Blocks strolls through downtown to meet the best minifigure residents from 20 years of the LEGO Modular Buildings Collection.
Ever since the LEGO Modular Building Collections began as part of the Advanced Models theme in 2007, minifigures have been an essential part of the world. 10182 Café Corner was so very special because it was scaled to the smiling little people.
They help to bring these buildings to life, whether that’s a shopkeeper behind the shop counter, a chef busily working the kitchen of a restaurant or the wide variety of shoppers, tourists and townsfolk bustling about the interconnected city.
These minifigures began as very simple additions in generic clothes, each one with a nostalgic yellow smiley face. But things changed in 2018 with the release of 10260 Downtown Diner, in response to consumer feedback, and all of the minifigures featured modern heads with unique expressions to add to their personalities.
So, Blocks, the LEGO magazine for fans, is taking to the streets to find some of the best minifigures so far…
LEGO Fan (10255 Assembly Square)
This LEGO fan minifigure is inspired by all of the LEGO fans out there, included because 10255 Assembly Square was the 10th anniversary Modular Buildings Collection set and the design team wanted to pay tribute to the community. While the minifigure is wearing a simple star print t-shirt and denim jacket, it’s her accessories that make her brick obsession apparent. She has just come from a toy shop with LEGO 10182 Café Corner, with the box art decorated on an exclusive 2×2 tile.
Shopping Street Boy (11371 Shopping Street)
On the topic of shopping, Shopping Street Boy is browsing on 11371 Shopping Street. This minifigure is perfectly interwoven into the storytelling of the music shop, dressed in a purple marching band uniform with golden appliqué across the chest and collar. His messy hair and cute freckles add to his wide-eyed expression as he looks at the range of instruments on offer and a feathered hat that could perfectly finish his outfit.
Food Critic (10350 Tudor Corner)
One of the patrons in the Old Guarded Inn restaurant (part of 10350 Tudor Corner) is secretly a food critic trying the chef’s latest menu. This is only the second time a food critic has appeared in a LEGO set – the other appears in 21359 Italian Riviera. She looks extremely professional in a black turtleneck and oversized tan peacoat. Her auburn bob is neatly tucked away under a bright red hat, implying that she is worried the chef might recognise her.
Chimney Sweep (10350 Tudor Corner)
Another unique profession in 10350 Tudor Corner is the Chimney Sweep. This is the first and only time a minifigure who busily keeps chimneys and flues clean has been included in a LEGO set. He works in a practical all-black ensemble to hide the wood and coal dust that comes with the job and is equipped with a trusty round brush, cleverly made with a Technic gear. The smudge of dust on his cheek gives him a striking resemblance to Bert from Mary Poppins.
Gallery Owner (10297 Boutique Hotel)
There’s a little bit of a stereotype that people who like art tend to be eccentric and with a unique sense of style – and the Gallery Owner embraces it. She owns the El Cubo Art Gallery in 10297 Boutique Hotel, wearing a complementary pair of blue denim trousers and an orange cardigan. Her expression that really adds to her personality as she wears extremely thick lenses in her glasses, giving her an almost owl-like look.
Newsstand Operator (10278 Police Station)
Apparently busy calling out the daily news in front of 10278 Police Station, the Newsstand Operator is wearing a classic varsity jacket in red and white, with a flat cap to ward off the evening chill. But it’s actually a front to hide his true motives – stealing doughnuts from the local bakery in order to create headlines. Using a fishing rod to reel in fresh pastries through a hatch in the roof is definitely one of the funniest stories included in these sets.
Jazz Singer (10312 Jazz Club)
While jazz is a beloved genre, it has only been referenced in two sets – 10312 Jazz Club and 21334 Jazz Quartet. Jazz Singer remains the only minifigure to sing a swinging tune. Her dress is beautifully decorated with an ornate array of geometric designs inspired by the classic costumes of 1920s flappers and performers. Combined with her fluffy curls and softly smiling expression, it gives her every bit of stage presence.
Diner Waitress (10260 Downtown Diner)
This is one of the minifigures who pioneered a big change to the Modular Buildings Collection – different minifigure expressions. All of the characters in this set are wonderfully unique and Diner Waitress has a quintessential diner look. Her black hair is slicked into an up-do, while her bright red neckerchief looks striking against a blue striped uniform. She is wearing roller-skates for maximum efficiency!
Detective (10246 Detective’s Office)
Busy trying to solve a smuggling mystery, Detective Ace Brickman (yes, he’s really that good at acing his job) is ready for another day searching for clues. He can swap between his sandy hair and trusty brown fedora, which gives him the right gum shoe vibe. His briefcase contains forensic equipment and he has a magnifying glass for spotting tiny clues.
Dr. Jones (10264 Corner Garage)
While Ace Brickman might borrow a fedora, the actual Indiana Jones reference comes in 10264 Corner Garage where veterinarian, Dr. Jones, is happy to treat all animals except snakes. Anything but snakes. He’ wears a white coat over his turquoise scrubs, complete with pens for taking notes and a stethoscope for routine checkups. His calm, patient expression is perfect for soothing stressed out animals and he has his own pet frog accompanying him in his office.
Read more about the Modular Buildings Collection – here is a list of the biggest ever sets in the series and here is a guide to the Modular Buildings sets that aren’t modular buildings!
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