Brick by Brick LEGO Replica of Notre Dame’s Main Building

Meet the Architect

The Main Building LEGO architect is Fr. Bob Simon '96 M.A., pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace parish in Brodheadsville, PA.

Fr. Simon obtained his master’s degree in liturgy at Notre Dame in 1996.

By the Numbers

The construction consists of close to 300,000 individual LEGOs. It took Fr. Simon 3 years to plan, design, and ultimately build the first replica of the Main Building.

The structure includes 70,000 tan bricks mimicking the classic Notre Dame brick used in the real Main Building.

There are 45,000 inner pieces supporting the structure.

“My ND experience was just one of the great gifts of my life. My first day of that [liturgy] course, I sat on a bench between the Basilica and the Golden Dome and reflected and I’ve had a passion for the place ever since.”

Notre Dame, Our Lady

As an experienced iconographer, Fr. Simon used a familiar technique to apply gold leaf to pieces of the Main Building.

The statue of Mary, the Mother of God, “Notre Dame” (“Our Lady”), was replicated accurately via 3D printing, making it the only piece in the replica that is not a LEGO piece.

The gold leaf technique was also applied to the LEGO Golden Dome to give this part of the design its traditional shine.

All in the Details

The replica is a testament to the care and attention given to the Main Building.

When replicating the windows, Fr. Simon created blinds on the inside of each window, a classic Main Building detail.

Notre Dame Traditions

Fr. Simon didn't forget to include the traditional Notre Dame favorites in his design.

"Ring by spring" moment on God Quad

Bike left unlocked on campus = Bike put into tree

ND squirrels are beloved members of the campus community.

New campus robots make their way down sidewalks, delivering food and much-needed coffee to studying students.

It's the People Who Make the Place

Fr. Simon made sure to include the student body in his recreation.

Studying on a bench on the quad

Biking to class

Enjoying Notre Dame's beautiful campus

University photographer capturing all the moments

“I compare the process to prayer and meditation. It’s like the Rosary in a way. While your hands are busy, your mind can be elsewhere.”

The LEGO Main Building is currently on display in McKenna Hall for visitors to enjoy and take in all of the tiny details that went into this labor of love for the University of Notre Dame.