Whether you’re looking for ways to decorate your desk or a creative gift for a loved one, Lego Architecture sets are a great choice. Based on some of the most iconic landmarks and skylines around the globe, they provide pint-sized inspiration for adults and kids alike.
Over the past 12 years, more than 50 Lego Architecture sets have been released, but not all of them remain available. In fact, most are now retired, and others were extremely limited releases that the public never got the chance to enjoy.
Here is a list of the best Lego Architecture sets you can buy, current and discontinued: there are many retired sets you can still find for purchase! I’ve also included a few related building sets from other series that might interest Lego Architecture fans.
Let’s get started!
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Lego Architecture sets
What is Lego Architecture?
Before we get into the sets themselves, here’s a quick background on the Lego Architecture series.
Lego Architecture is a Lego category and sub-brand that features buildings and skylines designed by architect Adam Reed Tucker. He came up with the concept while studying architecture and was eventually approached by the Lego group to design and release official sets.
The first Lego Architecture sets, The Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) and John Hancock Center in Chicago, were released in 2008. These were extremely simple models with less than 100 pieces. Today, most models have anywhere from 500 to 2000 pieces in total!
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There are two sub-categories of Lego Architecture sets: Landmark and Skyline. Landmark sets are replicas of iconic buildings and structures from around the world, and Skyline sets are a collection of 3-5 buildings from a single city that make up a horizontal composition.
Note that while many of these sets can be completed by younger Lego fans, they’re generally quite complex, and children may need help completing them. As a result, they’re usually purchased by slightly older Lego fans who have some building experience — or by adults who love architecture!
Each set comes with a booklet with instructions and information/historical facts about the buildings themselves. You can download these booklets without purchasing the sets here.
With that out of the way, let’s have a look at the best Lego Architecture sets out there now!
Best Lego Architecture Sets
1. New York City
Set no: 21028
Pieces: 598
Release date: 2016
Age: 12+
The New York City skyline is one of the most iconic in the world, and this Lego Architecture set is still one of the series’ most sought-after editions. Originally released in 2016, it’s a hair shy of 600 pieces.
This set depicts the Flatiron Building, Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty. The finished model is 10 inches (26cm) high, 9 inches (25cm) wide, and 1 inch (4cm) deep.
Click the links below to buy the model directly from Lego (and collect VIP points) or Amazon.
2. San Francisco
Set no: 21043
Pieces: 565
Release date: 2019
Age: 12+
Next, switching over to the West Coast is this incredible San Francisco skyline set. There’s a bit of forced perspective in play with the Golden Gate Bridge, and the finished model is perfect for displaying on a bookshelf or desk.
This Lego Architecture set contains the famous “painted ladies” buildings, 555 California Street, the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, Coit Tower, Fort Point, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.
The finished model is 6 inches (16cm) high, 11 inches (28cm) wide, and 2 inches (7cm) deep. The San Francisco set also makes a fantastic gift, and it’s a great starting point for those new to Lego Architecture buildings.
This set is currently retired, but you can still snatch it on Amazon!
3. Statue of Liberty
Set no: 21042
Pieces: 1685
Release date: 2018
Age: 16+
Lego’s skyline editions are a great introduction to Lego Architecture sets. However, this Statue of Liberty set is an excellent option if you’re looking for more hours of brick-building with bigger Lego sets.
With 1600+ pieces, this set will take several hours of concentrated building time to complete. As such, it’s not recommended for children or beginners. But, on the other hand, it makes for a great Lego set for adults.
Finished models measure over 17 inches (44cm) high, 5 inches (14cm) wide, and 5 inches (14cm) deep. Buy this set if you’re looking for a larger, impactful piece that still represents one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States — and the world!
4. Singapore
Set no: 21057
Pieces: 827
Release date: 2022
Age: 18+
This Singapore set is one of the latest additions to the Lego Architecture series, launched in January 2022.
Popular for being one of the brand’s most complex city skyline designs, this set consists of 827 pieces to assemble depictions of Singapore’s most emblematic landmarks.
These include Marina Bay Sands, One Raffles Place, the OCBC Center, Lay Pa Sat food market/Telok Ayer Market, the Fullerton Hotel Singapore, and Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay.
There is a lot to build here! Finished layouts will measure over 6.5 inches (16 cm) high, 11 inches (28 cm) wide, and 3.5 inches (9cm) deep; the perfect size to give your work desk or reading corner a unique touch.
As one of the most intricate sets available, this is a project best suited for Lego enthusiasts 18+.
5. Paris
Set no: 21044
Pieces: 649
Release date: 2019
Age: 12+
Paris is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world, and for good reason. It’s filled with historic landmarks, beautiful buildings, and gorgeous parks, all captured in this Lego Architecture set.
This skyline kit includes the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Tour Montparnasse, Grand Palais, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, with some grass and tree areas, too. The finished model measures 8 inches (22cm) high, 11 inches (28cm) wide, and 4 inches (11cm) deep.
Like the rest of the skyline series, this Lego Architecture kit suits younger builders and experienced Lego architects alike. If you’re up for the ultimate brick-building challenge, check out this giant Eiffel Tower set for adults!
6. London
Set no: 21034
Pieces: 468
Release date: 2017
Age: 12+
The London Lego Architecture set has far fewer pieces than most of the other skyline models, but it still includes many iconic landmarks of the city. The smaller size also means it’s one of the cheaper models, making it a good gift for newbie brick-builders.
This edition features the National Gallery, Nelson’s Column, London Eye, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge. The finished piece measures over 5 inches high, 11 inches wide, and 3 inches deep.
Grab this one if you’re looking for a cheaper model that doesn’t take quite as long to put together but still looks great on display.
7. Empire State Building
Set no: 21046
Pieces: 1767
Release date: 2019
Age: 16+
The Empire State Building was one of the first Lego Architecture kits released in 2008, but this updated version blows it out of the water.
It went from a simple 77-piece model to a colossal 1700+ piece design that looks stunning on any desk or shelf. This is one of the tallest Lego Architecture sets, measuring 21 inches (55cm) high, 7 inches (20cm) wide, and 4 inches (12cm) deep when completed.
An impressive and challenging design, the Empire State Building set is undoubtedly one of the best Lego Architecture sets you can buy. Unfortunately, this set is officially retired.
The upside? You can still purchase it on Amazon!
8. Taj Mahal
Set no: 21056
Pieces: 2022
Release date: 2021
Age: 18+
One of the latest Lego Architecture sets to hit the market is also one of the best and most challenging to date. With over 2000 pieces, it has an incredible level of detail packed into its pint-sized bricks.
All four facades are exquisitely crafted; even the sarcophagus can be found in the crypt beneath the domed top! The finished model measures 8 inches (20cm) high, 10 inches (23cm) wide, and 10 inches (23cm) deep.
It’s not quite as luxurious as the now-retired Taj Mahal kit in the Lego Creator lineup, but it’s a lot more accessible and easier on the wallet. That said, younger fans will probably need the help of a parent to complete this project.
9. Great Pyramid of Giza
Set no: 21058
Pieces: 1476
Release date: 2022
Age: 18+
Released in 2022, the Great Pyramid of Giza Lego Architecture set is a beautiful edition for anyone passionate about history and ancient landmarks.
The complete display features two smaller pyramids, two mortuary temples, the Sphinx statue, a worker’s village, an obelisk, and an area with the Nile River.
You can also lift the outer layer of this model to view the Royal chambers and intriguing tunnel system this monument is known for. These sets also include an instructional booklet and behind-the-scenes information on how Lego designers created this intricate design — I love this!
Final models will measure roughly 8 inches (20 cm) high, 13.5 inches (35cm) wide, and 12.5 inches (32 cm) deep.
10. The White House
Set no: 21054
Pieces: 1483
Release date: 2020
Age: 18+
The next entry in the Lego Architecture building collection is also one of the best. The updated White House building kit is wonderfully detailed and worth the entry price.
The finished model isn’t very tall, but its depth and width make it an excellent piece for showcasing. It measures 4 inches (11cm) high, 18 inches (47cm) wide, and 7 inches (20cm) deep.
This is rated as one of the most difficult Lego Architecture sets out there, but it’s also an excellent way for parents to spend time with younger children who might struggle to complete it on their own.
11. Dubai
Set no: 21052
Pieces: 740
Release date: 2020
Age: 16+
Dubai features some of the most incredible skyscrapers and modern architecture of any city in the world, and this Lego Architecture set perfectly captures that.
The model includes the Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel, Dubai Frame, and The Dubai Fountain. The finished display measures 12 inches (33cm) high, 10 inches (27cm) wide, and 2 inches (7cm) deep.
From a design perspective, this isn’t exactly a super popular favorite in the series, but it does make a great souvenir or gift for fans of the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates.
This edition has been discontinued; however, you can still find it on Amazon at the button below.
12. Trafalgar Square
Set no: 21045
Pieces: 1197
Release date: 2019
Age: 12+
Trafalgar Square is one of the most popular tourist locations in London (and in the world!), and although it’s not included in the skyline set listed above, you can still make a miniature version with this Lego Architecture building set.
The model features the National Gallery, Nelson’s Column flanked by four lions, two fountains, four sculpture plinths, and a variety of other small fixtures. It measures 4 inches (12cm) high, 9 inches (24cm) wide, and 7 inches (20cm) deep when completed.
Despite being in the landmark series, it’s one of the easier and more affordable Lego Architecture building sets you can buy. It even includes a couple of adorable miniature double-decker buses!
Currently, this retired set is only available for purchase on Amazon for a little under $100.
13. Burj Khalifa
Set no: 21055
Pieces: 330
Release date: 2019
Age: 16+
While this is technically a reboxing of a set from back in 2016, it’s still available in some marketplaces despite being an officially retired set: you can still find it on Amazon.
It includes a tall, although a relatively simple replica, of the tallest building in the world. The finished model measures 15 inches (39 cm) high, 3 inches (9 cm) wide, and 3 inches (9 cm) deep.
That said, it’s probably the least impressive of all Lego Architecture sets, so I wouldn’t recommend picking it up unless you’re a big fan of the building. Newer sets are just much more detailed.
14. The Lego House
Set no: 21037
Pieces: 774
Release date: 2017
Age: 12+
The final Lego Architecture set featured here depicts an impressive building. It’s a miniature version of another building made entirely of Lego, appropriately called Lego House.
The actual Lego House is located in Billund, Denmark, and it’s an enormous 12,000-square-foot house made out of 25 million Lego blocks. This miniature version uses just over 750 pieces and is a pretty faithful recreation.
Unfortunately, the only way to officially buy the set is to visit the Lego Shop in the Lego House itself. There are usually a few units available on Amazon but be warned that you’ll pay higher than the retail price.
If you don’t find it, you can also consider this exclusive Lego House edition; it’s definitely more simplistic but includes a minifigure!
Where to find retired Lego Architecture sets
In most cases, it’s still possible to buy retired Lego sets online, often for the same original retail price. Some sellers were left with crates of these sets after they were discontinued and now list them on various online platforms.
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However, note that the most popular sets tend to be much more expensive after they’ve been retired. At that point, they become collector’s items with a price point to match.
The best place to find discontinued Lego Architecture sets, in my experience, is Amazon. There are tons of sets on offer, and you have Amazon’s buyer protection for any potentially shady sellers.
I’ve listed a few of my favorite retired sets below, but click the button below to check out the complete list of discontinued Lego Architecture sets on Amazon!
- United States Capitol Building (21030, United States)
- Imperial Hotel (21017, Japan)
- Big Ben (21013, United Kingdom)
- Buckingham Palace (21029, United Kingdom)
- Louvre (21024, France)
- Tokyo (21051, Japan)
Other Lego building sets
If none of the official Lego Architecture sets interest you or you don’t find the building you like, there are still more options to explore in the Lego universe!
In addition to Lego Architecture buildings and skylines, the company offers many more building sets under the Lego Creator series. These models are designed for older, adult Lego fans, with complex structures and very high piece counts like the Architecture series.
Here’s a brief list of other Lego building sets that might interest fans of Lego Architecture:
- Taj Mahal (10256, India)
- Old Trafford – Manchester United (10272, United Kingdom)
- The Disney Castle (71040)
- Hogwarts Castle (71043)
- Haunted House (10273)
- Assembly Square (10255)
- Downtown Diner (10269)
- Corner Garage (10264)
That’s it for this comprehensive guide to the best Lego Architecture sets available! Do you have a favorite set, past or present? Let me know in the comments below!
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