Bricktropolis is a one of a kind city that has been designed using 43,500 bricks and built in 314 hours exclusively to entertain and delight the guests of FAO Schwarz.

The LEGO models stretch 8 feet high above your heads as the centerpiece of the LEGO area in the world-famous New York City toy store.

Six push-buttons around the base of the city activate animated features around the city, such as the helicoptor Sean installed on the highrise rooftop (above.)

A subway train runs under the city, seen through clear windows and operated by push-buttons on the side of the display.

Over the course of two days, tourists and FAO customers enjoyed watching the city come together as Sean installed the LEGO city with Nathan and Dan (two other professional artists) .

The entire city is triangular, 6 feet on each side. This “front” side features several of Sean’s buildings and the cool “city life” extras, like parking meters, streetlights, mailboxes, sewer openings, subway entrances, crosswalks, and all the other things you’d expect in a busy LEGO city!

FAO shoppers watch as the city comes together June 2006.

Sean chats with FAO Schwarz CEO, Edward Schmults.

Nathan and Sean fasten one of the taller buildings to the table.

Sean’s triangular city park sits on the edge of the city and features a “flapping” American flag, a large statue, as well as plenty of folks picnicing and relaxing.

Who’s that handsome model on the billboard atop Sean’s building?

This apartment highrise is about 3 feet tall. It is loosely modeled after an apartment building on 6th Avenue in New York. There is a bank at the first floor and a working Helicoptor on the roof.

This two-foot-tall hotel is designed in the style of a late-19th-Century hotel. Sean imagines that the city of Bricktropolis designated it a “landmark building”, which is why it was never knocked down for a taller high rise office building… much like the neighboring buildings across the street.

Here is a close up of the hotel entrance. LEGO bricks were turned upright (sideways) to create the doors and the yellow sidewalk curb.