Eye a LEGO'd Gamble House at a Free Museum Day

Museums of the Arroyo Day is back with charm, surprises, and a funky spin on an iconic abode.

What to Know

  • Sunday, May 19
  • Noon to 4 p.m.
  • Gamble House, LA Police Museum, Heritage Square, and three other landmark spots

Tasked with summoning a few stately descriptions of The Gamble House, Pasadena's beyond-iconic Craftsman manor?

You might accurately call it "elegant" or "historic" or even "august," but you probably wouldn't describe it as a place that could be recreated by a few bucketfuls of whimsical bricks.

And there, good person, you would be incorrect. For the handsome landmark has received a lively LEGO tribute, a cute and colorful abode that will be on view during Museums of the Arroyo Day. 

A day that is on its way, on Sunday, May 19.

This is the free, free, free event, the annual favorite where six museums near the Arroyo Seco throw wide their doors, for four hours, giving visitors a chance to see what the place is about and engage in a host of lively activities.

Those hours are noon to 4 p.m., so if you start early, and end at 4, chances are you can see The Gamble House, the LA Police Museum, Heritage Square, the Lummis Home, Pasadena Museum of History, and The Autry's Historic Southwest Museum in one fabulous fell swoop.

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Of course, if "fell swoop" sounds like you'll only graze the destinations' surfaces, do pick one or two of the participating institutions and really dig into their offerings.

Those offerings will include lawn games at The Gamble House, blacksmithing demonstrations at Heritage Square, and several other kid-oriented, history-deep to-dos.

It's a celebratory, spring-sweet event that's been around for three decades now, making it one of the jewels of the historic calendar. And, yes, the NELA calendar, too, so if you adore your authentic, super-interesting Northeast Los Angeles vibes, this is your must-do.

Will you visit The Gamble House, where a LEGO Gamble House will be on view?

Honestly? You should.

For while the Greene & Greene wonder may seem a tad imposing in its behemoth-big beauty and grandeur, it is ultimately a friendly favorite, one that takes its importance a little lightly, in the most charming of ways.

Why shouldn't colorful bricks be used to convey the ultimate in Craftsman cool? If The Gamble House is into it, we are, too.

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