For seven years, one build has captured the imagination of Brickvention audiences — a Melbourne small enough it can be held in your gaze, yet so detailed it feels completely alive.
Samuel Mollema’s astounding microscale Melbourne has become a must-see display, returning each year in bigger, smarter and more intricate form. What began as an ambitious miniature snapshot of the city has steadily grown into a sprawling, ever-evolving tribute to Melbourne – expanding in size, sharpening in technique, and gaining new landmarks, streetscapes and moments of unmistakable local character with every outing.
In this post, Samuel looks back on seven years of displaying his microscale masterpiece in his own words — how it started, what inspired each new addition, and how the build has grown and transformed over time into the remarkable cityscape it is today.
The beginning
Samuel: Growing up I always had the idea of building a Lego model of Melbourne, starting with my own models of some of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings and then placing those amongst random pieces I had lying around to form the City.
2018
Samuel: In 2018 I finally pulled together my pieces to start forming a proper model with accurate roads and building heights at 1/2200 scale. However I did not think ahead for logistics, as the entire build was built on one huge connected baseplate!
2019
Samuel: I managed to have Melbourne Cityscape ready for Brickvention 2019, my first time exhibition anywhere! Here I am putting it together onsite.
Samuel: The reception at BV 2019 was fantastic! I enjoyed the many conversations had with attendees, both young and old and fellow exhibitors alike about the build, watching them find their workplaces/homes on the map!
Samuel: The BV MOC Card Holder
2020
Samuel: Following BV2019 I spent the year building extensions to the Cityscape, including Carlton and Docklands, as well as replacing all the roads with newer versions that included tramlines and tram stops! – A top-down shot by Trevor Clark.
Samuel: Finally I brought the model back, updated, expanded and improved for Brickvention 2020, Where I won 3rd place for the public vote!
2023
Samuel: The following 2 years were during COVID, which I still exhibited and introduced my Sydney Cityscape, and then my next outing was in 2023, (photo) expanding Melbourne further by adding The MCG and surrounding area. As well as my recently built Sydney and Dubai Cityscapes, creating a large table display for BV2023.
2024
Samuel: Over the next year I worked on a few more projects, including Bendigo & Gold Coast Cityscape. At Brickvention 2024, I displayed 3 builds once again, with Melbourne being updated with the latest buildings.
Samuel: Next I had Lego Bendigo displayed next to other fantastic Bendigo based builds.
Samuel: And finally I had Gold Coast Cityscape on display, which is still my favourite build to this day!
Having the 3 builds in different locations meant I definitely got all my steps in for the weekend! Walking between the builds ensuring they were all still intact!!
2025
Samuel: And last year for Brickvention 2025, I built my most recent build, Perth Cityscape. Over this time I had also perfected the art of logistically bringing these builds to exhibitions, Mainly by splitting the builds into 48×48 stud sections. Which is what I’ve spent the last 2.5 years doing to Melbourne Cityscape, rebuilding the whole thing and adding 3x more for Brickvention 2026!
Seven years on, Samuel Mollema’s microscale Melbourne continues to grow – with new details, new sections, and even more to discover every time it appears. The latest evolution is landing at Brickvention 2026, and you’ll have to see it in person to spot what’s changed over the last 12 months. Trust us, it’s unmissable.
Want to follow Samuel’s LEGO journey? Find him on Instagram at: @scapebysam and at scapebysam.com.au
Want to meet him in person? Join us at Brickvention 2026 at the Royal Exhibition Building, 17–18 January. Tickets via Humanitix.