Nex)
– Drop it off at National Archives between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm on 9 May 2026
– Submit your entry and place it on display for judging
– Winners will receive a LEGO gift card and other prizes

After dropping off your creation, visitors are invited to enjoy our family picnic day activities and explore In real life, which celebrates Australian innovation – from First Nations creativity to 150 years of patents, designs, and trademark registrations.

Then, don’t miss the highlight of the day – a free screening of The Lego Movie (rated PG), complete with popcorn. Bookings are essential for the film screening as spaces are limited.

Schedule:

– 10:30 am to 12:30 pm: Drop-off window
– 12:45 pm to 1:15 pm: Judging by a curator
– 1:30 pm: Winners announced
– 1:50 pm to 3:30 pm: The Lego Movie screening