Morning Crowds: Schoolchildren Gather
- HAMM,Germany (AP) — Miniature Lego versions of Hamm's iconic landmarks are drawing considerable attention in a local shop window,according to the shop owner.
- For several weeks, a unique Lego exhibition by Barbara Menzl has been on display at Manu's shop on Eschenallee.
- "Many people stop and look at the shop window when they spot the Lego models.
Lego Landmarks Captivate Hamm Residents
HAMM,Germany (AP) — Miniature Lego versions of Hamm’s iconic landmarks are drawing considerable attention in a local shop window,according to the shop owner.
For several weeks, a unique Lego exhibition by Barbara Menzl has been on display at Manu’s shop on Eschenallee. The exhibit features detailed lego models of well-known Hamm landmarks, including the glass elephant, the town hall, and the main train station.
Local Shop Draws Crowds with Lego Display

The exhibition has quickly become a local attraction. “Many people stop and look at the shop window when they spot the Lego models. Even schoolchildren gather in front of it in the mornings,” said Manuela Koslowski, the shop owner. Elke Sommer, a long-time customer, noted the widespread interest: “I keep seeing photos shared by acquaintances who are excited about this exhibition.It’s a special attraction,especially considering Hamm’s 50th anniversary.”

Menzl’s passion for Lego began in 2005. “Our grandchild wanted to build a castle, and we still had old Lego from our son,” she said. Together with her husband, Heinz Menzl, they revived an old Lego railway and built it on their garden table. In 2014,they joined the Modellbaufans Rheinland (MBFR) association to share their hobby with others.
Over the years, the models became more detailed, the collection grew, and real-life buildings served as inspiration. “When you drive through the area, you see many houses that would make fantastic Lego models,” Menzl explained.
More Hamm Landmarks Planned in Lego Form
Menzl and her husband first exhibited their work in Maximilian Park in 2017,which quickly gained attention. the mayor at the time, Thomas Hunsteger-Petermann, commissioned Menzl and other Lego enthusiasts to create Hamm landmarks for a Christmas card. Since then, Menzl has focused on creating detailed Lego versions of Hamm landmarks, which were also exhibited in Maxipark in 2021 and 2022.
Menzl shows no signs of slowing down her Lego creations. “There are still so many motifs in Hamm that I want to recreate: Heessen Castle, Oberwerries Castle, the Stadtsparkasse, or the Kurhaus with a saline,” she said.
For inspiration, Menzl and her husband regularly attend the MBFR meetings in Oberhausen every two months. Those interested in seeing her work can visit Manu’s shop. The MBFR association welcomes new members and can be contacted through their website, Mbfr.org.
Lego Landmarks of Hamm: A Q&A
Here’s a look at the captivating Lego creations drawing attention in Hamm, Germany.
Q: What’s attracting so much attention in Hamm, Germany?
A: Miniature LEGO versions of Hamm’s iconic landmarks are the talk of the town. A local shop window is currently displaying detailed LEGO models, captivating both locals and visitors.
Q: Where can you see these LEGO models?
A: The LEGO exhibition is on display at Manu’s shop on Eschenallee in hamm, Germany.
Q: What landmarks are featured in the LEGO display?
A: The exhibit showcases well-known Hamm landmarks, including:
The glass elephant
The town hall
The main train station
Q: How has the community responded to the LEGO exhibition?
A: The exhibition quickly became a local attraction.
Many people stop and admire the display.
Schoolchildren gather in front of the shop window.
Photos of the exhibition are shared by excited acquaintances.
Q: Who created these impressive LEGO models?
A: The LEGO models are the work of Barbara Menzl. She began her LEGO journey in 2005, and has been creating these models since then.
Q: What inspired Barbara Menzl to start building with LEGO?
A: Menzl’s interest in LEGO started when her grandchild wanted to build a castle. She and her husband then revived an old LEGO railway set.
Q: When did Barbara Menzl first exhibit her LEGO creations?
A: Menzl and her husband first exhibited their work in Maximilian Park in 2017.
Q: How long has Barbara Menzl been creating LEGO models of Hamm landmarks?
A: Barbara menzl has been creating LEGO models of Hamm landmarks since 2017. The mayor at the time commissioned her and other LEGO enthusiasts to create Hamm landmarks for a Christmas card.
Q: Where else have Menzl’s LEGO creations been displayed?
A: Her LEGO models were also exhibited in Maxipark in 2021 and 2022.
Q: What are some of the upcoming LEGO projects menzl is planning?
A: Menzl plans to recreate other Hamm landmarks, including:
Heessen Castle
Oberwerries Castle
The Stadtsparkasse
The Kurhaus with a saline
Q: Where does Menzl find inspiration for her LEGO creations?
A: Menzl and her husband attend Modellbaufans Rheinland (MBFR) meetings in Oberhausen every two months for inspiration. They also draw inspiration from the architecture in Hamm.
Q: How can one see Menzl’s LEGO creations or get involved?
A: You can visit Manu’s shop to see her work. The MBFR association welcomes new members and can be contacted through their website, Mbfr.org,if you’re interested in joining the hobby.
Summary of Key Details
The table below summarizes key data:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Miniature LEGO models of Hamm landmarks |
| Artist | Barbara menzl |
| Current Location | Manu’s shop, Eschenallee, Hamm |
| Key Landmarks Featured | glass elephant, town hall, main train station |
| Community response | Highly positive; local attraction |
| inspiration | Real-life buildings, MBFR meetings |
| Future Projects | Heessen Castle, Oberwerries Castle, Stadtsparkasse, Kurhaus |
| Association | Modellbaufans Rheinland (MBFR) |
