Best Lego sets for adults: Awe-inspiring brick structures and themes for AFOLs

The beauty of Lego sets for adults is that they combine the best of both worlds: entertainment and exquisite design.

Targeted at Lego enthusiasts and collectors 18+, Lego sets for adults contain complex structures inspired by lots of fun, creative themes, providing AFOLs (adult fans of Lego) projects that spark excitement and the child-like pleasure of brick-building.

That said, step aside, kiddos; it’s time for the grown-ups to play! Check out some of the best Lego sets for adults below for ideas, whether for gifts or to build your soon-to-be masterpiece.

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What’s different about adult Lego sets?

The Lego universe features a collection of superbly crafted sets exclusively designed for AFOLs and newbie hobbyists to reward them with the brick-building experiences they deserve.

Lego sets for adults contain highly-detailed structures of different sizes, from hand-held pieces to massive constructions. These are available under a myriad of themes, all resulting in jaw-dropping, display-worthy Lego art. 

Legos for adults are also marketed differently. Packaging for these sets is more subdued and easy to spot for their sleek black boxing and refined lettering. 

They also make incredibly creative (and generous!) gifts for anyone who loves brick building and one-of-a-kind décor.

Legos for adults can be found under the following categories: 

• Entertainment
• Art, Design, and Music
• Travel & History
• Star Wars
• Science & Tech
• Vehicles
• Sports & Games

Yes, Lego also uses lots of these themes to inspire and create sets for younger crowds. However, there is a considerable difference in design complexity and detail. 

From an engineering standpoint, Lego sets for adults take a completely different approach. Since the “play” factor isn’t central in these sets, contrary to Lego sets for youngsters, creators can “skip over” this criterion and work with more artistic freedom and fewer restrictions.

In addition, instructions can be more meticulous without the need to fine-tune them for children. All in all, the main goal of adult Lego sets is to offer a more aesthetic, visually appealing alternative to the brand’s more toy-like editions destined for play.

And, of course, a premium building experience!

Read also: 100+ creative hobbies to try and how to get started

But this isn’t to say that there aren’t younger Lego lovers who don’t give Lego sets for adults a shot and vice versa. In fact, popular themes like Lego Harry Potter and Lego Minecraft have been a hit among enthusiasts across all generations due to the global craze over these pop culture phenomenons.

Most Lego sets for adults fall under the Lego Creator/Icons, Lego Art, Lego Ideas, and Star Wars categories. While Technic sets and franchise-based categories such as Disney and Marvel do have a couple of options for adults, these are still very few.

Minifigures are another Lego element still primarily found in Lego sets for teens and toddlers, which in a way, makes sense. On the other hand, a few adult editions include these, such as the recently released Everyone Is Awesome set.

Who knows? Maybe some cool Lego sets for adults with minifigures will start being rolled out in the future! 

Not ready to splash the cash on official Lego sets? We recommend checking out the best Lego alternatives for adults.

Best Lego sets for adults

1. Flower Bouquet

Lego’s more recent Botanical Collection sets have become quite the hit among AFOLs with a love for brick-building and unique, decorative displays.

The Flower Bouquet is one of the collection’s most popular Lego sets for adults and provides hobbyists 18+ with a one-of-a-kind approach to floral arranging and home décor.

This set consists of a variety of realistic-looking blooms to mix and match: daisies, roses, snapdragons, and asters. In addition, you’ll have 15 adjustable stems and plastic pedals made from repurposed Lego pieces to work with— you gotta love Lego!

Note that this project doesn’t include a vase, unlike other Botanical Collection sets. On the other hand, this gives you all the versatility you want to showcase your arrangements as you wish; I love the idea of placing these in a glass jar.

These pieces come in various dimensions, but for reference, the snapdragon and stem measure approximately 14 inches (36cm) high.

2. Eiffel tower

There are times when traveling is just not an option. But bringing a little travel to your home or office might be! Pay homage to the city of love with this giant, mind-blowing Eiffel Tower Lego model.

This flagship Lego set is part of the brand’s Travel & History series and is one of the largest ever made. It consists of over 10,000 bricks to assemble four sections and a ground-level display with Parisian lamposts, benches, shrubs, and more.

If you’re looking for the ultimate challenge, this is it! In addition, this 360° model comes with building instructions that have been carefully curated to replicate Gustave Eiffel’s process, giving you a glimpse into the mind of the historic engineer.

Needless to say, this makes for a highly original, generous gift for any lover of Legos, history, and travel. The only (yes, it was bound to happen) downside is its exorbitant price, but if you’re looking for cool Lego sets for adults, this one is pretty hard to beat.

Completed models measure over 58.5 inches (149 cm) high, 22.5 inches (57 cm) wide, and 22.5 inches (57 cm) deep. Yes, it’s that huge. If you’re looking for something more accessible, Lego Architecture sets are your answer!

3. Boutique Hotel

One of the most coveted adult Lego sets and editions are those inspired by locations, settings, and buildings. This 3066-piece Boutique Hotel set is an excellent pick for ambitious AFOLs who get a kick out of detail and modular brick building.

This set for adults is part of Lego’s beloved Creator/Icons series. It presents an intricate design mimicking a real-life boutique hotel packed with architectural wonders, guest rooms, a penthouse suite, a lobby, a terrace, a luxurious staircase, and more.

To bring your display to life, this model also includes 7 adorable minifigures: a receptionist, coffee vendor, bellhop, gallery owner, hotel guests, and others.

Minifigures feature printed-on designs vs. stickers which will not only help you build with greater precision but make your final structure look more cohesive. This makes for a fantastic tabletop layout at home or the office!

Final structures measure ~13 inches (33 cm) high, 10 inches (25 cm) wide, and 10 inches (25 cm) deep. Lego Creator has some of the best modular editions for brick builders of all ages; find more Lego Creator sets for adults here!

4. Vincent van Gogh – The Starry Night

Are you not much of a painter but would love to replicate some of your all-time favorite artwork? Pay homage to the one and only Van Gogh with this 2316-brick Lego set of the artist’s timeless “The Starry Night” masterpiece.

Note that this isn’t your typical set: this 3D art model Lego set originated from a creative collaboration between the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the brick-building company as part of the fan-voted Lego Ideas initiative.

It also offers an entirely unique building experience compared to more standard Lego sets for adults, which is perfect for challenge-seeking hobbyists who want to try out new techniques. Just think about all those swirls and relief effects!

This set also includes a minifigure of Van Gogh himself, with an easel, palette, and paintbrush; I love this touch! Whether on your wall or freestanding on your bookshelf, this finished piece will look incredible no matter where you place it — it incorporates a hanging hook for display.

While not the cheapest set, it’s not the most expensive, making it a well-worth gift for a special occasion or avid artist. Final layouts measure approximately 12 inches (30 cm) high, 15 inches (37.5 cm) wide, and 5 inches (12.5 cm) deep.

5. Fender® Stratocaster™

If you’re looking for cool Lego sets for adults, it doesn’t get any groovier than this brick replica of the iconic 1970s Fender® Stratocaster™.

Like the previous set, this edition was entered in a Lego Ideas contest by a fan designer and was chosen from 9 entries to become an addition to the brand’s catalog. Thanks, Lego fans! It’s the perfect collectible for music lovers, guitar players, and loyal Lego builders.

Each set contains 1074 bricks to assemble a beautiful Fender Strat, bells and whistles included: a dynamic whammy bar, pickup switch, tuning pegs, and a textile strap. You can build your guitar in red or black and add an official Fender logo sticker to your final piece for authenticity.

And, of course, what’s an electric guitar without an amp? In addition to your instrument, you’ll also get enough bricks to build a 65 Princeton® Reverb amplifier which includes every detail from rubber cables to a reverb tank.

Want a little behind-the-scenes history lesson? This set contains a complete booklet to learn everything about this iconic guitar played by some of the greats, from Buddy Holly to Jimi Hendrix. The guitar measures ~14 inches (36 cm) long, 4 inches (11 cm) wide, and 1 inch (3 cm) deep.

6. Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Perfect for collectors and fans of nostalgia and vintage vehicles, the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 set is one of Lego’s most recent releases and, if you ask me, an instant classic.

This model was designed especially for AFOLs and features customizable elements and lots of authentic details to replicate the 1969 American car: You can build your car with the roof on or off, switch up headlights, and select decorative racing-stripe colors.

You can also assemble a detailed V8 engine, opening doors, hood, and trunk. One of the best parts of this 1456-piece Lego set is that it includes a lot of fun, retro-inspired accessories, like a furry dice and miniature license plates.

If you are car-crazy or know someone special who is, this is one of the best Lego sets for adults, providing both entertainment and premium quality for display.

The final dimension of your project will be approximately 3.5 inches (10 cm) high, 14 inches (36 cm) long, and 5.5 inches (14 cm) wide.

7. Vespa 125

I absolutely love this baby blue Vespa 125 model; it’s one of the most beautiful and well-crafted Lego sets for adults and the perfect size for showcasing.

If you’re wondering what it is about this model that looks so unique and refreshing — it’s the brick color! The light, pastel blue bricks in this set are extremely rare and hardly found in any of the brand’s creations.

This set for adults is another of Lego’s more recent releases that came to be due to a collaboration between the brick-building company and the Italian luxury brand to celebrate Vespa’s 75th anniversary.

Adults looking for an immersive brick-building experience and a beautiful project to work on will love the model’s exquisite details and features: seats, a kickstand, a full-blown engine, official license plates, a helmet, an adorable flower bouquet basket, and more.

The complete scooter measures ~ 8.5 inches (22 cm) high, 13.5 inches (35 cm) long, and 4.5 inches (12 cm) wide. And if you have a toddler who wants to join in on the fun, we advise getting them this amazing Vespa Creator 3 in 1 Vespa set!

8. NASA Space Shuttle Discovery

AFOLs intrigued by everything space and technology will get a kick out of this outstanding, hyper-realistic NASA Space Shuttle Discovery set for adults.

This highly detailed 2354-brick Lego model features surprising elements, including an opening cockpit, payload bay, moving elevons, crew seats, and retractable landing gear.

One of the set’s main highlights is a mini replica of the historic Hubble Space Telescope, with movable solar panels and a hatch door to bring a taste of the real deal to your shelf or desk.

This set makes for a one-of-a-kind gift for adult space aficionados. Want to enjoy a Lego space sesh with your child? The 3 in 1 Lego Creator Space Shuttle set for ages 6+ will have them just as entertained!

The completed NASA Space Shuttle Discovery model measures approximately 8.5 inches (21 cm) high, 21 inches (54 cm) long, and 13.5 inches (34 cm) wide.

9. Real Madrid – Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Built with die-hard soccer and Real Madrid fans in mind, this detail-packed Santiago Bernabéu Stadium building kit is the third of Lego’s stadium series and the perfect collectible for demanding AFOLs.

Containing 5876 bricks, this Lego set will have you building everything from bleachers, a ticket office, and a tunnel to scoreboards, banners, a dugout, and (of course) the Spanish stadium’s iconic pitch. I’m a huge fan of the miniature team bus!

You can remove the stadium roof to admire your structure from above as well as split it open in half for easy assembly: this also gives you a better glimpse of the realistic features that make up this small-scale replica.

This is the ideal gift for avid fans of this historic soccer team and the perfect add-on to your Lego stadium collection. Other editions are currently a little harder to find but can still be bought on Amazon: Old Trafford – Manchester United and Camp NOU – FC Barcelona.

Note that despite all of its detail, this isn’t the most challenging model to build, making it suitable for adult Lego beginners. Your final model will measure approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm) high, 17.5 inches (44 cm) wide, and 15 inches (38 cm) deep.

10. Atari® 2600

Next up is one of my favorite new releases and Lego sets for adults: the 2532-brick, 1980s-inspired Atari building kit.

Whether you actually owned this iconic console a few decades ago or are just starting to discover retro gaming references, this set won’t disappoint. It’s also not overly complicated, making it perfect for first-time brick builders 18+.

This set invites you to recreate the console’s original features, from game cartridges, a front panel with switches, and a joystick, to three classic Atari games: Asteroids™, Adventure, and Centipede™. The console even includes a slot to insert games for a realistic touch!

Lego has also included mini projects for you to add to your display, such as three structures depicting the storylines of these games. The set also contains bricks to build an adorable diorama with an Atari-playing minifigure in a typical 1980s bedroom setting.

This set measures ~3 inches (8 cm) high, 13 inches (33 cm) wide, and 8.5 inches (22 cm) deep.

11. Home Alone

Speaking of retro themes, if you grew up with the Christmas classic “Home Alone”, you’ll love revisiting this blast from the past through this 2022 Lego set: welcome back to the McCallisters’ house!

This is one of the best Lego sets for movie buffs with a sense of humor and contains 3955 bricks to recreate scenes from this beloved holiday film. Details like a basement furnace, iron-drop function, swinging cans, collapsable shelves, and a zip line can all be expected.

An LR41 battery is also included to light up the basement furnace! To bring all the action to life, this set includes minifigures of characters we all know and love: Kevin McCallister, Kate McCallister, neighbor ‘Old Man’ Marley, Harry, and Marv — you gotta love the iron-burned Marv minifigure!

This is one of the largest Lego Ideas sets so far, making it a great pick if you’re looking for a unique, immersive brick-building experience. Also, pieces are organized into 24 bags to have you build according to the movie’s original scene sequence, which is pretty genius.

This is an amazingly fun set to enjoy during the Christmas season, not to mention a pretty cool gift or centerpiece to display at your upcoming holiday party! The completed house measures over 10.5 inches (27 cm) high, 13 inches (34 cm) wide, and 14.5 inches (37cm) deep.

12. The Friends Apartments

If phrases like “How you doin’?” or “we were on a break!” have become part of your vocabulary, you’re in for a treat with this one-of-a-kind The Friends Apartments Lego set for adults.

Fans of the hit TV show Friends will have a blast immortalizing their favorite characters with this 2048-brick set: it’s packed with small-scale replicas and features of the original series, containing minifigures of your beloved Central Perk gang — including Chandler’s legendary ex-girlfriend, Janice!

Monica’s purple walls and Chandler and Joey’s reclining chairs (and Chick and Duck!) can all be expected. There are endless features in this set to recreate the series’ most hilarious moments, from Phoebe spying on Ugly Naked Guy, Ross being attacked by a cat, Joey getting Thanksgiving turkey stuck on his head, and more.

Needless to say, this special set will make any Friends fan ecstatic (I have proof!), especially if they already own Lego’s Central Perk set — you can find it here. It’s another fun-filled project you’ll enjoy if this TV show is near and dear to you, and it’s also a lot cheaper.

Once completed, the overall The Friends Apartments model will measure over 4 inches (10 cm) high, 25 inches (64 cm) wide, and 12 inches (31 cm) deep. On the other hand, carpets lift out to create fun mini models to enjoy smaller displays!

13. Darth Vader™ Helmet

Whether you’re a young adult or an old-time fan of George Lucas’ masterpiece Star Wars, you’ll love building one of the most immediately recognizable, legendary helmets in film history.

This Darth Vader Helmet Lego set includes 834 bricks, making it slightly more approachable than some of the more elaborate Legos for adults in our guide. Unlike more challenging Star Wars models, this one is more about the final outcome.

It’s pretty straightforward to put together and the perfect addition to your existing Lego Star Wars helmet collection — or a great place to start. I really appreciate how impactful this structure is, all while resulting in a compact, convenient size that makes finding a spot for showcasing easy peasy.

Below you can find a few more Star Wars-themed options — the AT-AT™ is one of the best Lego sets for adults; however, it is extremely pricey at almost $900! That said, we recommend something a little more budget-friendly if you’re looking for a unique gift for a fan or a model for your Lego craft desk.

Your final structure will measure approximately 8 inches (20 cm) high, 5.5 inches (15 cm) wide, and 5.5 inches (14cm) deep.

14. Hogwarts™ Castle

Our last pick for the best Lego sets for adults is this incredible Hogwarts Castle model for hobbyists, perfect for longtime fans of the most famous wizard of our time.

This is one of the most extensive sets by the brand, containing 6020 pieces to build a detail-packed creation featuring iconic Harry Potter settings such as the Great Hall, Chamber of Secrets, and Whomping Willow.

A world of stunning, well-designed elements can be found in this set for adults, from house banners, moving staircases, benches, stained glass windows, and lots of figures: four minifigures and 24 microfigures.

If you’ve been looking for modular Lego sets, this is the one to get, especially if you’ve already begun your Harry Potter Lego set collection! This allows for more display possibilities and, of course, hours of brick-building entertainment.

The completed Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle model will measure over 22 inches (58cm) high, 27 inches (69cm) wide, and 16 inches (43cm) deep.

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That’s it for this comprehensive guide to the best Lego sets for adults! Do you have a favorite set, past or present? Let us know in the comments below!