Nostalgia and modern technology will shine a light on an old school toy at a new pop-up exhibition in Santa Monica.

The classic Lite-Brite toy is the inspiration for the pop-up, dubbed “Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder,” which runs through April at Santa Monica Place.

“It just has such a nostalgic appeal to it that I think everyone from the ’60s until now can relate to it,” said Ryan Andal, president and CEO of Secret Location, creator of the event.

Before there were laptops with games, there was Lite-Brite. The toy is a light box that allows users to create illuminated pictures and words with small, colored plastic pegs that fit into a black panel.

“It’s been a toy that’s been around since the ’60s and it’s had this unique place, at least with me and a lot of people I grew up with. It’s the first toy I ever played with that had a creative aspect to it,” Andal said.

While the original toy was simple, the pop-up will mix modern LED technology, original artwork and, of course, the toy itself in 11 interactive rooms with themes like being underwater, prehistory and outer space.

“This is a very digital show. The way we imagined it was, what if Lite-Brite was brought into the 21st century?” he said.

The experience will include things like a light tunnel, LED-lit rooms covered with images that appear as if they were created on a Lite-Brite, plus a game zone and play area where people can use the actual toy.

A gallery will showcase works by artists inspired by the toy.

“The artist created these just amazing pieces. They’re very nostalgic; they took stuff from their childhoods to create these very cool pieces,” he said.

And yes, Lite-Brite sets will be on sale in the gift shop.