Welcome to the exciting world of Lego Architecture Sets! Calling all brick-building enthusiasts, whether budding architects, Lego enthusiasts, or just a lover of all things creative and hands-on, these sets offer a fun and engaging way to learn about and appreciate architecture. They allow you to bring iconic buildings and architectural masterpieces to life right in your own home.
My favorite thing about Lego Architecture sets is that they spark conversations about architectural styles and travel and serve as a gateway from home for youngsters to consider how big the world is. So whether you're a seasoned Lego pro or just getting started, dive in as we discover the beauty and creativity of these amazing sets.
What Is Lego Architecture?
Architecture is a Lego category that comes with 58 sets which were released in 2008-2023. Lego architecture is a sub-brand with buildings and skylines created by architect Adam Reed Tucker. He came up with the idea while studying architecture, and the Lego organization eventually invited him to design and release official sets.
In 2008, the first Lego Architecture sets were released, namely The Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) and The John Hancock Center in Chicago. With less than 100 parts, these were exceedingly simple models. Today, most Lego models include 500 to 2000 components in total.
There are two sub-categories of Lego architecture sets, and they include:
- Landmark architectural sets- These are important buildings or structures from all over the world.
- Skyline sets- This is a Lego collection of three to five buildings from one city that will make up a horizontal composition.
Although beginners and young Lego fans can complete most Lego architecture sets, some are quite complex and may require advanced building techniques. Each Lego model includes a booklet with instructions and historical facts about the specific buildings. Having understood what a Lego architecture set is, let's look at the best Lego architecture sets in the market now.
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1. Lego Architecture New York City
- Creative builders will love bringing the Big Apple to life with...
- This model building kit features iconic New York architecture...
- Whether this set is an architecture model for adults or a toy...
- This architecture toy also comes with a collectible booklet...
- New York City Skyline building toy measures 10 inches high, 9...
If one of the most iconic buildings in the world is what you are looking for, then you can't go wrong with this New York City set. Lego Architecture New York might be the skyline set that will best capture the looks of the buildings with minimum compromise.
As one of the most popular series, this set depicts the Empire State Building, the Flatiron building, the One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Chrysler building. As your builder is constructing it, they will be able to see the finely crafted details of the Lego version of the Statue of Liberty, such as the seven-ray crown, golden torch, flowing robe, and shattered shackles.
Image Credit: amazon.com
We recommend it as a souvenir or a pleasant excuse reason to spend time with your family while building it.
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2. Lego Architecture San Francisco Set
- This San Francisco building set captures the essence of the San...
- Architecture building kit includes “painted ladies” buildings...
- This San Francisco skyline set from LEGO Architecture can be...
- The LEGO Architecture collection allows kids and adults to...
- City model measures over 6 inches (16cm) high, 11 inches (28cm)...
If you want to hop to the West Coast, the San Francisco skyline set is another top-tier Lego collection we recommend. Although it has more of a forced perspective with the Golden Gate bridge, its finished model makes a beautiful display on your desk or bookshelf.
This Lego architecture set has the famous painted ladies' buildings, the Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Transamerica Pyramid.
Image Credit: amazon.com
While the famed Bridge itself in a rich dark scarlet is undoubtedly its major claim to fame, the beautiful "painted ladies" in all their colorful Edwardian attractiveness, the 210-foot art deco Coit Tower, and the 1,070-foot glass and steel Salesforce Tower, all offer their unique appeal.
This San Francisco set will be a perfect gift for any beginner looking to develop their Lego architect skills. You will also love how it takes up minimum space while it gives as much detail as possible to create an amazing recreational marvel.
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3. Lego Architecture Paris Set
- This LEGO Paris toy model captures the Paris skyline and...
- This collectible toy city model includes a number of historic...
- Architecture building kit lovers will adore this Paris skyline...
- The LEGO Paris Skyline Building Kit captures the essence of...
- This Paris skyline model measures over 8 inches (22cm) high, 11...
There is no way to talk about the best Lego architecture sets without mentioning Paris since it's among the most popular vacation spots in the world, and for a good reason. It is filled with beautiful buildings, gorgeous parks, and historic landmarks, which have all been captured in this Lego architecture set.
Image Credit: amazon.com
As one of the best skyline sets, it includes the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Elysées, and Tour Montparnasse, with some trees and grass areas. The finished model will be 8 inches (22cm) high, 11 inches (28cm) wide, and 4 inches (11cm) deep. Not only will it be a beautiful
This is, by far, the most attractive Lego architecture set we listed, as it perfectly portrays France's vibrant history, culture, and architecture. It's an immersive city model that would make a great collectible toy or considerate present for youngsters and experienced Lego architects.
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4. Lego Architecture Statue of Liberty
- Bring a symbolic centerpiece to your home or office with this...
- Delivers a rewarding building experience to all with an interest...
- Features a detailed pedestal and iconic Lady Liberty statue...
- Statue of Liberty model measures over 17-inch (44cm) high, 5-inch...
- 1,685 pieces – For boys and girls over 16 years old
Another symbolic centerpiece that will make a great addition to any office or home is the Statue of Liberty. I was impressed with how this detailed set was showing off its genius Lego design. Also, the colors of this Lego group have been carefully matched to the exact thing.
Image Credit: amazon.com
We noticed that even with over 1600 individual pieces, this building set can be difficult even for those with advanced building techniques. Furthermore, because this worldwide landmark is one-of-a-kind, there will be plenty of premium bricks to use in your bespoke creations in the future once you've mastered the monument itself.
Lego Architecture Statue of Liberty set is a double design masterpiece, providing an astonishing replica of the architecture at the base and perfectly imitating the flowing shape of her copper cloak in smooth plastic.
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5. Lego Creator Expert Taj Mahal
- Take your architectural admiration of the Taj Mahal to the next...
- Includes over 10,000 LEGO pieces. The building blocks to create...
- Awaken the architect inside with this assembly toy. The Taj Mahal...
- The LEGO Taj Mahal expert building kit can be build together with...
- Measures over 16” (43cm) high, 20” (51cm) wide and 20”...
This Lego Creator Taj Mahal is one of the biggest and most famous Lego sets of all time among collectors. It was the largest ever made regarding the number of pieces until the Lego Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series Millenium Falcon exceeded it a few years ago.
There is something unique about this set, and it's how this architecture set has been made to recreate the domes, curved windows, and transparent elements to achieve the best glow through it. It features a central dome, decorative finials, sweeping arches, balconies, and these interesting parts give this set a unique feel.
Not only will this make a perfect holiday gift, but it's also the perfect set if you have space since it's a great exploration of how the tiny pieces will combine to form a beautiful final result. However, although it's a unique display piece on the office or bookshelf, it's one of the most challenging Lego sets, making it suitable for advanced builders.
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6. Lego Architecture London
- Build a detailed model of the London skyline, complete with 5...
- London model features the National Gallery, Nelson’s Column,...
- This architectural model kit of the London skyline was developed...
- The LEGO Architecture Skyline Collection opens a window to the...
- Iconic architecture set measures over 5-inch high, 11-inch wide...
Last but not least is this London Lego Architecture set that features much fewer pieces than most other skyline models. However, it still includes many of the city's most renowned buildings because of its modest size. It is also one of the most affordable models, making it a perfect choice or an ideal gift for artists, which still looks good on display.
Image Credit: amazon.com
The model features the National Gallery, Nelson's Column, the London Eye, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge. The finished piece stands over 5 inches tall, 11 inches broad, and 3 inches deep.
You will also love how Lego's architecture London set looks in person, so if you prefer what is visible, ensure you get this set. Once you've laid the last brick on your own or with a younger pair of hands, you'll have your very own piece of the city that continues to enchant historians and travelers worldwide.
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Are There Benefits of Purchasing Legos?
Choosing the best Lego architecture sets will offer any builder several advantages and I have listed a few of them.
1. Encourages Cooperation
As Lego enthusiasts build more, they improve their cooperation when it comes to doing group construction projects and enhancing their cooperative skills.
2. Improves Spatial Reasoning
The ability to imagine the 3D viewpoint of the model you are creating offers advantages, and when you activate it, you will get access to those advantages.
3. Builds Problem-Solving Skills
Even though step-by-step directions are provided, you must acknowledge that some thinking will be needed to resolve problems while constructing. Your skills can improve even where there are no directions provided.
4. Improves Critical Thinking
Lastly, building the best Lego architecture sets will help you perform a better objective analysis. This is because your judgment improves as you try to make decisions in stress-free situations.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Lego Architecture Sets
1. Recommended Age
Are you shopping for Lego architecture sets for your child or yourself? If you are shopping for your child, then considering the minimum age is important. Although you can find Lego architecture sets for children aged ten and up, most Lego architecture sets are recommended for people ages 12 and up or even 16 plus.
These minimum age guidelines are mainly based on how complex the kits are rather than any safety concerns because tweens and teens are unlikely to swallow tiny Lego pieces or stuff them up their noses. As a result, you should take these age guidelines with a grain of salt. If your 10-year-old is a Lego expert, she’ll probably be comfortable with a Lego Architecture kit for ages 12 and up.
2. Number of Pieces
Lego Architecture sets are mostly of larger sizes. Nonetheless, they can range in size from a few hundred to a few thousand pieces. If you want a relatively simple Lego Architecture set that you can complete in a few hours, opt for a model with between 300 and 600 pieces.
On the other hand, choose a good set with 2,000 to 3,000 pieces if you want a challenging set that will take you a full day or a few evenings to complete. Of course, since everyone builds Lego at their speed, these are just guidelines.
3. Size
Before you purchase a Lego architecture set, it’s worth knowing the overall dimensions when the architecture series is completed. This is an important consideration, especially if you want to display it like on a Lego table.
Some sets are so large that it may be difficult to find a place for them. On the other hand, other sets are considerably smaller than they appear in photographs, so if you’re anticipating something large and imposing, you may be disappointed.
Although the number of pieces can often give you an idea of how big a final Lego set will be, it can be deceiving because some sets contain a tremendous number of tiny pieces, and others have fewer pieces, but many of them are extra-large. Checking the product description is the only way to find out the precise dimensions.
4. Ease to Build
Most Lego architecture sets are aimed at older Lego fans, so they are usually more difficult to build than an average Lego set. They may have more parts, difficult smaller pieces, or more complicated instructions than Lego sets targeted for younger children.
In general, you may predict the difficulty of a Lego Architecture kit by looking at the minimum age suggestion. Those suggested for ages 16 and up are often more complicated than those indicated for years 12 and up. Avoid the complex sets until your kid has garnered enough building experience.
Conclusion on Lego Architecture Sets
There you have it, a journey through the world of the best Lego Architecture sets. These sets provide hours of fun and entertainment and offer a unique way to learn about and appreciate architecture.
From towering skyscrapers to historical landmarks, these sets offer a wide range of options for builders of all ages and skill levels. Whether as experienced Lego builders or beginners, we hope this article has inspired you to explore the endless possibilities of the Lego Architecture series. So grab your bricks, get building, and let the creativity flow.
