Yesterday, the LEGO Group revealed two new products to help bring the magic of Paris closer to home for builders. Fans can start building their very own art collection with the #31213 LEGO Art Mona Lisa or choose to be captivated by the majestic #21061 LEGO Architecture Notre-Dame de Paris set.
These two global icons of Paris have been unveiled to celebrate the rich heritage and history of the French capital, which has an exciting and packed year ahead and will be available for pre-order on 7th May.
Inspired by the world’s most recognizable painting, the #31213 LEGO Art Mona Lisa invites art and LEGO lovers to recreate Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece in 3D. This bold and unique interpretation comprises 1,503 LEGO elements and new color hues to accurately reflect the colors used by Da Vinci over 500 years ago before the paint changed with age.
Additionally, the new LEGO masterpiece has been designed with a drum-lacquered gold, detachable frame so it can be hung on the wall and displayed along with other LEGO Art sets.
Milan Madge, Designer at the LEGO Group, said: “It has been such a pleasure to be part of bringing such a special piece of art history to life in LEGO form. The Mona Lisa is obviously world-famous, but our familiarity with her can obscure what a groundbreaking work of art this painting is. A culmination of Da Vinci’s lifelong study of science and nature, the Mona Lisa is packed with stories and details that we thoroughly enjoyed researching and implementing. We’re excited for LEGO fans and art lovers to explore more about this enigmatic artwork, and to have the opportunity to hang a piece of LEGO history on their walls.”
Art and LEGO fans can find their flow as they build along to The LEGO Art Podcast, which will accompany the set at launch on 1st October. Packed with fascinating content on the Mona Lisa’s timeless appeal, this episode is hosted by Jack Gardner Vaa, who invited three special guests: Dr. Francesca Borgo (Professor of Art History at the University of St Andrews), Jennifer Dasal (host of the ArtCurious Podcast), and Milan Madge (designer of the LEGO Art Mona Lisa).
Available on the 1st of June, the #21061 LEGO Architecture Notre-Dame de Paris makes for the perfect new addition to the home of any fan of travel, history, and classic architecture. The building experience and instruction booklet takes the builder on a journey through the architectural evolution of this iconic Parisian landmark, beginning in 1163, when the first stone was laid, through architect Viollet-le-Duc’s redesign work in the 19th century to Notre-Dame’s majestic appearance before the fire of 2019.
The ability to remove the roof also allows admirers to peek inside the legendary building and admire details such as the rose windows, interior columns, gothic arches, the two towers, and more.
Talking about the process behind the new set, Rok Žgalin Kobe, Designer at the LEGO Group, said: “In designing the LEGO Architecture Notre-Dame de Paris, we tried to bring it to life by not only capturing its outward appearance but the way and the stages in which the original was build. We wanted LEGO fans to retrace the architectural journey and evolution of this landmark during its construction, to encourage a deeper appreciation for its real-life counterpart.”
The #31213 LEGO Art Mona Lisa measures over 17 in. (43 cm) high, 11.5 in. (30 cm) wide, and 1.5 in. (4 cm) deep and is priced as follows: 99,99€ /99,99 $ / 89,99£ / 169.99 AUD / 42990 HUF/ 899 CNY / 129.99 CAD/ 2599 MXN. Available for pre-order at the LEGO Art section of the Online LEGO Shop.
The #21061 LEGO Architecture Notre-Dame de Paris measures over 13 in. (33 cm) high, 8.5 in. (22 cm) wide, and 16 in. (41 cm) deep and is priced as follows: 229,99€/229,99$/£199,99 GBP/ 349.99 AUD/ 1999 CNY/94990 HUF/299.99 CAD/5499 MXN. Available for pre-order at the LEGO Architecture section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like these two Paris-inspired sets? Are you planning to get either of them? Feel free to share and discuss in the comment section below!
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Woe. These two are fantastic! I like how the Mona Lisa is not just a generic mosaic with tiles or plates.
I’m not sure if I like the Mona Lisa, but I do like what they did in the background. Those are some nice landscsping and forced perspective techniques.
The Notre Dame seems like a nice building experience. And also good for parts. They don’t advertise architecture sets as much as they used to.