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You don’t have to be a child to enjoy building elaborate structures with Lego bricks. In fact, one of the best ways architecture aficionados can pass the time on a rainy day or during the weekend is by practicing their design skills with Lego Architecture sets.
Not only is the process of putting together an iconic architectural model fun, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to display the finished structure in your house (not to mention it would make for quite the statement décor piece).
The Danish company launched its Architecture and Landmark series in 2009 when it released six construction sets of famous buildings in the U.S. that included the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center in Chicago and the Empire State Building in New York City.
Since then, the Lego Architecture sets have gone global and have included architectural gems from all four corners of the globe.
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In 2016, Lego launched another series that challenged its fans’ construction skills even further—the Skyline series featuring multiple models of landmark buildings that make up the skylines of some of the biggest cities in the world.
Ready to put your construction skills to work? Scroll down for the most complicated Lego architecture sets you can shop right now.
Trafalgar Square
Recreate one of London’s most renowned squares with this incredibly detailed Lego Architecture set. It includes the National Gallery, Nelson's Column flanked by four lions, four sculpture plinths, and the square's famous fountains. There are also several trees, lampposts, two double-decker London buses, and two black cabs. The set consists of a whopping 1197 pieces so it’s sure to keep you busy for hours.
To buy: $80, lego.com
The White House
This White House set consists of 1483 pieces and can be separated into three parts, which makes building it a little less overwhelming. It features the famous neoclassic building with its East and West Wings as well as the Rose Garden and Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. The detail on this set is absolutely mind-blowing—from the famous colonnade to the trees and flowers, this set is an absolute delight to put together.
To buy: $100, lego.com
London
This set celebrates London’s world-famous architecture. It features the National Gallery, Nelson’s Column, London Eye, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge that are constructed from 468 Lego pieces. The set is suitable for kids aged 12 and over, so it’s great for family game nights.
To buy: $40, lego.com
New York City
Build a detailed model of the greatest city in the world! This stunning Lego architecture set includes some of the most beautiful buildings in New York City: the Flatiron Building, Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center.
The set consists of 598 pieces and is ten inches high by nine inches wide.
To buy: $60, lego.com
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in New York City is one of the most striking landmarks in the Big Apple and a work of art itself. And this Lego Architecture set recreates it in all its glory and superb detail. From its signature, multi-story curved façade to the yellow cabs that pass by this iconic building on Fifth Avenue, this 744-piece set is a celebration of New York City.
To buy: $190, newegg.com
Tokyo
Travel to Tokyo with this unique Lego Architecture set that includes bold-hued scale models of Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, and Tokyo Big Sight. Together with these masterpieces of Japanese architecture, the set also features cherry trees, a classic pagoda building, and Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in Japan. The set consists of 547 pieces.
To buy: $60, lego.com
RELATED: The Best Japanese Architecture for the Modern Design Lover
Empire State Building
If you’re up for a Lego Architecture challenge, this model of the Empire State Building will definitely test your skills and patience. Featuring 1,767 pieces, it is a highly detailed representation of one of the world’s most visited landmarks and an art deco architectural gem. At 21 inches, this is still one of LEGO’s tallest models.
To buy: $130, lego.com
Statue of Liberty
This is another spectacular model of an instantly recognizable landmark. New York City’s Statue of Liberty is a true icon and this 1,685-piece 17-inch high mini replica of it is a beautiful way to celebrate it. It features an incredibly detailed pedestal with shield and brick detailing and columned balconies. Lady Liberty’s flowing robe, seven-ray crown, tablet, and golden torch are also masterfully recreated in an authentic color palette.
To buy: $120, lego.com
San Francisco
Recreate the iconic skyline of San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge, a true architectural marvel and one of the most famous bridges in the world as well as many of San Fran’s emblematic sights such as the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz Island. This set is made up of 565 pieces.
To buy: $50, lego.com
Dubai
If you are a fan of contemporary architecture, then this Lego Architecture set dedicated to Dubai has your name written all over it. It features scale models of Burj Khalifa, the ‘7-star’ Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel, the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, the Dubai Fountain, and the extraordinary Dubai Frame. The detailed miniatures are constructed from 740 pieces.
To buy: $60, lego.com
Sydney Opera House
With almost 3,000 pieces, Sydney’s Opera House is one of Lego’s most complicated Architecture sets. The replica includes a detailed representation of the structure’s shell-inspired silhouette and the plaza around it.
To buy: $599, amazon.com
