The Ultimate Guide to LEGO® Architecture Sets
Welcome to the all-in-one exploration of the LEGO® Architecture range. In this article, we explore the history of the range and examine some of the best examples of how The LEGO® Group has combined some of the world’s most iconic architectural feats with the joy and ingenuity of the humble LEGO® brick.
History of the LEGO® Architecture Range
The LEGO® Architecture range was launched in 2008 when American architect Adam Reed Tucker was brought on board to help create a range of LEGO® sets that combined both creativity and the intricate precision of real architecture. The LEGO® team quickly saw the potential for a full architecture range, and it was brought in as a permanent series.
When the range began, it focused on famous American landmarks such as the Sears (Willis) Tower and the John Hancock Centre in Chicago. As the popularity of the range grew, so did the variety of buildings included, featuring some of the most iconic structures from around the world, from the Burj Khalifa to Big Ben.
In 2016, The LEGO® Group decided to introduce something new to the Architecture range in the form of city skylines. Now a popular addition to the series, the city skylines feature scaled-down versions of some of the most recognisable skylines across the globe. Popular skylines include New York City, London, and Tokyo.
Most Iconic LEGO® Architecture Sets
Now it’s time to look at some of the sets that have put LEGO® Architecture on the map, from massive statement pieces to the small and mighty. We have broken this section down into two sub-themes within the Architecture range: the original architectural landmarks range, which is still going strong today, and the Skyline range.
In total, over 60 sets have been released in the LEGO® Architecture range. Not all of them are still available, but they will all be remembered for their detailed designs and showstopping aura.
LEGO® Architectural Landmark Sets
The Landmark theme marked the beginning of the Architecture range, featuring iconic American landmarks for LEGO® fans to build and put on display. Here are some of the most popular architectural landmark sets:
Statue of Liberty (21042)
Known for its near-perfect representation of Lady Liberty, the Statue of Liberty set stands at an impressive 44 cm (17 inches) tall, making it one of the largest Architecture sets currently available. The set is still available brand new, but this one is sure to become a popular collector’s piece when it is retired.
Empire State Building (21046)
Over the years, there have been three major Empire State Building sets released by the LEGO® Group: one in 2009, one in 2016, and one in 2019. Reaching an eye-watering height of 55 cm (21 inches), the 2019 Empire State Building set was the largest. It comprised an impressive 1,767 pieces, a challenge even for experienced builders. The Empire State Building set has now been retired but remains a fan favourite.
Taj Mahal (21056)
Released in June 2021, the LEGO® Taj Mahal is an iconic LEGO® Architecture set. While it’s not quite as large as the LEGO® Creator version of the Taj Mahal, this set is made up of 2,022 pieces, standing as a testament to the level of detail and grandeur that can be achieved on such a small scale.
Eiffel Tower (21019)
The LEGO® Architecture Eiffel Tower is a small but mighty set, standing at just 31 cm tall with a brick count of only 321. Despite its size, the building is instantly recognisable as the famed Parisian landmark. This set is also accessible to all builders, with a relatively easy challenge level and low brick count, making it a great first build or filler project for more experienced masters.
Louvre (21024)
The second Paris landmark on the list, the Louvre set was designed to emulate the famous French museum, best known for housing the Mona Lisa. Consisting of 695 pieces, the LEGO® Architecture Louvre set is a relatively challenging build that perfectly portrays the contrast between history and modern architecture that dominates the Paris skyline today.
LEGO® Skyline Sets
Now let’s take a look at some of our top picks from the range of Skyline sets that fall under the broader umbrella of the LEGO® Architecture range.
New York City (21028)
The New York City Skyline set was one of the very first skylines released. With a total of 598 pieces and a range of diverse, iconic buildings including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, One World Trade Centre, Chrysler Building, and Flatiron Building, this set is more affordable than some of the larger sets in the range but remains highly display-worthy. Despite being a veteran of nearly nine years on the shelf, the New York City Skyline set is still available.
London Skyline (21034)
Featuring some of the most recognisable British landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Nelson’s Column, and the National Gallery, the London Skyline set is a detailed yet compact representation of this historic city. With a piece count of 468, it isn’t the largest set, but it still makes for a great centrepiece for any collection. The London Skyline was released in 2017 and is still available brand new.
Paris Skyline (21044)
Possibly one of the most iconic city skylines in the world has been immortalised in LEGO® bricks with this set. Featuring France’s legendary landmarks: the Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Tour Montparnasse, and the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Skyline is a must-have for any LEGO® Skyline collection. Released in 2019 with a brick count of 649, this set is still available in most marketplaces.
Tokyo Skyline (21051)
This set takes us to Japan, with the stunning Tokyo Skyline. It portrays, in exquisite detail, the blend of historic, traditional, and cutting-edge architecture that put Tokyo on the map, featuring adaptations of Tokyo Tower, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, Tokyo Big Sight, TOKYO SKYTREE, Chidorigafuchi Park, and Shibuya Crossing. Released in 2020, this set has since been retired and is now only available on the second-hand market.
Dubai Skyline (21052)
The Dubai Skyline set arrived in shops in 2020 and was retired just one year later, in December 2021, after dazzling LEGO® fans with its detailed rendition of Dubai’s famous landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai Frame, and The Dubai Fountain.
Why LEGO® Architecture is Great for Collectors
So, why do collectors love LEGO® Architecture so much? We could sit here for hours listing every reason why LEGO® collectors often favour Architecture sets over other ranges, but let’s take a look at some of the key ones:
Display Value: Ask any LEGO® fan and they’ll tell you that any set looks good on display, but the detail and refined quality of the Architecture range make them ideal display pieces.
Educational: The cultural and geographical relevance of each LEGO® Architecture set makes it a great educational tool that everyone can appreciate.
Quality & Precision: Every LEGO® set is made to the highest quality, but the Architecture range takes that precision to a whole new level, encompassing entire cities within relatively small builds.
Solid Investment: LEGO® Architecture sets are often a safe investment for collectors looking to resell in the future.
Nostalgic Builds: Each set has the potential to tug on the heartstrings by offering the chance to build a miniature souvenir to remember a trip.
LEGO® Architecture sets are so successful because they combine creativity, culture, and a challenge for builders. They hold universal appeal for travellers, collectors, artists, architects, and anyone with an appreciation for subtle beauty.
How to Sell LEGO® Architecture Sets
If you are a LEGO® collector, or you just have an old LEGO® Architecture set or two to sell, you’ll need to find the best place to offload your sets. Luckily for you, you’re already in the right place; sell your sets to WeBuyBricks and start filling your pockets. The process is simple, and we’re sure you’ll be more than happy with the amount you get for your old, unwanted LEGO® sets.
For more information on how to sell your LEGO® sets to WeBuyBricks, check out our How It Works page.
