Matt Smith, a dedicated fan and recent father, brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth by designing a Mister Rogers-inspired LEGO set. Spotlighted on the LEGO Ideas platform, where enthusiasts present their ingenious LEGO creations, Smith’s “Mister Rogers and the Neighborhood of Make-Believe” set has amassed the requisite 10,000 votes for board review and potential production.
Smith’s creation, boasting 1,968 pieces, pays tribute to the show’s debut year, 1968. It promises both children and adults a delightful and immersive building journey. Beyond the obvious and beloved elements of the show, Smith has masterfully woven in easter eggs from specific episodes for true fans to discover.
A centerpiece of the design is the iconic red trolley. Skillfully crafted, a simple crank turn sends the trolley navigating through walls, eventually leading to the enchanting Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Accompanying Mister Rogers are LEGO minifigures of show favorites: François Clemmons, Betty Aberlin, Mr. McFeely, King Friday, Henrietta, X the Owl, and Daniel Tiger.
The idea stemmed from Smith’s own personal journey into fatherhood in 2019. The ensuing global pandemic led to LEGO building becoming a cherished family activity. Revisiting Mister Rogers episodes, Smith and his wife felt an artistic urge. “After building various sets and collecting figures, we felt that Mister Rogers’ world in LEGO could be profoundly creative and rewarding,” Smith shared with WTAE.
As Smith poignantly states, Mister Rogers wasn’t just a television show. It was, and remains, a haven of kindness, where everyone is both giver and receiver. Now, with the potential LEGO set inching closer to reality, this beloved neighborhood may find its way into homes anew.
For the latest on this heartwarming project’s journey, keep an eye on its LEGO Ideas webpage.
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