Travel the globe with Blocks and explore five excellent large LEGO sets based on some of the world’s finest landmarks. The LEGO Group have been releasing famous locations as intricate models for years and these are some of the best.
LEGO Architecture is the LEGO Group’s premiere theme when it comes to recreating some of the world’s most iconic landmarks in the brick. Clever techniques and compact scales make the line one of the most interesting to build — and one of the easiest to display. But sometimes the smaller scale of Architecture isn’t quite enough to capture the grandeur of these icons.
Creator Expert, since rebranded as Icons, has also tackled some of the world’s biggest and best buildings at a large scale fit for capturing the awe of the real places. These larger models often clock in at a minimum of about 3,000 pieces and have staggering dimensions, making them highly sought after by collectors looking for a way to remember their world travels — or just appreciate some of the world’s finest architecture from their living rooms. Join Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, on a globe trotting adventure in search of the very best large-scale LEGO sets based on some of the world’s top landmarks.
10234 Sydney Opera House
Originally released in 2013, 10234 Sydney Opera House is a 2,989-piece recreation of the iconic building decorating Sydney’s harbour. The real Opera House began construction in 1957 based on Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s design, opening in 1973. Expertly recreating the roof’s unique shell design, the LEGO version uses a selection of curved elements. A lot of the model is dedicated to the open space and steps surrounding the Opera House, though that might be one of the most intriguing parts of the set for collectors — dark tan is a fairly uncommon colour. Not to mention the rare blue 48×48 baseplate the model sits upon.
10214 Tower Bridge
2010 saw the release of 10214 Tower Bridge, based on the bridge straddling the River Thames in London that so often has its name confused with the infinitely less interesting London Bridge. Using 4,295 pieces, 10214 ends up standing 45cm (17in) tall and 102cm (40in) long — rather impressive dimensions for a LEGO set. The set’s best feature truly is its size, as it is a giant model any way you slice it. A great deal of small parts go into its construction — far too many 1×1 slopes adorn the sides of both towers, which are identical. But a tedious build is worth the trouble to end up with a towering final model.
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10253 Big Ben
London is no stranger to the brick, having many a set based on its historic buildings and double-decker buses over the years. 2016’s 10253 Big Ben is one of the largest, containing 4,163 pieces, though very few of those go into Big Ben itself. The bell does stand proud at the top of the model, but the majority of the set focuses on Elizabeth Tower and a section of the Palace of Westminster. Much like Tower Bridge, 10253 makes use of a variety of smaller pieces to get more exact details — the microfigures used on the palace wall are a particular highlight, as are the golden ski poles atop the roof.
10256 Taj Mahal
10256 Taj Mahal from 2017 is actually a re-release of 10189 Taj Mahal from 2008, which was the largest LEGO set ever at the time, with 5,922 pieces. The 2017 re-release has one more piece — a brick separator — but the build is the same. The set is eye-catching no matter where you look, whether it be the impressive central dome or exterior tiling using the base of turntable elements. Built using six 16×32 baseplates for the outer sections, the model is surprisingly modular, making it easy to transport and display in the best spot to show off its beauty.
10307 Eiffel Tower
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to LEGO sets, but when 2022’s 10307 Eiffel Tower is involved, its gigantic vertical footprint is undoubtedly what makes this set so incredible. With its 10,001 pieces, the Eiffel tower stretches an unbelievable 149cm (59in) tall, sitting on a square base measuring 57cm (23in) on each side. Having a LEGO set stand that tall is incredible in its own right, but doubly so when considering just how much detail is packed in. Rods, candlesticks and more are all worked into the design, making every part of the set a marvel to look at — if you’re able to find a place to put it.
What’s your favourite landmark LEGO set? Let Blocks know on any of our social media channels.