STAINED GLASS WINDOW

 MODEL EXPO ITALY 2026

On March 7th and 8th, the largest modeling event took place, featuring a large area dedicated to brick-built creations. By now, attending the Brick Arena (as the LEGO pavilion is called), managed by CLV, has become a tradition for me, and as every year, I’ll try to describe what you missed if you stayed home.

First of all, I need to clarify something: I’ve come across several complaints about a scaled-down version of the event with fewer exhibitors. I wonder whether those who made such criticisms watched the same movie I did. It’s true that the area dedicated to us AFOLs was smaller than usual, and part of it was occupied by general market stalls (which isn’t the first time, by the way); nevertheless, there were well over 300 exhibitors.

Even though we were “packed” into a smaller hall, which was still "packed", I wouldn’t say we were neglected. Many people probably don’t know that the CLV team had to work incredibly hard due to issues related to the Winter Paralympics, which started practically on the same weekend and took away a significant portion of the space allocated to MEI (Model Expo Italy).

Those who, like me, attend the event every year probably noticed that some of the wonderful creations usually built by CLV were missing. Palazzo Barbieri, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the mosaic, and many others were not there, and neither was Giuseppe Minervino’s Titanic, which is practically a staple of the event.

The collaborative city layout was smaller, and the CLV medieval diorama was displayed in a reduced form, not due to lack of space, but because of the sudden absence of one of the contributing builders who owns a large portion of the display.

However, all these absences meant that the freed-up space could be allocated to the large number of over 300 exhibitors.

o, with the introductions out of the way, let’s start from the beginning. In the talk area, a tribute was held for Luca Rusconi, also known as RoscoPC, a well-known builder who passed away prematurely. During the speech given by Federica Caltran, Luca’s entire family was present, along with the association Cuffie Colorate, where Luca volunteered as a swimming instructor.

CLV also took the initiative to produce a small set dedicated to Luca—a micro Ferrari—which was given to all participants with the aim of raising funds for Cuffie Colorate. When AFOLs are called upon to support a good cause, they never hold back, and CLV announced that they had raised €1,118.66, to which an additional €443.00 collected independently by the LUG Brickout must be added.

Of course, Luca’s presence was not felt only through these wonderful initiatives: a table was also dedicated to him, displaying two of his most representative creations. I won’t hide the fact that I had to hold back my tears—and I couldn’t.

Some people had the impression that many builders were missing and that there was little new to see. It’s true, the French builders were absent, but it must be said that they have never been a regular presence. Alex Le Jeune first started showing up in Verona two years ago, and in the last edition, he brought along many friends from across the Alps.

There was also a Hungarian friend of mine with what is probably the largest Viking diorama ever built by a single person. However, these builders are not a guarantee; they were rather an added value that enriched past editions. This year, that contribution was missing, but I must say that, for me, there were still new things to discover.

Of course, if you exhibit or attend events twice a month everywhere, it’s hard to notice real novelties—but that’s more the fault of those who attend exhibitions in such an excessive way. I, having stepped back from visiting or exhibiting at many events for a while, was able to enjoy works that were completely new to me.

In fact, even though I redesigned the look of my PREMIUM BRICK award (which I give to the best builders according to my page THE BRICKS BOX) and updated it for one specific reason—changing the rules to allow rewarding builders a second time, something I had deliberately avoided in the past—I was able to award three builders who had never won the coveted brick before. I even managed to award one in the LADY version. So, in my opinion, there were definitely new things to see.

But let’s get to the point: I will now try to tell you what you could have seen—obviously from my personal perspective—where I favor large dioramas over small MOCs, where I appreciate technical quality more than tables dedicated to LEGO TECHNIC, and where I deliberately avoid covering single sets or those placed within larger contexts, such as cities built from official modular sets.

What you will see, and what I’m about to describe, is arranged solely according to my photo roll, from the first shots to the last; therefore, there is no particular order of preference.

The first builder to catch my attention was Giorgio D’Albano, aka Cubettaro, whose Pantheon I was finally able to admire for the first time. It is a wonderful creation, carefully designed down to the smallest details, and naturally, it did not go unnoticed. It would have deserved the PREMIUM BRICK, but Giorgio had already been awarded last year; therefore, I chose to give my bricks to builders who had not yet received them.

However, as I said, his work did not go unnoticed and earned one of the five BEST MOC awards that CLV presented this year during the BRICK ARENA.

Abramo Foggi, with his work Il ragazzo di campagna (from the film featuring Renato Pozzetto), consistently captivates audiences with his remarkable storytelling skills. In fact, some reels dedicated to his work, which I came across on social media, have reached staggering numbers—and this is not the first time it has happened. For this charming builder, my mention in this report is well deserved.

A constant presence at MEI is Daniele Savoldelli with all his works dedicated to the Indiana Jones saga. This year, he earns a mention for completely renewing the piece dedicated to the search for the Holy Grail—what the world knows as the Treasure of Petra, an architectural wonder featured in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

I highly recommend checking out the reel I uploaded on The Bricks Box, as it has almost gone viral.

It was a pleasure for me to meet again with Davide Guarino, aka Brickfree, who during our conversation revealed his intention to reproduce as many MOCs as possible in order to represent the entire world imagined by Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki in his feature films.

This time, in addition to his famous The Lost Island, dedicated to Conan, The Boy in Future, I was able to admire works such as First Encounter, from the film My Neighbor Totoro, Calcifer the Fire Demon, from Howl’s Moving Castle, and the Kodama (tree spirits) inspired by Princess Mononoke. All the works were well presented, complete with captions and photographs taken from STUDIO GHIBLI films.

I also want to say a few words about another creation made by his son Liam (ten years-old), dedicated to the cartoon The Smurfs, in which he built Gargamel’s house with detailed interiors and many removable parts, allowing the work to be explored in every detail. I must say that the young builder is one of the new talents who gives hope for the future, for when us “old” AFOLs eventually retire.

Mount Olympus is an impressive diorama created by Franco Dell’Aquila, which I had the pleasure of seeing in person only once, several years ago, at Tortona Brick. However, the version presented at MEI turned out to be completely revised and further enhanced.

The work unfolds across multiple levels and stands out for the inclusion of an integrated underwater section, allowing the builder not only to depict the deities of Olympus but also those connected to the depths of the sea, thus expanding the mythological narrative.

Many of the great classics of Greek mythology are represented: from the Labyrinth of the Minotaur to Medusa, whose gaze turns people to stone, and Apollo driving the sun with his chariot. Naturally, Poseidon, the god of the sea, is also present in one of his most iconic forms, along with a section dedicated to Hades, which introduces the darker, underworld aspect of mythology, completing the vision of the entire mythological universe.

The result is a rich, dynamic, and narratively complete diorama, capable of blending celestial, terrestrial, and infernal elements into a single, fascinating composition.

For Hogwarts fans, I’d like to highlight the diorama titled The Clock Tower, created by Legor.Lego, aka Matteo Ranghetti. It took him a full two years to complete, and the result is a richly detailed work filled with references to the Harry Potter saga.

Within the diorama, it is possible to recognize iconic elements such as Hagrid’s hut, the famous covered wooden bridge, and of course the majestic Clock Tower itself, recreated with great attention to both its exterior and interior. The interiors in particular, carefully crafted down to the smallest detail, contribute to making the entire piece highly immersive.

The overall composition successfully conveys the magical atmosphere of Hogwarts, offering a vivid and cohesive scene capable of engaging both fans of the saga and casual viewers alike.

From one saga we move straight to another, with the Hobbiton created by the young Mattia Traina. His work recreates a charming portion of the village, featuring the iconic hobbit dwellings perfectly integrated into the rolling landscape.

The typical hobbit holes, with their round doors and vibrant colors, are set within a carefully crafted natural environment that fully captures the peaceful, fairy-tale atmosphere of the Shire.

A particularly interesting feature is the ability to remove the upper sections of the buildings, allowing a view of the interiors, which are also crafted with great attention to detail. This solution further enhances the visual experience, offering a complete look at the creation.

The visionary Mattia Careddu, often featured on the renowned blog The Brothers Brick, once again amazed me with his extraordinary creations, which seem to come straight out of a Lovecraftian tale.

His works consistently convey a sense of both wonder and unease, thanks to his masterful use of shapes and details, bringing to life creatures that are as fascinating as they are unsettling. Each creation feels as though it tells its own story, as if it belonged to a dark and mysterious universe capable of capturing both the eye and the imagination of the viewer.

Dusty Brick Junction is a Wild West–themed diorama created by Stefano Tasca, and as a fan of the genre, I couldn’t help but be captivated by it.

The work is a true snapshot of frontier life, filled with iconic scenes: from the hanging of outlaws to Yankees buried up to their necks in the sand, as well as a train guarded by soldiers protecting its cargo, classic cowboys, a rodeo, and striking rocky mountains with reddish tones. There is also no shortage of emblematic buildings of the era, such as the drugstore, the bank, the saloon, and the post office, along with many other details that enrich the scene.

Everything is further enhanced by a themed backdrop that adds depth and provides that extra immersive touch, transporting the viewer straight into the heart of the Wild West.

Staying within the Wild West theme, but shifting from a more cinematic and spectacular setting to a more intimate and narrative one, we find the well-known duo Michele Perdoncini and his wife Mary Cle Manca, who this year brought a breath of fresh air with the preview of their diorama dedicated to Little House on the Prairie.

Within this new creation, it is possible to admire many of the main characters from the beloved series, starting with the Ingalls family, recreated with great care and attention to detail. The work successfully captures the simple and authentic atmosphere of frontier life, offering a more everyday and family-oriented perspective compared to classic western scenarios.

Staying within the theme of close-knit couples—and strong friendships within the community—I cannot fail to mention Fabrizio Pedrazza and Stefania Marchi, who share a close bond with Michele Perdoncini and Mary Cle Manca.

For the second year in a row, I had the pleasure of admiring Wedding at the Spooky Town, their evocative diorama. Compared to last year, the work features several upgrades, with even greater emphasis on gothic and spooky elements, which dominate every detail.

The diorama represents, in a truly original way, the wedding scene of the two builders, who in real life chose to celebrate their marriage with a gothic theme. This makes the project not only visually striking but also deeply personal.

We now move to a collaborative project, where a group of friends created EROI, a diorama that tells one of the darkest chapters in Italian history: the Capaci bombing.

The creators of this true “brick-built documentary” are @dadobrick, Roberto Gangemi, Andrea Sambinello, Massimo Muni, and Peter Blackert (@lego__911). In addition to the Capaci massacre, they also chose to depict the Via D’Amelio bombing, expanding the narrative to include two symbolic moments in the fight against the mafia.

The strength of this work lies in its extraordinary storytelling: powerful, direct, and capable of immediately capturing attention while conveying deep emotion. I was struck from the very first moment and, without hesitation, I decided to award this project the PREMIUM BRICK from my page, even though I was still at the very beginning of my visit to the Brick Arena at MEI.

A work that goes beyond modeling, becoming memory, narrative, and reflection.

Let’s now move on to a four-hand collaboration featuring Enrico Braga and his friend known on Instagram as Celo_tek. The two combined their respective dioramas, creating a larger and even more visually striking piece.

Enrico is already well known for his Brickpocalypse, a ruined town overrun by zombies, which previously earned one of my awards (Premium Brick). As for Vault 073, this was a complete novelty for me: a bunker clearly inspired first by the well-known video game and later by the TV series Fallout.

While in the first diorama it is easy to recognize elements inspired by official LEGO sets reinterpreted in a post-apocalyptic style, the second invites you to fully explore its interiors, with rooms, corridors, and hidden details that make the experience highly engaging.

Combined together, these two worlds create a striking visual impact, resulting in a powerful and immersive scene that captures the viewer’s attention and holds it.

From apocalyptic landscapes, we move into the parallel worlds of Stranger Things, with the diorama created by Antonello Rota.

This is version 2.0 of a work already presented last year, now further developed and enhanced to incorporate the events of the series’ final chapters. An update that goes beyond simply adding new elements, instead reworking the entire scene to make it even more dynamic and engaging.

The diorama perfectly captures the contrast between the real world and the Upside Down, with environments that mirror and blend into one another, recreating the eerie and suspended atmosphere that made the series so iconic. The level of detail is remarkable, encouraging the viewer to take their time and discover every reference and hidden element.

A piece that shows how an already strong creation can continue to evolve, growing alongside the story it represents.

Are you ready to set sail across the seven seas with the ships of Marco Cenci, aka Captain Babatos?

The well-known enthusiast of galleons brought to MEI a truly impressive selection from his vast naval fleet, entirely designed and built by him. These are not just spectacular models to admire, but also creations shared with the community, as building instructions are even available for many of them.

Among the displayed ships were true icons of the seas, such as the Flying Dutchman, the Santa Maria, the Walrus, and the Bird of Ill Omen, each distinguished by a strong identity and a high level of craftsmanship.

A visually striking collection, capable of transporting the viewer into a world of adventure, pirates, and legendary voyages.

You don’t often see many of these around, and finally someone—Eros Bisconti—brought a diorama dedicated to the Nordic populations of the past with his Viking Port City.

The work is developed as a true coastal settlement, where the village and the harbor blend into a single, cohesive setting rich in detail. The buildings, designed in typical Viking style, overlook a lively port area filled with ships ready to set sail and scenes of everyday life that add depth to the overall narrative.

The ships themselves play a central role, as expected in Nordic culture, accompanied by structures and environments that provide a complete picture of their way of life—from trade and navigation to the more ordinary aspects of village life.

The result is a balanced and immersive piece, capable of portraying a fascinating world that is not so commonly represented at exhibitions.

Sandro Damiano’s medieval diorama is shaping up to become yet another of his masterpieces, and we are all looking forward to seeing it fully completed.

Even in its current state, the work already reveals an ambitious and richly detailed project, developing in a cohesive and well-structured way. Based on what we discussed some time ago, a castle section is still to be added—an element that will ultimately complete the entire scene.

All that remains is to look forward to its final version; in the meantime, I’ll share an image to give you an idea of what we’re talking about (the photo will be available in the English version of the blog).

Staying within the medieval theme—always a popular genre capable of offering rich narrative variety—it’s worth highlighting the diorama The Tax Cart Arrives at the Castle by Federico Vido.

This time, I can honestly say “wow” while looking at one of his creations. Whether it’s the chosen theme or the decision to tell a story on a larger scale than usual, the result is truly impressive. The diorama is a burst of color and immediately captures the viewer’s attention.

The piece portrays a slice of medieval life and, fittingly, is presented as part of a larger unseen setting: the castle is not shown in full, only its walls are visible, while the village remains off-scene, suggested by the vegetation leading up to the entrance.

What makes the work even more engaging are the hidden details—small scenes tucked within the walls and secondary elements that invite the viewer to explore every corner.

All in all… a truly well-executed piece.

Marco Fanelli, representing Liguria Brick, showcased three different versions of La Lanterna of Genoa, giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate the lighthouse in various scales—from the most compact to the most imposing. An interesting work not only for its building quality, but also for the idea of presenting the same iconic structure in different interpretations, each suited to different tastes and needs.

From the Canton of Ticino comes Marco Pisasale, a builder specialized in music-themed MOCs. Among his creations stood out a fully functional speaker built entirely with LEGO bricks. Not just visually impressive, the model actually works, combining creativity and engineering and demonstrating how LEGO can go far beyond simple visual representation.

Also from Ticino, Raffaele Balacco, an expert builder of modern ships, brought back his spectacular tugboat, which had not been displayed at MEI for several years.

A striking model, crafted with great attention to detail, capable of conveying both the solidity and the charm of this type of vessel.

Paolo Loro is an exceptionally talented builder, and he has proven it over the years with his spectacular MOCs. This time, however, I was genuinely amazed by his ability to translate an already complex work of art, Gustav Klimt’s Danae, into LEGO bricks.

In addition to the MOC itself, Paolo gave a talk explaining how the piece was conceived and the challenges he faced during its construction. Listening to his words alone makes it clear just how much work, patience, and study went into transforming a painting into a three-dimensional creation.

With this project, Paolo has practically redefined how art can be reproduced with LEGO, leaving behind all those “pixelated” mosaics that now crowd exhibitions and events. Simply creating a mosaic using countless 1x1 round plates or similar tiny pieces—often generated by software that converts images into pixels—does not constitute art. It is merely an exercise in precision, like the old Quercetti games for children. Paolo, instead, demonstrates that LEGO can convey true creativity and depth in artistic expression.

Andrea Maccarone, aka ministudio.it, is a builder I had been wanting to meet for some time, and finally, thanks to this MEI, I had the chance to chat with him and admire the dozens of Italian stadiums he brought to the exhibition.

Among the many creations, the most famous stood out: the Maradona Stadium in Naples, the San Siro in Milan, the San Nicola in Bari, the Bergamo Stadium, and many others—each recreated with astonishing attention to detail. I was so impressed by his works that I couldn’t remain indifferent: in the end, he also received my PREMIUM BRICK from the page, a well-deserved recognition.

Each stadium tells a story, from the design of the stands to the unique features of the field, and the entire collection demonstrates how passion and attention to detail can turn LEGO bricks into truly remarkable works of art.

In this edition, the Star Wars theme truly dominated, with not just one but two dedicated islands: one reserved for the ILSW (Italian Lego Star Wars) group and another open to enthusiasts from other associations. There was also the ever-present 360-degree display dedicated to Mirko Soppelsa, aka Star Bricks.

Starting with the Rising Brick group, they presented their new project Arlecchino, a recreation of the Razor Crest. This model was made possible thanks to donations from members and friends, each contributing the pieces needed—6,187 bricks in total—to assemble all the bags required for the build.

Beyond the Razor Crest, the area showcased several spectacular dioramas: Daniele Carretta with Mos Eisley, Maurizio D’Angela with the famous Podracer race, and Stefano De Giovanni with another Tatooine-themed setting. Each work displayed meticulous attention to detail, transporting visitors straight into the Star Wars universe.

Among the ILSW members, I would like to highlight Alessandro Sardu, who earned one of my PREMIUM BRICK awards during MEI thanks to his Orbak MOC.

The Orbak is a quadruped creature featured in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, ridden by Jannah and her companions during the final battle on the Star Destroyer. It is a sturdy animal, lacking a traditional saddle and adapted to rough terrain—traits that Alessandro managed to recreate very effectively.

The MOC is truly impressive: the mechanical details blend seamlessly with the organic appearance of the Orbak, resulting in a model that is both believable, dynamic, and visually striking.

Another highly talented member is Simone Frige, who consistently creates outstanding themed MOCs. This time, he brought the classic “binoculars” used by Imperial troops, allowing visitors to look through the viewer and interact with the display, making the experience more engaging.

Of course, it wasn’t a fully functional device: inside, there was a pre-set scene designed to simulate the viewing effect while still providing an immersive experience.

Alongside this installation, there was also a large-scale version of Sabine’s TIE Fighter, taken from the animated series Star Wars Rebels. A visually striking model, capable of immediately capturing the attention of fans thanks to its size and detailed construction.

Iconic scenes from the saga are always a pleasure to revisit, and in this regard, Cristina Mattiazzo’s diorama set on Tatooine was on display. The work featured key elements such as Jabba’s Palace, complete with the famous trapdoor leading to the Rancor, as well as the Sarlacc in the desert, recreated with great attention to detail.

As for Endor, the now well-known diorama by Samuele Favaro was also exhibited, featuring the evocative Ewok forest and the Imperial base seamlessly integrated into the environment. A piece that continues to impress with its ability to faithfully recreate one of the most beloved locations in the saga.

Large-scale characters from the saga once again find their best interpreter in Alberto Micheli, aka Albolego, who this year showcased his impressive lineup of Mandalorians and Imperial soldiers. Iconic figures such as Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine were also present, with the latter depicted on his iconic throne in a highly impactful display.

At this already impressive scale, a notable addition comes from Luca Visentin, who exhibited a truly remarkable version of the B1 Battle Droid. A model that, in terms of size and overall execution, goes even further, showcasing outstanding technical skill and attention to detail.

To conclude the Star Wars section, I must return to Mirko Soppelsa, already mentioned earlier.

As always, his display is a true showcase of spectacular creations, a well-established reference point not only for Italian AFOLs but also for enthusiasts from abroad.

This year, in addition to his most appreciated works, he presented a brand-new project titled TD Project – Tank Driver, featuring an Imperial soldier emerging from the hatch of a assault tank, menacingly holding a blaster. A dynamic and visually striking piece that immediately captures attention.

But that’s not all. Mirko also contributed to the creation of the small commemorative gadget dedicated to Luca Rusconi, distributed by CLV to all exhibitors, once again demonstrating great sensitivity and a strong sense of community.

To make it even more meaningful, he paid tribute to the late RoscoPC with one of his MOC (the Z project) reimagined with Formula 1-inspired liveries. A creative and heartfelt homage that blends passion, memory, and style into a powerful expression.

Paloma Basile, with her MOC titled The Incredibles, clearly inspired by the Pixar feature film, truly hit the mark this time.

She is a very talented builder who, until now, had always exhibited a beautiful oriental-themed diorama, reworking and contextualizing official sets from the Ninjago series. However, this had not yet given me the right reason to award her the PREMIUM BRICK in its Lady version.

With this new creation, Paloma has taken a significant step forward: not only has she brought a breath of fresh air to her own creative journey, but she has also introduced something new to the exhibition scene. In fact, no one had yet created a work dedicated to the beloved Parr family, the iconic red-suited superheroes.

A piece that combines originality, technique, and storytelling, further highlighting the builder’s growth and talent.

This year, Amedeo Pedata decided to change direction, leaving at home his ever-evolving pirate-themed diorama. Instead, he presented smaller-scale works, but ones that are highly detailed and complex.

Among them stands out a scene inspired by Dune (2021), depicting Paul Atreides witnessing the destruction of a harvester by a gigantic sandworm. A dynamic and powerful representation that captures one of the most iconic moments of the film.

Equally meaningful is Nowadays, Somewhere, a Christmas scene reinterpreted in a contemporary way. Here, the builder portrays medical personnel as modern-day Magi, replacing gold, incense, and myrrh with care, support, and solidarity. A simple yet profound concept that adds strong symbolic value to the piece.

Beyond its emotional message, the technical execution is outstanding: despite its compact size, the diorama showcases refined building techniques and highlights Amedeo’s craftsmanship and deep knowledge of LEGO elements.

Federico D’Annunzio, with the revamped version of his Close Encounters of the Third Kind, explores the UFO and alien theme with a completely renewed diorama.

This new version has been thoroughly redesigned, with the original build almost entirely dismantled and rebuilt with a more ambitious vision. While retaining all the iconic scenes from the previous version, the addition of a backdrop gives the composition greater depth, making it even more immersive.

The various scenes are particularly impressive: from a UFO crash in Roswell, to a classic alien abduction with a tractor beam, as well as protesters trying to access the crash site and the recovery of alien bodies.

A diorama rich in narrative elements, capable of capturing attention and taking the viewer on a journey through mystery and science fiction.

Danilo Calcinari’s passion provides the perfect introduction to the theme of ancient Egypt, with a diorama that is constantly expanding. During our conversation, he told me about his intention to complete the Giza plateau by eventually including all three iconic pyramids. An ambitious project that already hints at very promising future developments.

From this starting point, we move on to one of the leading figures in this theme: Stefano Mapelli, who, with his SteBrick group, presented three outstanding works.

Among them, the Temple of Horus stands out as a true architectural marvel, rich in details and decorations, with polychrome hieroglyphs that faithfully recreate how these temples would have appeared in the time of the pharaohs. Alongside it is the Kiosk of Philae, elegant and refined, conveying the solemnity of ancient Egyptian architecture.

Completing the trio is the Sphinx, created in collaboration with Alberto Micheli, here in a slightly different but highly effective role. His skill in shaping faces translates into a remarkable result: not a plastic surgeon with a scalpel, but a true “sculptor” of bricks, capable of bringing a strikingly realistic expression to life.

Memory Must Not Fade, attributed to Andrea Milan (I will verify the exact credits), is another work capable of conveying a deep and meaningful message.

The diorama is divided into two distinct sections. On one side, it depicts a peaceful modern-day scene, with families enjoying their time in a park; on the other, in stark contrast, it portrays the Normandy landings carried out by American troops.

Anyone who has seen Saving Private Ryan will immediately recognize the intensity of such a depiction: a historically brutal moment, filled with chaos and loss, here recreated with great attention to detail. The scene effectively conveys the drama of the event, closely echoing the imagery seen in the film.

I reference that movie because, having been born long after those events, I have not experienced them firsthand. This is precisely why works like this are so important: they help us understand and remember.

The depiction of water is particularly impressive, with splashes, waves, and bursts caused by bullets and explosions. Visually harmonious, yet powerful enough to convey the violence of the moment.

A diorama that does more than just impress—it invites reflection.

Marco De Bon is one of those builders who is always present at MEI—and absolutely should be.

Like Alberto Micheli, he can truly be considered a “sculptor of bricks”: a kind of LEGO plastic surgeon, capable of shaping, with incredible precision, the robots from the Japanese animated series that defined my childhood.

His creations stand out for their meticulous attention to detail and are often fully articulated, with some even being transformable, just like in the original TV series.

Among the displayed works were iconic characters such as Goldrake (known internationally as Grendizer) and Daitarn 3, both crafted with outstanding accuracy and able to capture all the power and charm of their original counterparts.

Staying within the world of robots and Transformers, it was a pleasant surprise to meet Andrea Duggento, who, to the best of my knowledge, had never previously taken part in the Brick Arena at MEI.

He is a well-known builder within the community, particularly for his creations inspired by the M.A.S.K. series and for his impressive Devastator, based on the iconic Transformers character.

His works stand out for their solid construction, faithfulness to the original designs, and strong visual impact, making him a valuable and appreciated addition to the exhibition.

Let’s now talk about Icons of Science, a series of small scenes paying tribute to scientists who have left a mark on history.

The creators are the Friulian duo Marco Zuri and Francesca Bader, who successfully transformed complex concepts into simple, immediate, and highly effective visual representations.

Among the many “vignettes,” one can recognize figures such as Gregor Mendel, Charles Darwin, Samuel Morse, Pythagoras, Inge Lehmann, and Jane Goodall, just to name a few.

Each scene is cleverly designed, allowing viewers to instantly identify the scientist through the distinctive elements related to their discoveries or field of study. A project that is both educational and creative, combining storytelling and modeling in an engaging and original way.

The Minervino family is usually known for showcasing a rich Friends-style (minidoll) city and their famous Titanic, but this year they surprised everyone with something completely different.

They filled an impressive eight-meter display with a remarkable collection of characters standing about 45 cm tall, inspired by superheroes, animated movies, and pop culture in general.

The visual impact was striking, immediately capturing the attention of both children and adult fans. Among the many characters on display were icons such as Spider-Man, Hulk, Batman, Captain America, Pikachu, Wreck-It Ralph, and the characters from Monsters & Co., just to name a few.

A visually engaging and dynamic display that once again highlights the Minervino family’s ability to reinvent themselves and amaze the audience.

Let’s now move on to truly grand creations, such as the Modena Cathedral with its Ghirlandina tower. This is a monumental work by Giorgio Ruffo, who paid almost obsessive attention to every detail, faithfully recreating even the smallest architectural features of the complex.

What makes the build even more convincing is a clever and thoughtful choice: the use of older, slightly worn bricks. A perfectly fitting solution, as using brand-new elements would have disrupted the historical authenticity of the structure.

The result is a highly impactful piece that successfully conveys the history and grandeur of the original monument. It’s no surprise that it received one of the Best MOC awards from CLV during the Brick Arena.

And, if I may say so without false modesty: I had already awarded it years ago with my PREMIUM BRICK.

Daniele D’Aprile and Simone Branciari are two builders whom I have previously awarded with the prestigious PREMIUM BRICK, and once again they proved their worth.

The former, already recognized for his beautiful Italian-style railway station, presented an expanded and further refined version at MEI. It is an extremely precise and meticulous work that successfully mirrors reality. Among the most interesting details are the depots and even the maintenance pit, used to work on the underside of locomotives and carriages—an element that adds an extra layer of realism to the entire scene.

The latter, Simone Branciari, showcased The Agricultural Consortium, a farming-themed diorama that stands out as one of the finest at the exhibition. The piece impresses with its advanced building techniques, particularly in the construction of the silos, which are so well executed that they invite the viewer to pause and study their internal structure.

Two very different works, united by outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail.

This year, the community city felt slightly less impressive compared to previous editions, although it still remains a visually striking and enjoyable display overall.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to identify all the contributors, with the exception of Roberto Frigato, so I will mention it as a collective work.

However, I’ll leave you with a small selection of photos, which you will find in the English version of this blog, to better appreciate its details.

The iconic CLV medieval diorama was supposed to be displayed in its full form, but due to a last-minute absence, Nicola Rigoni found himself presenting only a portion of it on his own.

Despite this, the displayed section made, as always, a great impression, once again confirming the quality and visual impact of this collective project.

The only small “criticism” I can make is the absence of the little goats… which he didn’t bring this time. Just kidding, of course 😉

After two years of absence, Silvio Giovetti returned to MEI with a renewed and expanded version of his London 20.

Rather than being a faithful reproduction of the British capital, it represents a fictional town inspired by its style, enriched with numerous small scenes that strongly evoke its atmosphere.

At the center stands a beautiful Gothic cathedral, while on the left side a charming Victorian-style street unfolds, featuring a brewery and elegant residential buildings. On the opposite side, a more rural area emerges, characterized by modest houses and small narrative details scattered throughout, including even scenes depicting witch hunts.

The result is a true potpourri of settings and stories, capable of capturing attention and keeping viewers engaged for a long time.

It’s no coincidence that, three years ago, this work won both my PREMIUM BRICK and the Best MOC award from CLV.

From a fictional city inspired by a real one, we now move to a real city: Bergamo.

A group of friends from Bergamo has been collaborating on this project for several years, and after far too long an absence, they finally brought back to Verona the result of their remarkable teamwork: the Piacentiniano Center of Bergamo.

Having personally visited the city, I can confirm how accurate and faithful this recreation is. The attention to detail and the precision in replicating the urban layout are truly impressive.

I clearly remember that last year, while driving through the actual Piacentiniano Center, I briefly felt as if I had been transported into the brick-built version I had seen at the exhibition.

A high-level collaborative work created by Michele Bosio, Stefano Mazzoleni, Corrado Di Ceglie, Paolo Rocchi, Raffaele Lardaro, Marco Zucchinali, and Omar Rottoli.

The team also told me that this MEI appearance will most likely be the last for this project, as they have decided to dismantle it and reuse the pieces for future creations.

An important decision, certainly made easier by their achievements: after winning the PREMIUM BRICK two years ago, earning one of the five Best MOC awards this year, and even being featured on the poster of the Skærbæk Fan Weekend in the past, they can truly say they have accomplished everything possible.

Congratulations and respect to them.

We’ve almost reached the end. I have to say that this year’s report is probably the longest I’ve ever written. I tried to cover as much as possible, leaving for last what I had the honor of exhibiting in this wonderful arena.

I’m referring to The Realm of the Six Houses and Welcome to My Wall is Different, a project for which I also held a 90-minute talk in the dedicated area.

Overall, I’m satisfied with the attention I received from the audience. The Realm is my very first medieval-themed creation: I’m not sure if there will be a follow-up, but it had been a long-time goal of mine, and I had been gathering the necessary pieces for quite some time.

MyWall, on the other hand, has undergone a real evolution compared to two years ago: it has grown in size and now includes many fellow AFOLs, represented through small display booths that reflect, more or less faithfully, the works they bring to the Brick Arena.

The only slight downside was the low attendance during my talk, but that’s part of the game… and we keep playing.

That’s all for now. See you next time.

Final note:
If you’d like to explore even more, feel free to click the link  to access my full photo album.

Inside, you’ll find many additional pictures that were not included in the report but are definitely worth checking out.

The album is set to public, so anyone with a Facebook account can view it freely.