EVENT LOG: MODEL EXPO ITALY (MEI) 2025

 Brick Arena 2024: The Creative Power of Bricks at Model Expo Italy

I know, I know… this report should have been published months ago.
The Brick Arena at Model Expo Italy 2024 took place back in March, and by now it’s far too late for a “hot take.”
But I do have a good excuse (or at least I hope it’ll be accepted as one): I was completely caught up in promoting my LEGO IDEAS project, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Those who follow me know just how much effort it takes to run a campaign on that platform, and unfortunately, both my time and energy for writing got pushed aside.

Now that I’ve had a chance to breathe—and that Jack has passed the 2,000 votes mark (thanks again to everyone who supported!)—it feels like the right moment to get back on track and make up for my absence with one of my classic reports, the kind I hope are still appreciated by fellow brick lovers out there.

Also this year, the Brick Arena confirmed itself as one of the most beloved and visited areas at Model Expo Italy, held in Verona last March. Organized with passion and precision by the CLV LUG, the space hosted 3 hundred of exhibitors, hundreds of original creations, and thousands of visitors captivated by the creative potential of the LEGO® world.

Spread over a large area, the Brick Arena stood out not only for the variety and quality of the displayed MOCs but also for the warm and engaging atmosphere it managed to create. The work of CLV LUG was evident in every detail: from the organization of the spaces to the selection of exhibitors, and to the activities aimed at visitors of all ages.

Never before had there been so many — and such diverse — exhibition areas; if I remember correctly, there were as many as 11!
I’ll try to describe them in order, although it won’t be easy, since quite some time has passed and my memory isn’t what it used to be.
What I do remember very clearly, though, is how incredibly stunning the creations were this year — more than ever before.
I actually struggled to assign the Premium Bricks because there were so many deserving builds. In the end, instead of the usual three, I ended up awarding six.

I’ll start with the area dedicated to the Star Wars saga, since even in my “photo roll” it seems to be the first subject I focused on.

I’m not sure if it was just my impression, but this year’s area dedicated to George Lucas’s universe was truly captivating.
Besides the usual starships, the builders also showcased dioramas, maxifigures, and much more.

Following the exact order of the photos I took, I’ll share what I saw, starting with the stunning diorama by Cristina Mattiazzo. It showcased the most iconic scenes dedicated to Tatooine, all gathered into an impressive installation several meters long.
Thanks to the skillful collaboration of the ingenious master of Technic pieces and dynamic mechanisms, Diego Curcio, the entire diorama was mechanized: you could see the Sarlaccs in action, moving their jaws as they emerged from the desert, or watch the Rancor trap mechanism at work inside Jabba’s palace.

Tatooine by Cristina Mattiazzo

Simone Frige’s AT-ST, built in an ultra-mega UCS version, truly blew me away.
I swear, this time it would have absolutely deserved the Premium Brick.

Unfortunately, something happened during the night, and by Sunday morning, the day I usually award the special bricks, all that was left of the model was a pile of scattered bricks.
Since I could no longer take the traditional photos, I had to reluctantly pass it over and award someone else instead.

AT-ST by Simone Frige

Margherita Cavalleri, Marco Piccoli, Stefano De Giovanni, Tommaso Marini, Marco Margutti, and Samuele Favaro all deserve a special mention for the outstanding creations they exhibited.
Among them were Margherita’s BD-1 droids, Marco Piccoli’s Death Star hangar and Minions-style Millennium Falcon, Stefano’s small but carefully crafted Tatooine diorama, Tommaso’s dynamic battle of Endor in the forest, Marco Margutti’s atmospheric X-wing vs. TIE Fighter chase over the Death Star, and Samuele Favaro’s impressive Hoth base.

X-wing vs TIE Fighter chase by Marco Margutti

Albolego’s maxifigures are a true spectacle for the eyes of all ages. Each year, they manage to impress with their attention to detail, faithful representation of the original characters, and masterful construction.
As I write this, I can’t help but smile thinking about a funny incident: a journalist, trying to emphasize the visual impact of the works, described them as “robots,” completely missing what they actually were.

Alberto Micheli is a true artist, and with his unmistakable style, he has brought to life an incredible gallery of Star Wars characters. From Darth Vader to Obi-Wan Kenobi, from Ahsoka Tano to a highly detailed Mandalorian, all the way to lesser-known but equally spectacular figures like the Tusken Raider and the Gamorrean Guards.
Each figure is instantly recognizable and impresses with its expression and proportions.
Some of these creations are so remarkable that you can’t help but take your hat off to them.

By Albolego Alberto Micheli

After the success of the Harlequin-style Millennium Falcon, the Risingbrick group is back with another bold creation: a UCS Star Destroyer built in a vibrant multicolor version.
This unique project was made possible through a collaborative effort, with donated LEGO parts from fans and builders. The model will go on tour for a year before being donated to the Buzzi Foundation in Milan, in support of the city’s renowned pediatric hospital.

Stardestroyer UCS multicolor by Rising Bricks Group

I’d like to give a special mention to the stunning Tatooine diorama, the result of a collaboration between Maurizio D’Angela and Daniele Caretta, who brilliantly recreated the village and the iconic podracer race.
Additionally, Daniele Rota showcased several alternative versions of starships, featuring unique color schemes and metallic finishes.

Unfortunately, since I only arrived on Saturday morning and also had to focus on presenting my LEGO Ideas project, the time available to photograph all the creations was very limited.
With over 300 exhibitors, I’m well aware that a fully comprehensive report is nearly impossible, but this time, I had to be even more selective.

So I’m now moving on to the next area, and I hope no one will take it the wrong way.

In the themed area dedicated to pirates — among towering galleons, yellowed treasure maps, smoking cannons, and sword fights to the last strike — one display stands out above the rest: a striking Viking diorama by Hungarian artist Schauer Balázs. Traveling all the way from Budapest, Balázs brought with him an epic interpretation of the Norse world, complete with meticulously crafted drakkars, marching warriors, and breathtaking natural scenery. His creation transports viewers to another era, one filled with myths, conquests, and legendary sagas.

Viking diorama by Schauer Balàzs

Among the many medieval castles and villages masterfully built by Roberto Malacore, Michele Gambatesa and his partner Francesco Cheri, Federica and Andrea Cimaschi, Alessandro Ciotti, and Francesco Gianaroli, one creation stands out in particular — a stunning diorama featuring a complete castle, village, and bustling marketplace area. Unfortunately, the name escapes me, but its richness of detail and immersive atmosphere made it truly unforgettable.

Medieval diorama by unknown 

In the Winter Village area, the mechanical mastery of Alex Lejeune stands out as usual, alongside the charming creation by Francesco Rossi, who crafted a picturesque coastal town transformed into a magical Christmas setting.

Winter Villagge by Francesco Rossi

With his new medieval diorama, Sandro Damiano once again demonstrates his remarkable skill, creating a scene rich in carefully crafted details. At the heart of the landscape stands a charming stone bridge, connecting two banks nestled in greenery. Surrounding it are water and wind mills, built with precision and seamlessly integrated into the environment. Small waterfalls bring movement to the scene, while hidden corners among rocks and vegetation add depth and a touch of mystery. The overall effect evokes an authentic and evocative atmosphere, capable of transporting the viewer into a meticulously recreated medieval world.

Medieval diorama by Sandro Damiano

This year, in addition to Alex Lejeune, at least four other French exhibitors arrived at the MEI. Among them stood out Julien Allier, who presented a captivating diorama titled The Caribbean Pirates’ Bay. The work, featuring synchronized motion, lights, and sound effects, impressed the CLV jury and earned Allier one of the highly coveted awards presented in the Brick Arena.

Pirates of Caribbeans by Julien Allier

Julien Allier also showcased some magnificent sailing ships, which added further depth to his presentation. It’s also worth mentioning the splendid vessels created by Carlo Mazzetti. However, the true standout was Marco Cenci, known as Captain Barbatos, who mesmerized the audience with maritime masterpieces such as The Flying Dutchman, the Santa Maria, and the Walrus, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and passion.

The Flying Dutchman by Marco Cenci aka Capitan Barbatos

Among all these brave pirates, Amedeo Pedata also stood out, improving year after year. His pirate-themed diorama undoubtedly deserves a special mention, showcasing consistent growth and ever-growing passion.

Gianni Medori’s spaceship, impressive in size, stands out with its classic Blacktron style, featuring the iconic black and yellow color scheme. Particularly striking is its modular design: fully detachable and openable, it allows viewers to explore the intricately furnished interior, offering a detailed glimpse into the craftsmanship and care invested in every element.

Blacktron Space Ship by Gianni Medori

At his first MEI, Giorgio D'Albano, known as il Cubettaro, won the PREMIUM BRICK on our page thanks to his extraordinary creations, including Chrysalis, True Friends, and Borgo Bricko. All of these works are featured on the LEGO IDEAS platform, where we warmly invite you to go and vote for them. His creations impress with their originality and quality, marking a highly successful debut.

True Friends by Giorgio D'Albano

Some time ago, I had the chance to admire a scale model dedicated to the world of the circus. It was so rich in detail, atmosphere, and charm that it sparked in me the wish to one day see something similar built entirely with LEGO bricks. A wish that seemed like a distant dream… until it was granted by a true ‘genie of the lamp’ named Alessandro Chessari, from Verona. With his talent and creativity, he brought that vision to life, presenting a masterfully built circus that captures all the magic, color, and wonder of that enchanting world.

The Circus by Alessandro Chessari

Another talented creator from across the Alps who earned our PREMIUM BRICK is the skilled and friendly Sébastien Sistebane, a former winner of the French edition of Master Builder. In addition to being the founder of the print magazine Briques Mag, Sébastien impressed us with his diorama dedicated to the legendary Route 66, striking a chord with its meticulous details, evocative atmosphere, and the clear passion infused into every element.

Route 66 by Sébastien Sistebane

The exhibition continues with the refined train collection by Massimo Biancardi, followed by Fabio Ghillani’s ingenious creation The Cat and the Fox. Visitors are then drawn into the evocative and poetic works of Paolo Loro, culminating in his latest, moving piece inspired by Madame Butterfly. Rounding out this section is Federica Sbrizzi’s enchanting diorama, which transports us into a magical forest inhabited by Elves.

The cat and the fox by Fabio Ghillani

Madame Butterfly by Paolo Loro

The journey continues with the captivating alternate versions of the Batmobile by Piemonte Brick LUG, followed by the collaborative Ninjago diorama from LUG MOCBRICK and the detailed creation by Paloma Basile. Luca Iura showcased an original approach to collecting Batman minifigures, while Matteo Mobili took center stage with his outstanding micro-scale builds, confirming himself as a true master of the genre.

Batman collection by Luca Iura

Hogwarts by Matteo Mobili

Federico Vido’s Brick City Studios stands out as a fascinating miniature version of Cinecittà (studios cinema in Rome, Italy), built entirely with bricks, showcasing great attention to detail and originality. Equally impressive are the Ninja Turtles-themed creations by Marina Vahabava. Daniele Savoldelli continues to impress with his ever-dynamic scenes dedicated to the Indiana Jones saga. A welcome surprise came from newcomer Alessio Bricks (Facebook nickname), who presented engaging builds inspired by Back to the Future.

Brick City Studios by Federico Vido

Back to the future scene by Alessio Bricks

Antonello Rota’s diorama inspired by the Stranger Things series was particularly well crafted. Every year, this cheerful AFOL manages to surprise, always presenting something new and original compared to the previous edition. Equally impressive was the massive interactive diorama by Lorenzo Nikolay Novikov, an incredibly talented 8-year-old, who recreated a fully playable Super Mario Bros adventure, just like in a real video game.

Stranger Things by Antonello Rota

Super Mario Bros Adventure by Lorenzo Nikolay Novikov

The two small builds by Gianfelice Mangano were particularly interesting: both the one set in medieval Japan and the other, depicting a European setting from the same era, stood out for their attention to detail and atmosphere. Lorenzo Crepaldi outdid himself: in addition to the iconic cars from the famous Wacky Races cartoon, he showcased an impressive Muppet Show theater, with all the characters individually built from bricks—far beyond the standard minifigure scale. Also noteworthy was Simone Branciari’s electric power plant, a solid and highly detailed build that rightly earned the Premium Brick award at the BIFF in Florence two years ago, which was also the last edition I personally attended.

The Muppet Show by Lorenzo Crepaldi

Wacky Races cars by Lorenzo Crepaldi

I enjoy supporting young builders, which is why I’ve chosen to highlight the agricultural diorama by Andrea Livio (Andrea Li on Facebook). It's a well-organized and remarkably convincing build that truly deserves recognition. Also commendable are the medieval-style MOCs by Luca Lorenzin, as well as those by Stefano Debreri, which are certainly worth a mention.
However, within the island display area dedicated to them, two builders in particular stood out with truly exceptional works.
The first is Francesco Favale, with his recreation of the Basilica of Santa Croce in Lecce—a triumph of Lecce-style baroque decoration that genuinely left me speechless.
The second is Bertrand Barbe from France, who presented a stunning city made entirely of custom-designed buildings. The highlight of his work is the reproduction of the cathedral from his hometown, blending technique, passion, and architectural flair.
Both builders fully deserved the Premium Brick awarded by the page.

The farm by Andrea Li

Basilica of Santa Croce in Lecce by Francesco Favale

Bertand Barbe and his awesome city

Danilo Calcinari brought along his Giza Plateau display, where the pyramid and the Sphinx made an impressive showing, captivating both kids and adults alike. Marco De Bon surprised us with his robots inspired by the Japanese anime of my childhood, along with a fantastic brick-built version of the Ghostbusters’ ghost trap.
Mattia Careddu keeps improving MOC after MOC, with increasingly surreal and creative works. I was particularly struck by the mad scientist—with hair or a brain made of cherries (who can really tell?)—and the robot admiring itself in a mirror, both imaginative and playful builds.
Masters of the underwater world, Michele Perdoncini and Mary Cle Manca, truly dazzled with their sea-themed diorama, bursting with life and detail.
Thanks to David Lambertucci, we also had a good laugh with his LEGO portrait of the controversial Venetian journalist Germano Mosconi. On top of that, visitors could challenge each other at Connect Four, thanks to his brilliant LEGO version of the classic game.

MOC by Mattia Careddu

Diorama By Michele Perdoncini e Mary Cle Manca

Federico D’Annunzio also received a Premium Brick for his build that tells the story of the most controversial years surrounding the Berlin Wall. He captivated everyone during the highlight of his presentation in the talk area, where he showed a video and shared the deeper motivations that led him to create this powerful historical diorama.
Fabrizio Pedrazza and Stefania Marchi brought something completely new for them: "Wedding at the Spooky Town", a horror-themed town caught in the middle of a wedding—just like their own, which in real life was celebrated in full monster style!
Fabrizio also earned a Premium Brick from me for his excellent creative journey in building iconic vehicles, especially the famous A-Team van.
Finally, Matteo Ranghetti was a brand-new name for me, and he immediately stood out with two beautiful builds dedicated to the world of Harry Potter.

Berlin 1984 by Federico D'Annunzio

Wedding at the spooky town by Fabrizio Pedrazza and Stefania Marchi

Harry Potter MOC by Matteo Ranghetti

Davide Zen, as usual, wowed everyone with his stunning car models—from the Lancia Delta to the Alfa Romeo, and several other high-performance vehicles, all recreated with impressive detail and passion.
Also noteworthy are the models by Marco Aldovini, skillfully presented within themed environments that enhance their visual impact.
And finally, it’s impossible to overlook Ivan Manarin (aka Lucio Swift), who stood out with his heavy-duty vehicles built in Technic—true masterpieces of brick engineering.

Lancia Delta by Davide Zen

Alfa 155 by Davide Zen

Showed by Marco Aldovini

By Ivan Manarin

At MEI, I found myself bouncing from place to place due to spontaneous events and encounters with fellow AFOLs and friends, so my narrative doesn’t follow a strict chronological order. I often leave one display island only to return much later.
That’s exactly what happened in the area where Fabrizio Pedrazza and others were exhibiting—where I too was present, showcasing the debut of my “Jack and the Beanstalk”. The build is dedicated to the classic fairy tale, and it had just been accepted on LEGO IDEAS the day before the event started. Believe it or not, it has already surpassed 2,100 votes!
Speaking of IDEAS, my travel companions Andrea Caboni and Antonio Mortola were also showcasing their projects: Naples Corner, Sushi Bar, and a Riva speedboat—all elegant and finely crafted builds.
Next to us was Antonio Cerretti, who once again confirmed his reputation as the go-to expert for ancient Roman-themed creations. He specializes in reconstructing monuments as they would have appeared in the glory days of the Roman Empire, and this time he brought us a stunning Temple of the Dioscuri from the Roman Forum.

Jack and the beanstalk by Giuseppe Fraccalvieri

Naples Corner by Andrea Caboni

Riva motorboat by Antonio Mortola

Roman Temple by Antonio Cerretti

Among us was also Raffaele Balacco from Switzerland, a skilled builder known for his ships. Although he hasn't released many new creations recently, his model of the “Artiglio” is absolutely breathtaking—not only because of its construction quality, but also for the tragic real-life story behind it: the vessel was involved in a devastating and deadly storm.
This year, there was a true invasion of LEGO IDEAS projects, and our table featured several more.
The builder known as Feace Brick showcased a variety of projects, as did Gianluca Pressi—all of them colorful, creative, and visually striking.
On the table dedicated to Brick.it Magazine, there was another IDEAS project: a Sherlock Holmes-themed build by Luigi Delcuratolo.
Martina Pasqui and Elisa Benvenuti, two Tuscan builders, recreated some iconic scenes from the Twilight saga in brick form, adding their unique artistic touch.
And finally, a true showstopper was Brickfree (Instagram handle), who amazed everyone with a build inspired by “Future Boy Conan” by Hayao Miyazaki: the enchanting Lost Island.

Artiglio by Raffaele Balacco

The beaver's refuge by Gianluca Pressi

The lost island by Brickfree

We’re almost at the end. I realize, with some regret, that I have no photos of the community city, even though I’m sure I took some. I likely lost them while transferring files from my phone to my computer.
Unfortunately, I missed out on many builds—mostly due to lack of time—and I know I haven’t mentioned everyone. But capturing such a rich and multifaceted event in a single article is truly an impossible task.
To those I didn’t name: please don’t take it personally—there will be other opportunities!
I’d like to close by mentioning two last builders:
Mirko Soppelsa, the undisputed master of Star Wars-themed creations, who always impresses with his technique and imagination.
And Riccardo Zangelmi, whom I didn’t get the chance to meet, but whose stunning 1:1 scale Formula 1 car I was lucky enough to admire—a monumental build that commands attention.
If you didn’t attend MEI this year, know that you missed out on so many fascinating and impressive creations.
That’s why I encourage you not to miss the 2026 edition—it promises to be another unmissable event for every LEGO enthusiast.

SA project by Mirko Soppelsa

Ferrari by Riccardo Zangelmi