Boy With Autism Turned His Obsession With Ships Into A 26-Foot LEGO Masterpiece

At ten, Brynjar Karl Birgisson, an Icelandic boy with autism, transformed his passion for ships into a 26-foot-long LEGO replica of the Titanic, the world’s largest of its kind. Over 11 months and 700 hours, he used 56,000 LEGO bricks, guided by his grandfather’s scaled-down blueprints. Inspired by a trip to Legoland Denmark and his fascination with the Titanic, Brynjar overcame communication struggles, finding confidence through the project.

The $8,105 cost was covered by family and friends’ donations. Displayed at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, until 2020, the model toured Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Iceland, inspiring others. Brynjar, now 15, says the journey lifted his “autistic fog,” boosting his grades and social skills. His story shows how a child’s obsession, paired with support, can create something extraordinary, proving autism isn’t a barrier but a unique strength when nurtured.