The Lego Airport Models at DCA and IAD Explained
There are Lego models of both DC airports sitting inside the real airports. Here's where to find them, who built them, and the DCA detail worth knowing about.
A DC-based Lego creator spent nine months building a 150,000-piece replica of DCA and another nine months building a 50,000-piece replica of IAD. Both ended up on display inside the airports. Here's how to find them.
One of my favorite parts of traveling is exploring airports - you never know what you'll find. Next time you're moving through either of DC's airports, be sure to keep an eye out for their Lego counterparts.
Richard Paules, a DC resident, built full Lego replicas of both Dulles International and DCA. Both models are now on display inside the airports they depict.
The DCA Model
DCA's model was completed in 2025 and built using over 150,000 Legos. It depicts Terminal 2 from curbside to check-in.
The model is on display in Terminal 2 after security. In fact it appears right across from the airport's Lego store.
The IAD Model
The Dulles model came first and was built in 2023 using 50,000 legos. It depicts the Main Terminal, the historical air traffic control tower, a mobile lounge, and other elements tied to Dulles.
What's nice about this model is that it's located in the Main Terminal by the West Security checkpoint on the departure level. It's pre-security, so no boarding pass is needed.
If you're passing through either airport and have a few minutes before your flight, both are worth checking out.
Related: DCA Is Closing for Most of July 4