History of Lego Timeline

(1932 - Present)

The history of LEGO traces the evolution of the Danish toy company founded by Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1932. From humble beginnings making wooden toys to the invention of the iconic plastic interlocking brick in 1958, LEGO grew into one of the world's largest and most beloved toy manufacturers, expanding into video games, movies, theme parks, and educational products. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Founding and Early Years

Christiansen purchases Billund carpentry shop

1916

Ole Kirk Christiansen purchased Billund Maskinsnedkeri, a woodworking and carpentry shop in Billund, Denmark, for 10,000 DKK, laying the foundation for what would eventually become the Lego Group.

Fire destroys Christiansen's workshop

1924

A fire destroyed Ole Kirk Christiansen's workshop in 1924. He responded by constructing a larger facility and worked towards expanding the business even further.

Image source: Lego

Lego begins making wooden toys

Aug 10, 1932

Lego began in 1932 in the carpentry workshop of Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish furniture maker. On August 10, 1932, he started making wooden toys such as piggy banks, pull toys, and miniature vehicles.

Company named LEGO

1934

In 1934, Christiansen held a competition among his staff to name the company, offering a bottle of homemade wine as a prize. The company was named "LEGO", a contraction of the Danish phrase "leg godt", meaning "play well".

Lego buys injection molding machine

1947

After World War II, when injection molding was introduced to Denmark, Christiansen bought an injection molding machine for the company to make toys, as plastics became available in Denmark.

Product Innovation

Hilary Fisher Page patents hollow plastic cubes

1939

Hilary Fisher Page designed the "Kiddicraft Self-Locking Building Bricks." In 1939, Page applied for a patent on hollow plastic cubes with four studs on top (British Patent Nº.529,580) that allowed their positioning atop one another without lateral movement.

Page applies for improvement to toy building blocks

1944

In 1944, Hilary Fisher Page applied "Improvement to Toy Building Blocks" as an addition to his previous patent, describing a building system based on rectangular hollow blocks with 2x4 studs on top enabling the construction of walls with staggered rows and window openings.

Image source: Hilary Page

Page applies for improvement to toy building blocks

Kiddicraft brick samples obtained

1947

In 1947, Ole Kirk and Godtfred obtained samples of interlocking plastic bricks produced by the company Kiddicraft, which inspired the first Lego brick. Page's patent addition was granted that year as British Patent Nº 587,206.

Automatic Binding Bricks introduced

1949

The Lego Group began producing similar bricks, calling them "Automatic Binding Bricks." Manufactured from cellulose acetate, they were developed in the spirit of traditional wooden blocks that could be stacked upon one another but could also be stuck together.

Town Plan system released

1955

In 1955, Lego released the "Town Plan" using plastic Lego building bricks as the system. That same year, licensed production expanded to Sweden, and a partnership was organized in Iceland.

Modern Lego brick patented

1958

The Lego brick in its present form, with hollow tubes in the underside for better interlocking capability, was patented in 1958. This design change greatly improved the stability and versatility of Lego constructions.

First Lego wheels introduced

1961 - 1962

1961 and 1962 saw the introduction of the first Lego wheels, an addition that expanded the potential for building cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles from Lego bricks.

Switch to ABS plastic

1963

Cellulose acetate, the material used to create Lego bricks, was replaced by the more stable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic), which is still in use today.

Image source: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Instruction manuals added to sets

1964

1964 was the first year that saw the inclusion of instruction manuals in Lego sets, helping builders follow step-by-step guides to complete models.

Lego train system released

1966

A notable Lego Group series, the Lego train system, was released in 1966, adding motorized railways to the growing range of Lego products.

Image source: Lego trains

Duplo system introduced

1969

In 1969 the Duplo system was introduced, featuring larger bricks designed for younger children who were too small to safely handle standard Lego bricks.

Image source: Lego Duplo

Lego Homemaker targets girls

1971

During the last three decades of the 20th century, Lego expanded into new areas of toy making and marketing. In 1971, the company began targeting girls by introducing furniture and dollhouses under the Lego Homemaker theme.

Expert Series and Expert Builder sets

1975 - 1977

In 1975 "Expert Series" sets were introduced, geared towards older, more experienced Lego builders, followed by the "Expert Builder" sets in 1977.

Lego minifigure introduced

Aug 1978

In August 1978 the Lego "mini-figure" was added, becoming one of the most iconic elements of the Lego system and enabling more imaginative role-play.

Image source: Lego minifigure

Scala series introduced

1979

In 1979 Lego introduced the Scala series, featuring jewelry elements marketed towards young girls.

Expert Builder becomes Technic series

1982

The "Expert Builder" series matured in 1982, becoming the "Technic" series, featuring advanced mechanical models with gears, axles, and pins.

Technic line gains pneumatic components

1984

In 1984 the Technic line was expanded with the addition of pneumatic components, allowing builders to create models with air-powered movement.

Light & Sound sets debut

1985

Light & Sound sets made their appearance in 1985; these sets included a battery pack with electrical lights, buzzers, and other accessories to add another dimension of realism to Lego creations.

Lego Pirates theme released

1989

The Lego line grew again in 1989 with the release of the Lego Pirates theme, which featured various pirate ships, deserted islands, and treasure. Until then, minifigures only came in yellow skin color with a standard smiling face.

Electrical systems standardized at 9V

1991

In 1991, the Lego Group standardized its electrical components and systems; the Trains and Technic motors were made 9V to bring the systems into line with the rest of the Lego range.

Duplo train and brickvac released

1993

In 1993 a Duplo train and a parrot-shaped "brickvac" that could scoop Lego pieces up off the floor were released.

First licensed themes: Star Wars and Winnie the Pooh

1999

In 1999 the first Lego products featuring licensed intellectual property were Lego Star Wars and Winnie the Pooh Duplo, followed in 2000 by Lego Harry Potter characters and figures from Steven Spielberg movies.

Image source: Lego Star Wars

Duplo merged into Lego Explore

2002

In 2002, Duplo was merged with Lego Baby into the new label Lego Explore.

Clikits system introduced

2003

In 2003, the Lego Group introduced a completely new system, Clikits, aimed at girls and consisting of customizable plastic jewelry and accessories.

Image source: Lego

Lego Games, Power Miners, and Ninjago concept

2009

In 2009, both Lego Games (board games) and Lego Power Miners were introduced, along with the concept for Lego Ninjago.

Image source: List of Lego video games

Ninjago launches; Shell contract resumed

2011

In 2011 Lego launched a new theme called Lego Ninjago, which became popular worldwide, and resumed a long-term contract with Royal Dutch Shell, after using its logo on products from the 1960s through the 1990s. Greenpeace criticised this co-branding in 2014.

Image source: Ninjago (TV series)

Colosseum becomes largest Lego set

Nov 2020

In November 2020 Lego announced its largest set to date: a replica of the Colosseum in Rome containing 9,036 pieces.

Titanic model tops piece record

2021

In 2021 the record for largest Lego set was topped by the Titanic model at 9,090 pieces.

Eiffel Tower set reaches 10,001 pieces

2022

In 2022 the second set to reach 10,000 bricks was released, a replica of the Eiffel Tower with 10,001 pieces.

Business and Expansion

Licensed production starts in Norway

1953

Licensed production started in Norway in 1953 in partnership with Svein Strømberg of Oslo, under the corporate name Norske LEGIO A/S.

Godtfred becomes junior managing director

1954

In 1954, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen became the junior managing director of the Lego Group, positioning him to shape the company's future direction.

Image source: Godtfred Kirk Christiansen

Ole Kirk Christiansen dies; Godtfred takes over

1958

1958 also saw the death of founder Ole Kirk Christiansen, with his son Godtfred assuming leadership of the company.

Image source: Ole Kirk Christiansen

Warehouse fire ends wooden toy production

1960

A warehouse fire destroyed most of Lego's wooden toy inventory in 1960, prompting Godtfred to cease wooden toy production entirely and focus on plastic bricks.

Samsonite licensing deal for North America

1961

Seeking to enter the North American market but lacking logistical capabilities, Lego made an arrangement allowing Samsonite to begin producing and selling their products in the United States and Canada.

First Legoland Park opens in Billund

Jun 7, 1968

On June 7, 1968, the first Legoland Park was opened in Billund, featuring elaborate miniature towns built entirely from Lego bricks. Sales of Lego sets reached more than eighteen million units that year.

Image source: Legoland Billund Resort

Boat sets launched; Kjeld joins management

1972

Lego added boat and ship sets with floating hull pieces, and Godtfred Kirk Christiansen's son, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, joined the managerial staff after earning business degrees in Switzerland and Denmark.

Image source: Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen

Lego logo redesigned

1973

The Lego logo was redesigned in 1973, replacing various logos used previously to unify the brand under a single recognizable identity.

Educational Products Department established

1980

In 1980, the Lego Group established the Educational Products Department (eventually renamed Lego Dacta in 1989) to expand the educational possibilities of their toys. The same year, the second generation of Lego trains appeared.

First Lego World Cup held in Billund

Aug 1988

In August 1988, 38 children from 17 countries took part in the first Lego World Cup building contest, held in Billund, Denmark.

New advanced builder series and Lego Malaysia

1990

In 1990 Lego released a new series designed for advanced builders, and Lego Malaysia was also established, extending the company's global reach.

Two Guinness records set with Lego

1992

In 1992 two Guinness records were set using Lego products: a castle made from 400,000 Lego bricks measuring 4.45 meters by 5.22 meters was built on Swedish television, and a 545-meter-long Lego railway line with three locomotives was constructed.

Kirkbi investment firm established

Apr 1, 1995

On April 1, 1995, Lego's ruling Kristiansen family established the Kirkbi investment firm, which has since led The Lego Group.

Image source: Kirkbi

Factory in China announced

2013

In 2013, the LEGO Group announced its decision to build a factory in China under its strategy of locating production close to its core markets.

BrickLink acquired by Lego Group

Nov 25, 2019

On November 25, 2019, the Lego Group announced the acquisition of BrickLink, the world's largest Lego fan community, from Nexon for an unknown price, expected to be finished before the end of 2019.

U.S. headquarters relocation to Boston announced

2023 - 2026

In 2023, The LEGO Group announced it will be moving its U.S. office from Enfield to Boston by the end of 2026, with the move beginning in mid-2025.

Challenges and Turnarounds

Designer turnover changes design direction

1995 - 1997

Around 1995 or 1996, according to designer Mark Stafford, the Lego Group retired many designers who had created sets from the late 1970s to mid-1990s, replacing them with 30 'innovators' from design colleges. By 1997, set details were sacrificed for decreased building times and increased playability features, drawing mixed reception from long-term fans.

Lego Pirates discontinued

1997

Lego Pirates, which had a strong run since its launch in 1989, was promptly killed off, with 1997 being its last year of production.

Lego posts first-ever loss

1998

In 1998, Lego posted its first-ever loss, at £23 million. Lego's profits had been declining since 1992.

Near bankruptcy and Knudstorp appointed CEO

2004

In 2004, Lego posted a loss of £174 million, described later as having been "almost bankrupt." Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen resigned as CEO and appointed Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, the first non-family CEO. Lego also added the QUATRO brick for ages 1–3, reintroduced the Duplo label in late 2004, moved manufacturing to Mexico, and relocated distribution from Billund to the Czech Republic.

Image source: Jørgen Vig Knudstorp

U.S. factory closure announced

Jun 20, 2006

On June 20, 2006, Lego announced it closed its U.S. factory. By 2007, a global workforce of 9,100 in 1998 had been reduced to 4,200 due to outsourcing.

Sales rebound driven by licensed themes

2008 - 2009

In the US alone, Lego sales increased 32 percent because of Star Wars and Indiana Jones-themed games, while globally 2008 sales increased 18%. In 2009, executive Laursen said licenses played a more prominent role in the American market than overseas, with about 60 percent of American sales linked to licenses, twice that of 2004, and stated Lego was "definitely more commercially oriented."

First revenue decline in 13 years; job cuts planned

Sep 2017

In the first half of 2017, Lego saw its first revenue decline in 13 years, announcing plans in September 2017 to cut 1,400 jobs.

Media and Modern Era

The Lego Story animated short film

2012

In 2012 an animated short film titled The Lego Story, made by Danish studio Lani Pixels for the 80th anniversary of Lego, depicted the struggles of Ole Kirk Christiansen and his son Godtfred from 1932 to 1968 as they worked to make the company successful.

The Lego Movie released

2014

In 2014 Warner Bros and The Lego Group released The Lego Movie, a computer-animated adventure comedy telling the story of an ordinary Lego minifigure construction worker named Emmet Brickowski prophesied to save the world.

Image source: The Lego Movie

Ai Weiwei bulk order controversy

2015

In 2015 the Lego firm sparked controversy when it refused a bulk order to Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who is openly critical of the Chinese communist government.

Image source: Ai Weiwei

The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie

2017

In 2017 Warner Bros, DC Entertainment, and The Lego Group released The Lego Batman Movie as a spin-off based on one of the lead characters of Lego's first animated movie. Lego has since released another animated film based on its toy lines, entitled The Lego Ninjago Movie, also in 2017.

Image source: The Lego Batman Movie

The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part released

Feb 7, 2019

On February 7, 2019, a sequel to The Lego Movie was produced by Warner Animation Group and released by Warner Bros, titled The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.

Image source: The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

Five-year film deal with Universal Pictures

Apr 23, 2020

Warner Bros had allowed their film rights with Lego to expire by fall 2019, and Universal Pictures entered early negotiations on December 19, 2019. On April 23, 2020, the deal with Universal was set for a five-year film deal, with plans to include its own franchises and characters in its run of Lego films.

Image source: Universal Pictures

Key Facts

LEGO was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen in Billund, Denmark, originally producing wooden toys.
The name LEGO comes from the Danish phrase 'leg godt,' meaning 'play well.'
The modern interlocking plastic brick design was patented on January 28, 1958, and remains compatible with bricks produced today.
In 2004, LEGO faced near-bankruptcy but recovered through restructuring and a renewed focus on core brick products.
LEGO has expanded into a multimedia franchise, including The LEGO Movie (2014), video games, LEGOLAND theme parks, and robotics kits like LEGO Mindstorms.

Source

This History of Lego timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.

We work hard to keep these timelines accurate, but mistakes do get through. If you spot one, email us at [email protected] and we'll fix it for future visitors.

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