How Rome Became Home to the World’s First Ole Kirk Kristiansen Park

It’s with great pleasure that I share a piece of news with you today—news that isn’t new, but still has plenty to say to the AFOL world. I could describe this article as my business card to BrickNerd readers and beyond, but to me, it means something much more personal. It’s been three years since the news (referenced in the title of this article) literally turned my life as an AFOL upside down.

Image via Google Maps

Honestly, I wanted it deeply. I dreamed about it on a hot summer day (thanks to former BrickNerd contributor Francesco Spreafico), and I pursued it for seven long years before seeing it realized. I’m talking about “Parco Ole Kirk Kristiansen – Founder of the LEGO Group” in Rome (obviously, in Italy), the first public park in the world named after the founder of the LEGO Group. You may have already heard about the park on social media, in Blocks Magazine (which featured an interview with me in issue 122), and certainly in Italy through the Italian RLFM Brick.it Magazine, from which a version of this article—written by me—was originally published.

A Historic Day in Rome

In September 2023, the park was finally and officially inaugurated with a fantastic naming ceremony that included representatives from the Municipality of Rome. That day—September 6—was a typically hot late-summer day in the city, offering the perfect climate for a unique event. As I’ve often said, there is officially no other similar naming at an international level (aside from those in Billund and now Rome), making this a unique and proudly Italian achievement on the global stage.

Photo from personal archive

I’m sure this may seem unusual or even surprising to some of you, but in Italy, naming public areas is a fairly common practice—and, most importantly, it’s something that can be requested by individual citizens, provided the request follows specific rules and legal requirements. And so, it was on this very date that the naming ceremony for Parco Ole Kirk Kristiansen – LEGO Founder took place in the northwestern municipal area of Rome, right in front of me.

I imagine—and take for granted—that you already know how Ole Kirk Kristiansen (1891–1958) founded the LEGO Group, building on the solid foundation of his work that began in 1916 with a small carpentry shop and led to 1932, the year universally recognized as the birth of LEGO. It would take a few more years before Ole had the insight to create the name LEGO, a contraction of the Danish words leg and godt (play well). And no, there’s no mistake in the surname. As confirmed by the LEGO Group’s own Historical Department, Ole Kirk Kristiansen was born and officially registered with a “K”—as can still be seen on his birth certificate today.

Facsimile from “Et liv med LEGO”

As an aside, the tradition of family names in Denmark is quite complex. In general, some words in Danish share the same pronunciation and can be used interchangeably, even when spelled differently. So, despite what was written on his birth certificate, Ole Kirk sometimes used both the “Ch” and “K” versions of his surname, even though he was officially Kristiansen. We don’t know the exact reason for this dual usage, but we do know that Ole never legally changed his surname—even though laws allowing name changes had already been introduced in Denmark in the early 20th century. His son, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, did change his name officially in the 1980s, but Ole continued to use the Kristiansen version in formal documents. For this reason, the park uses his official surname: Kristiansen.

The Naming Ceremony

MArco Capone, General manager of lego italy - Photo from personal archive

I think it will be difficult to forget that incredible day. The park was packed with people, the Rome City Council band was busy rehearsing the official anthems for the ceremony, and numerous city officials were present to witness this one-of-a-kind event. I had been in contact with several people involved in the proceedings at the City Council offices for years, and many others knew of me indirectly because of it. Now, the time had finally come to make official acquaintances and to see this dream come true.

I still remember the stage set up near the park’s plaque, and the three important officials scheduled to attend the ceremony. In fact, present that day were Miguel Gotor, the Councilor for Culture of Rome Capital at the time; Marco Della Porta, President of the XIV municipal area; and—to my great surprise—Marco Capone, General Manager of the LEGO Group’s Italian branch.

The presence of LEGO Italy, represented by Marco Capone, filled me with immense joy. It was a wonderful surprise—one I had quietly hoped for over the past year. Having such an official and authoritative representative from LEGO was truly an honor. The ceremony began with the Rome City Council marching band playing its official anthem, before handing things over to the three distinguished guests.

Marking the Moment

The first to speak was the President of the Municipal Area, Marco Della Porta, who used his words to underscore the significance of the event we were about to witness.

Here is an excerpt from his speech:

“We are pleased that this space recognizes the values that LEGO play represents: the opportunity to build something together, the ability to develop ideas and projects, and the belief that nothing is out of reach—not even a work of art. We welcome the naming of a park in our town after Ole Kirk Kristiansen, with the hope that play will inspire our children to return outdoors in the spirit of healthy and educational social interaction.”

Marco Della Porta - Photo from personal archive

Next, Marco Capone, General Manager of LEGO Italy, took the stage. He spoke about the significance of the effort involved in making this dedication a reality, and why it was meaningful to connect such an important name to both Rome and this park.

Here is an excerpt from his speech:

“I am very proud to be here to inaugurate the park dedicated to the founder of the LEGO Group, Ole Kirk Kristiansen. Our company has always placed boys and girls from all over the world at the center of its commitment, so that they can grow up in the name of creativity. Our goal is to continue to bring joy and fun through an inclusive play experience, without labels, discrimination or borders. And that is exactly what we hope to see in this park: families, friends, children, young people, elderly people, who together experience moments of sharing and feel part of a community. Rome has always been devoted to sociality and we are honored that, starting today, our beloved brick is part of this reality.”

Marco capone, general manager of LEGO Italy - Photo from personal archive

The closing speech was delivered by Miguel Gotor, the Councillor for Culture of Rome Capital at the time. He reflected on the remarks made earlier, offering a broader perspective on why the Municipality of Rome, the capital city of Italy, was honored with this dedication. He also emphasized that this remains the first and only such dedication outside of Denmark.

Here is an excerpt from his speech:

“Naming a space in our city—where children can come to play and have fun—after the founder of LEGO, whose bricks have passed through the hands of both young and old, is a way to celebrate the imagination and creativity that defined his work. It is also a tribute to his philosophy, which inspired the name 'LEGO' itself: a word formed from two Danish words, leg (play) and godt (good), expressing the very purpose he strived for.”

“The goal of playing well—developing manual skills, sparking creativity and imagination, and sharpening focus—is more important now than ever, in an age when children are often led, from an early age, to passively consume images and content. And who knows—perhaps this space will become a gathering place and a welcoming hub for LEGO fans across the city of Rome.”

Former Councillor for Culture of Rome Capital, Miguel gotor - Photo from personal archive

Unveiling the Plaque

After the speeches, we moved on to the unveiling of the plaque, and the subsequent official photo with all the speakers. There was also some time for me to exchange a few words with the various representatives who had the time not only to thank me but also to share some personal memories related to LEGO bricks.

After the speeches, we moved on to the unveiling of the plaque, followed by the official photo with the three speakers. Of course, there was also time for a personal moment to exchange a few words with the various representatives who not only took a moment to thank me, but also shared some of their own personal memories related to LEGO bricks.

I believe that the phone call I received the day before from the General Manager of LEGO Italy was one of those unforgettable moments, just like the entire ceremony and the kind words he shared about me during his speech. With that, the ceremony came to a close, but the story of this park is far from over. It now stands as a living tribute to a visionary Danish toymaker who, nearly 100 years ago, began a simple carpentry business that would grow into a global cultural movement.

The Long Road to the Park

I certainly can’t deny that my lifelong connection to LEGO—from early childhood onward—has been the true driving force behind this project. I never experienced a “dark age,” and that allowed my passion to grow steadily alongside me, even through difficult times. Long before officially becoming an AFOL and joining the LEGO community in the summer of 2016, I had already developed a deep interest in the history of the LEGO Group.

Ultimately, I had been dreaming for a long time of doing something meaningful for those who had indirectly supported me up to that point. It was still just a vague idea—something that hadn’t yet taken shape in my mind—but it was about to come to life. In the summer of 2016, on the ItLUG forum, a proposal was shared by the ambassador at the time (Francesco Spreafico) to name an Italian street after the founder of the LEGO Group, Ole Kirk Kristiansen.

From the left: marco della porta, Miguel gotor and marco capone (lego italy) - Photo from personal archive

The proposal was well received by many forum members and was even submitted to various municipal offices in the cities where those members lived. Naturally, I also put in a request in Rome, fully aware of how challenging the process would be. Believe me when I say that in Italy, proposing a new name or renaming an existing public space is actually quite common. What isn’t so common is getting approval. Even the simplest and most ordinary proposals have to navigate a sea of bureaucracy… sometimes far too much.

In Rome, the process is even more complex—unsurprising, given that it's the capital of Italy. Typically, there are three commissions involved: two for toponymy and one from the mayor’s office. First, the name must be approved, then the location, and finally, the full proposal must receive final authorization from the mayor of Rome. On top of that, there are numerous other obstacles that make the process extremely difficult. In my case, those challenges were certainly present, but so was my determination to keep going, fully aware of the uphill battle ahead.

A Turning Point in 2018

And that’s exactly what happened. Two years passed after 2016 before I finally understood how to officially begin the naming process. Then something unexpected happened after my last email. It was still November 2018 at that point, and I honestly didn’t know what else to do. I think most people in ItLUG had quietly set aside the initiative that had begun two years earlier.

But the very next day, something surreal occurred: my father, while at work, found himself in the exact office I had contacted. The director of toponymy had read my unusual email and, by coincidence, asked for my father by name. My father, unaware that I had sent the request, hesitated for a few moments since he didn’t know anything.

Me with (from the left) marco capone, Miguel gotor and marco della porta - Photo from personal archive

After explaining the steps I needed to take, the director's comment was blunt: this would be an extremely difficult process, subject to the uncertainty of multiple approvals. Still, by December 2018, I had managed to submit all the necessary documentation to the toponymy office in Rome. Then, in the spring of 2019, the long-awaited response arrived… with a favorable opinion for the naming! However, it was no longer for a street in Rome, but rather for a public urban park.

I truly believed this was the most fitting location for honoring Ole Kirk Kristiansen. A park would better embody his values. But the journey was far from over. While the name had been approved, it was placed on a reserve list, waiting for a suitable available space. Thus began a long period of waiting, during which my hope never faded. Then came 2020, bringing the pandemic and lockdowns. That sudden and overwhelming pause made me tremble, as the risk of losing everything felt incredibly real

Persistence Through Bureaucracy

Of course, I couldn’t give up. Thanks to my stubbornness and determination to pursue this dream, I kept fighting to ensure the name would be given its own park. That’s when I entered what I call the “email phase.” I sent countless messages to the relevant offices to make sure the project wasn’t forgotten. Day by day, I kept at it until on Monday, September 6, 2021, I discovered that a new park had quietly opened just a few days earlier—exactly two years before the naming ceremony.

That was the moment of opportunity. I was so driven by the chance to realize my dream that I immediately began working to have Ole Kirk Kristiansen’s name considered for this newly opened park. This phase wasn’t easy either—it lasted from September 2021 to February 2022, when I was finally informed that the park could, in fact, be a viable option. I didn’t know it at the time, but the process had already quietly begun.

In the months that followed, I continued working to find a way to have that park officially dedicated. Then, unexpectedly on May 27, 2022, the dream became reality. With Resolution No. 180 of the Rome Municipal Council, Parco Ole Kirk Kristiansen was formally approved. I didn’t learn about it until May 29, although I had already begun to suspect something the day before. For me, it was a double source of pride: the approval came just ahead of the celebrations for the LEGO Group’s 90th anniversary, which began in June 2022.

Fittingly, it was in honor of that 90th anniversary that I was able to publish a personal tribute to Ole Kirk Kristiansen in Brick.it Magazine on August 10. I’ll never forget the moment I was told the park had been approved—I remember thinking, “Now what?” The first step was making sure the LEGO Group was actually aware of the park, which happened thanks in part to Francesco. Not long after, that same summer, I had the chance to participate in a virtual meeting with several LEGO managers from Billund. With the project now known to the LEGO Group, and a lifelong dream officially realized, there was only one thing left: a proper celebration. And organizing that event became a mission that drove me to work even harder.

Marco Capone, Gneral MAnager of LEGO Italy. Image via Il Giorno

From May 2022, I rolled up my sleeves once again, spending another 16 months patiently following the process until August 2023, when I was informed that the naming ceremony for Parco Ole Kirk Kristiansen would take place on September 6, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. There had actually been an earlier attempt to hold the ceremony in November 2022, but due to bureaucratic hurdles, it was unfortunately canceled. Still, it was incredible to read the official announcement on the Municipality of Rome’s website, and even more so to discover that the news had reached Denmark as well. Over those 16 months, many unexpected things happened—some even personal—and among them, I’m especially grateful to have made the acquaintance of the General Manager of LEGO Italy.

But the most cherished memory I will always carry with me is the contact I had with Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen himself after September 2023—and, months later, a magical private meeting with him that confirmed the uniqueness and simplicity of the family that owns LEGO. That meeting also gave me something I had long hoped for: confirmation that they knew about this project and shared genuine enthusiasm in seeing the park become a reality.

The Legacy Behind the Park

During the naming ceremony on September 6, 2023, the General Manager of LEGO Italy made a deeply meaningful comparison—he likened my dedication to that of Ole Kirk Kristiansen himself: to his work, his ideas, and his ideals. He also highlighted the perseverance we shared in pursuing a dream, much like Ole did in shaping what LEGO has become today. It was a recognition echoed by the institutions present at the ceremony. For a LEGO history enthusiast, there’s no greater honor. And in recent months, many AFOLs have echoed this sentiment, acknowledging a level of commitment and passion that extends beyond a simple hobby and showing deep respect for the LEGO brand and the Kristiansen family.

me under the park plaque - Photo from personal archive

This dream of mine, now fulfilled, goes beyond passion—I’ll admit, it’s hard to fully explain the true motivation behind what became a personal mission. What I do know is that I simply had to do it, without questioning what it might demand of me. As I often say, this was meant to be my gift to the LEGO Group, which has given me so much since childhood. In my own way, I felt the need to give something back. Because, you see, life stories often carry immense power.

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Images via Il Giorno

Ole Kirk’s story has always been one of inspiration for me—a story I know well and one I deeply relate to, especially when it comes to facing family challenges. By a beautiful coincidence, I also see echoes of my grandfather’s life in his: both were carpenters, and both sought to change the course of their families’ futures, even if it meant leaving their birthplace behind. I still view 2022 as a turning point—a crossroads that in some profound way connected my path with the history of a company that stands as a rare example of strength, resilience, perseverance, and determination.

And ultimately, it feels like being part of one big LEGO family. A legacy that, thanks to this park, will continue to live on for generations to come.

Image via La MIlano

Thanks to Francesco, to my parents, and to a special person—none of this would have been possible without you. I’ll leave you with a personal thought: I didn’t believe it was possible until it happened… and tomorrow, it will happen again and again!

Where else in the world do you think an Ole Kirk Kristiansen Park should be built? Let us know in the comments below!

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