Danish and German transport ministers have opened the Fehmarnbelt tunnel exhibition at Legoland in Denmark.
Danish minister for transport Thomas Danielsen and Claus Ruhe Madsen, minister for transport in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, inaugurated the new 250m2 exhibition of the immersed tunnel in Billund on Monday.
The new attraction shows the construction of the tunnel recreated in 800,000 Lego bricks and is intended to inspire children and young people through play and learning to consider an education in the construction trades.
The exhibition is centrally located in Miniland and includes a model of the tunnel factory, work vessels, the immersion of tunnel elements, traffic on the construction site and local sights from both Lolland-Falster and northern Germany.
It is the result of a collaboration between Legoland and Sund & Bælt, the state-owned client organisation of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel.
“Whether you’re a child or an adult, the Fehmarn exhibition is simply impressive. I hope that some of the children who see how fantastic this project is will be inspired to pursue a career in the construction industry,’” said Danielsen at the opening ceremony.
Claus Ruhe Madsen said it was fascinating to see the enormous project recreated in thousands of Lego bricks.
“Lego connects people across borders and generations – just as the Fehmarnbelt tunnel will bring people, countries and markets closer together,” he said.
Legoland CEO Michael Ottesen expected the new exhibition, with its movement and interaction, to be popular.
“I am convinced that it will be very well received by our guests, and I can already see that the children have started operating the cranes,” he said.
For Sund & Bælt, the collaboration with Legoland is particularly important. The construction industry lacks skilled labour, and this is affecting the state-owned company, which is already investigating construction projects that could become a reality in the future.
“We believe this exhibition will help inspire many and spark an interest in some of the children who are playing today but may be the builders of tomorrow,” said Sund & Bælt CEO Mikkel Hemmingsen.
