Adult Building Sets
LEGO Architecture Empire State Building Review: A 1,767-Piece New York Icon
- Brand:
- LEGO Architecture
- Ages:
- 18+ years
- Updated:
- 2026-07-13
The verdict
A well-proportioned, accurate tribute to one of the world's most recognizable skyscrapers, held back only by its retired status pushing prices upward and a color palette that some builders find visually flat.
Pros
- At 21 inches tall finished, it was the tallest model in the LEGO Architecture line at the time of release
- Captures the Empire State Building's tapering Art Deco silhouette with genuine architectural accuracy
- Solid value at its original $129.99 price for 1,767 pieces
- Compact horizontal footprint compared to many other sets in this category, since it builds vertically rather than outward
Cons
- Retired from retail since 2021, so current prices through third-party sellers run above the original $129.99
- The near-monochrome grey color scheme, while accurate, gives it less visual variety than LEGO's more colorful architecture models
- The tapering upper floors involve fiddly, repetitive stacking that some builders find less engaging than the lower sections
- As a purely exterior model, there's no interior detail or interactivity
Released in 2019, the Empire State Building held the record as LEGO Architecture's tallest model at launch. This review is based on LEGO's published specifications and the consistent patterns across independent architecture-set reviews since release.
Height without a huge footprint
Unlike most sets in this category, which sprawl outward, the Empire State Building builds vertically — 21 inches tall finished, but with a comparatively small base. That makes it a good fit for builders with limited shelf width but some clearance overhead.
Accuracy over color variety
The set faithfully captures the building's Art Deco tapering profile, but that accuracy comes with a nearly monochrome grey palette that some builders find visually flat compared to LEGO's more colorful landmark models. The tapering upper sections also involve repetitive stacking that isn't every builder's favorite part of the process.
Who it's for
A solid pick for architecture fans and New York enthusiasts who want an accurate vertical display piece and have overhead clearance rather than shelf width to spare. Less suited to builders who want a colorful or interactive display piece.
Frequently asked
- How tall is the finished Empire State Building model?
- About 21 inches (55cm), which made it the tallest model in the LEGO Architecture line at the time of its 2019 release.
- Is this set still available at retail?
- It was retired from LEGO's direct retail in 2021, so it's now primarily found through third-party sellers, typically priced above the original $129.99.
- Does the set include interior details?
- No — like most LEGO Architecture sets, it's an exterior-only architectural model with no interior rooms or minifigures.
- Is the LEGO Architecture Empire State Building worth buying?
- Yes, for builders who want an accurate, vertically-striking display piece and don't mind the grey-dominant color scheme. It's a good fit if shelf width is limited but you have overhead clearance.
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