Experience the world of Lite-Brite at this new pop-up in Santa Monica – Orange County Register

Nostalgia and modern technology will shine a light on the old-school toy during a new pop-up coming to Santa Monica.

A classic Lite-Brite toy – inspiration for a new one interactive popup titled “Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder,” which opens Nov. 7 and runs through April at Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica.

“It has such a nostalgic appeal that I think everyone can relate to, from the ’60s to now,” said Ryan Andahl, president and CEO of Secret Location, the event’s creators.

Before there were laptops with games, there was Lite-Brite. classic toy is a light box that allows users to create glowing images and words using small colored plastic pegs that are inserted into a black panel.

“This toy has been around since the 60s and it has its own unique place, at least for me and a lot of people I grew up with. It’s the first toy I’ve ever played with that had a creative aspect to it,” Andal said.

While the original toy was simple, the pop-up will combine state-of-the-art LED technology, original artwork and, of course, the toy itself in 11 interactive rooms that will cover underwater, prehistoric and space themes.

“It’s a very digital show. We imagined what if Lite-Brite was brought into the 21st century,” he said.

The program will include things like a light tunnel, LED-lit rooms covered in various images that look like they were created on Lite-Brite, and a play area and play area where people can play with a real toy. There will also be a gallery featuring work from artists inspired by the toy.

“The artist created these simply amazing works. They’re very nostalgic, they’ve taken things from their childhood to create these really cool things,” he said.

And yes, the gift shop will sell Lite-Brite kits.

Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder

When: November 7 – April 2025

Where: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica

Tickets: US$22

Information: litebriteimmersive.secretlocation.com