When LEGO Fortnite OdysseyNational Videogame Museum rolls into town, families in Sheffield suddenly have a new reason to ditch the usual half‑term routine. From Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November 2024, the museum’s Castle House venue on Angel Street will transform into a brick‑filled battleground where kids and grown‑ups alike can "assemble your squad" for cooperative play on a giant screen and hands‑on LEGO building. Director Iain Simons says the activation is designed to be a seamless part of the museum’s ongoing "Make It! Play It!" exhibition – no extra ticket required, just plain old curiosity and maybe a few spare bricks at home.
What Visitors Can Expect
First up, the star attraction: a large‑format display that streams the newly released LEGO Fortnite Odyssey experience. Think the classic battle‑royale vibe, but rendered in colourful, snap‑together bricks. Visitors can jump into the game in small groups, each player controlling a mini‑figurine avatar that moves across a digital map built from LEGO assets. The museum’s social media teasers promise “epic cross‑platform moments” – and by “cross‑platform” they really mean the clash of plastic and pixels.
Next, there’s a sprawling communal LEGO village that fans are encouraged to build piece by piece. The idea is simple: lay the foundation, add towers, pop in a few Fortnite‑themed skins, and watch the settlement grow over the eight‑day run. The event staff will rotate between the bricks, offering quick tips on sturdy structures and, if you’re lucky, a shout‑out on the museum’s Instagram story.
For the artsy crowd, a dedicated corner lets kids sketch or paint game‑inspired scenes. Last year’s "Make It! Play It!" exhibition saw a similar art wall, and this time the museum is supplying special Fortnite‑color palettes to keep the vibe on‑brand. When you leave, you’ll get a small craft kit – a mini‑figure, a few bricks, and a printed QR code that unlocks a hidden in‑game challenge. No extra fees, just the joy of taking a piece of the experience home.
Who’s Behind the Brick‑And‑Pixel Mash‑Up?
The partnership that powers LEGO Fortnite Odyssey stretches across the Atlantic. On one side, there’s The LEGO Group, the Danish toy giant headquartered in Billund, Denmark. On the other, Epic Games, Inc., the North Carolina‑based creator of the original Fortnite title. While both firms remain silent about direct involvement in the Sheffield activation, their branding appears on every flyer, confirming a broader industry push to blend physical play with digital spectacle.
In a brief interview, Iain Simons explained, "We wanted a program that felt both familiar and fresh for families. LEGO already has a storied history in gaming – from the first ‘LEGO Island’ in 1994 to today’s cross‑media collaborations. Adding Fortnite’s massive appeal gives us a perfect bridge for the half‑term crowd."
Why This Matters for Sheffield and Beyond
Sheffield’s tourism board has long championed cultural attractions as a way to boost the local economy during school breaks. The half‑term period, running from 21 October to 1 November, typically sees a surge in regional day‑trippers from West Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. According to the museum’s own visitor forecasts, they expect a 35 % bump in footfall compared with a typical week in October. That translates to roughly 3,000 extra tickets, a noticeable lift for local cafés and transport services.
Beyond the numbers, the event underscores a growing trend: museums embracing interactive, game‑centric experiences to stay relevant. The "Make It! Play It!" exhibition already celebrates three decades of LEGO video games, showcasing everything from the original ‘LEGO Star Wars’ titles to rare prototypes from The LEGO Group’s archives. Adding a live‑play component of a current blockbuster like Fortnite signals that cultural institutions are no longer just custodians of the past – they’re active participants in today’s play ecosystem.
What’s Coming After the Brick‑Storm?
When the clock strikes midnight on 2 November, the giant LEGO village will be disassembled, the screen will revert to the standard museum rotation, and the special Fortnite challenges will disappear from the QR code library. The "Make It! Play It!" exhibition will settle back into its core lineup: classic LEGO game stations, a display of historic minifigures, and occasional maker‑workshops. Simons hinted at future collaborations, noting, "We’re already in talks for a spring activation that could involve virtual reality and LEGO building. Stay tuned."
Background: From Brick‑Based Games to Digital Dominance
LEGO’s foray into video gaming began in 1994 with ‘LEGO Island’, an early 3‑D adventure that let players construct virtual structures. Over the next three decades, the brand released dozens of titles, many in partnership with big publishers – think ‘LEGO Batman’ with Warner Bros. or ‘LEGO Star Wars’ with Lucasfilm. In 2021, Epic Games announced a partnership with The LEGO Group to bring the Fortnite universe into brick form, culminating in the physical‑digital hybrid that now fuels the Sheffield event.
Fortnite, launched in 2017, has become a cultural juggernaut, drawing over 400 million registered players worldwide. Its seasonal model and in‑game concerts have already blurred the lines between gaming and live events. Marrying that platform with LEGO’s tactile appeal creates a novel experience that feels both nostalgic and cutting‑edge – a perfect recipe for families looking for something more than the usual screen‑time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the LEGO Fortnite Odyssey event run?
The activation runs from Saturday 25 October 2024 through Sunday 2 November 2024, aligning with the UK October half‑term school holidays.
Do I need to pay extra for the LEGO activities?
All LEGO Fortnite Odyssey activities are included in the standard admission price for the National Videogame Museum. No additional fees are required.
Is the event suitable for younger children?
Yes. The museum has designed the games and building stations with age‑appropriate challenges, and staff are on hand to assist children as young as five.
What impact does the event have on local tourism?
Early projections suggest a 35 % increase in visitor numbers during the eight‑day run, drawing families from neighboring counties and boosting nearby cafés, shops, and transport services.
Will there be future LEGO‑gaming collaborations at the museum?
Director Iain Simons hinted at a spring‑time activation that could involve virtual‑reality experiences paired with LEGO building, though details are still being finalised.
