Brynjar Karl Birgisson Rebuilt the Titanic Replica With Lego

Autistic boy Brynjar Karl Birgisson rebuilt the Titanic with 56,000 bits of Lego 

An autistic boy's fascination with the Titanic ocean liner – and his ability to build with Legos – gave him a lifeline to independence. Brynjar Karl Birgisson was 10 when he spent 700 hours over 11 months building a 26-foot-long Titanic replica using 56,000 Lego bricks. His work helped raise the boy from Iceland out of a self-described "autistic fog."

Now, at 17, Brynjar is known worldwide as "the Lego boy" and often gives talks and speeches about how the Titanic and Legos changed his life. His story, already the subject of a book, is now told in a documentary premiering in Pigeon Forge. Entitled "How Titanic Became My Lifeboat," the film will have its public premiere at 11 a.m. March 7 at the Phoenix Theatre's Forge Cinemas, 2530 Parkway. The screening is free, but reservations are required at 800-381-7670. Brynjar will also speak at East Tennessee schools during the March "Read Across America" in visits arranged by the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge.

Brynjar's fascination with the Titanic and his construction of his giant Lego replica has connected him with the Pigeon Forge museum. His Lego liner has been anchored at the museum since 2018 after it toured Norway, Sweden, Germany and Iceland. More than two million visitors have seen the Lego model since it opened at the museum. The museum opens daily at 9 a.m.; reservations are recommended at titanicpigeonforge.com or 800-381-7870.

Building his Titanic helped Brynjar to challenge autism. When he began his model, he was extremely shy and spoke little. But Bjarney Ludviksdottir encouraged her son to plan and talk about his idea. She helped him write letters, create a YouTube video and talk to strangers.

“He is now standing on stages across the world, telling his story, giving interviews and encouraging others to stretch their imaginations, toss their doubts, and accomplish their dreams,” said Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, the Titanic Museum's president, chief operating officer and co-owner.

Ludviksdottir, who is a filmmaker, producer and director, created "How Titanic Became My Lifeboat." The film tells about the Brynjar's and other young people's experiences on the autism spectrum and how their talents have elevated them. The documentary follows the chlidren's book, "My Autistic X-Factor," that mother and son wrote earlier.

In addition to the documentary’s premiere, Brynjar will share his story with more than 5,000 East Tennessee students during the March 2-7 national Read Across America campaign. The Titanic museum, which has supported the event for five years, arranged his appearances that include schools in Knox, Anderson, Sevier and Cocke counties.