Merlin Entertainments has confirmed that its next-generation Lego Discovery Center is opening in summer 2023 in Washington, DC.
Located in Virginia’s Springfield Town Center in the Washington metropolitan area, the 32,000-square-foot facility will offer interactive indoor Lego-themed play experiences, activities and workshops.
Formerly known as Legoland Discovery Centers, the updated and rebranded attractions are also coming to Boston and Atlanta. The first Lego Discovery Centre opened in Brussels earlier this year.
“By working closely with the Lego Group’s team to design and build this next generation of the Lego Discovery Centers, we continue to strengthen the attraction offering for future guests, delivering the ultimate Lego indoor activity experience to even more families for them to enjoy together,” said Merlin’s chief strategy officer Justin Platt.
Merlin and the Lego Group are “delighted to bring this brand-new look and design to families with children in North America”, added Platt.
Highlights in Washington, DC include a state-of-the-art experience called Space Mission. Here, children will get to build their own rocket using Lego bricks, digitally scan it, and launch and fly it in space.
The ‘Imagination Express’ is an interactive train ride, while the Lego Duplo area for younger guests features a dinosaur-themed carousel and slides.
Interactive Lego-themed play
‘Lego Mini World’ will be home to landmarks and scenes from the Washington, DC area and beyond, created from more than 1.5 million Lego bricks. Additional attractions include a Mini Figure building experience and a 4D movie theater.
Merlin Entertainments owns and operates 27 Legoland Discovery Centres across the globe, as well as 10 Legoland parks.
The company’s attractions portfolio also includes theme park resorts such as Alton Towers, Heide Park and Gardaland. Additionally, the group operates 23 hotels and six holiday villages.
Merlin has appointed Scott O’Neil as its new CEO. He replaces Nick Varney, who is retiring after 23 years.
Images: Merlin
