Take a trip to 71861 The Old Town with Senior Model Designer Chi Wing Lee and learn about 15 years of LEGO NINJAGO history that inspired the set.
LEGO NINJAGO is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026 — a milestone that not even the LEGO Group could have predicted when the theme launched in 2011. Originally intended to run for a mere three years, NINJAGO has become one of the LEGO Group’s most beloved offerings. So when it came time to create the anniversary’s flagship set, Senior Model Designer Chi Wing Lee was determined to pack as much NINJAGO history into 71861 The Old Town as he could.
With 15 years of sets to draw inspiration from, Lee started by looking at the likes of fan-favourite sets 70620 NINJAGO City and 70751 Temple of Airjitzu, other large, detailed models targeting older collectors. “I was completely blown away by those sets,” he says. “I wanted this product to do the same for a new generation of fans.”
71861 The Old Town also drew inspiration from LEGO castles, chiefly in its circular design, which can be unfolded into a more linear display. And within that adjustable layout are references to every season of NINJAGO. “Older fans will have their minds blown by all the references!” Lee smiles, eager to highlight some of his favourites.
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“When I found out we’d never done [the Green Ninja Scroll] before I was shocked, it’s such an important artefact,” he says, pointing out the detail tucked in a secret compartment above the gate. The Green Ninja Scroll is what foretold the coming of the Green Ninja — Lloyd might be a staple character today, but back in 2012, the Green Ninja was reserved for legendary prophecies.
Speaking of Lloyd, the bedtime story Master Wu reads to him in Season 1 can be found in the set, too. Titled Jack the Rabbit, it’s a subtle reference that highlights the immense passion for NINJAGO behind the set. “This is a relic no one probably expected,” Lee says.
The Elemental Master of Wind, Morro gets some hidden, Wu-related details, too. The kite Wu gifted to him can be found in the blossoming tree. “This is my favourite tree that I’ve ever designed,” Lee says while hinting at another reference to Morro beneath the trunk.
Master Wu is evidently a major part of many of the set’s callbacks, as Lee points out another Easter egg that involves the Ninja master. “This is a really deep reference,” he says, pointing out a blueprint in the carpenter’s shop. It shows the carriage Wu takes in the pilot episodes from 2011 — the one he makes the four Ninja pull for him in absence of a horse.
There’s much more to be discovered in 71861 The Old Town — like graphics hinting at Dr Saunders’ true identity as the Time Twin Krux.
“I really hope that in this one anniversary set people will feel they have a complete celebration of NINJAGO,” Lee concludes.
If you want a much, much more indepth interview with talented Senior Model Designer Chi Wing Lee, then order Issue 133 of the premium LEGO magazine.
NINJAGO’s 15th anniversary celebrations are continuing through the entire year. NINJAGO Day was held earlier in January; LEGOLAND Parks are hosting NINJAGO-themed events; and LEGO NINJAGO Destiny’s Bounty Adventures is a new board game releasing in July.
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