Barco lights up the fantastical world of LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort

In July 2025, the LEGOLAND^® Shanghai Resort officially opened its doors. As the first LEGO^® theme park in mainland China, it was meticulously designed around the brand’s iconic LEGO bricks, featuring eight distinctive themed zones. At the heart of the park, 37 Barco projectors were seamlessly integrated into three signature attractions: MINILAND, the LEGO Monkie Kid™ Theater, and the 4D Cinema. This installation combined immersive projection with themed entertainment to create a one-of-a-kind environment that blends fun, learning, and creativity in a fully immersive experience.

Context

As the first LEGOLAND Resort in Shanghai, the project goes beyond classic rides and interactive attractions by integrating LEGO brick elements with digital projection mapping technology. By deploying the Barco XDX-4K40 and G-series projectors across MINILAND, the LEGO Monkie Kid™ Theater, and the 4D Cinema, the installation brought vivid dynamism and creative energy to the once-static LEGO world .

Challenge

The projection system had to be seamlessly integrated into a space-constrained environment with dense utility pipelines. Discreet installation was essential to minimize visual and acoustic distractions for visitors.

In the MINILAND zone, ultra-wide panoramic backgrounds had to be achieved through flawless multi-projector blending across irregular wall surfaces, ensuring absolute consistency in color, brightness, and geometry. 

In the LEGO Monkie Kid™ Theater, projections had to be precisely synchronized with puppet performances, sound effects, and special effects – while  keeping light spill and equipment noise to an absolute minimum to preserve audience immersion.

Additionally, the system was required to support round-the-clock theme park operations, demanding robust heat dissipation, remote monitoring, backup signal switching, and modular maintenance.

Solution

MINILAND

As one of the most iconic attractions across all LEGO^® Resorts worldwide, MINILAND uses over 20 million LEGO bricks to recreate landmark buildings and scenic spots from major Chines cities. Twenty-four Barco G-series projectors deliver a continuous, panoramic animated backdrop, perfectly integrated with the LEGO models to create a dreamlike immersive environment.

4D Cinema

At the heart of the 4D theater, Barco’s flagship three-chip DLP projector XDX-4K40 powers a massive central screen with large-scale stereoscopic imagery. Two Barco G62-W11 projectors flank the main screen, providing supplemental visuals thatenhance depth and dimensionality for a fully engaging cinematic experience.

LEGO Monkie Kid™ Theater

Debuting as a world-first attraction in the LEGOLAND portfolio, this theater draws inspiration from the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West. Ten Barco G62-W11 projectors create blended projections across the stage backdrop and floor, precisely synchronized with large-scale LEGO puppetry.

Results

Traditional rides alone no longer satisfy visitors’ demand for next-level entertainment. LEGOLAND^® Shanghai Resort’s three attractions place human experience at the center -prioritizing immersion. By integrating Barco’s projectors and professional services, the LEGO brick narratives were brought to life with interactive light, shadow, and visual effects. From a creative perspective, the integration of new technologies and inventive approaches enabled fresh, engaging, and imaginative environments. In terms of storytelling, light and imagery acted as a narrative bridge, adding new dimensions to the LEGO universe. This approach offers valuable insights and inspiration for future theme park scene design and experiential innovation.