Welcome to our weekly spotlight on retired LEGO sets. This week, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to explore the LEGO Architecture set, Chicago (Product Number: 21033). This set was retired in late 2018, making it a sought-after collectible for LEGO enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the details and features of this distinctive set, which pays homage to the iconic architecture of the Windy City.
Skyline Wonders: Exploring the LEGO Architecture Chicago Set
The LEGO Architecture set “Chicago” is a stunning representation of the city’s iconic skyline. With a piece count of 4124, this set features the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Cloud Gate, DuSable Bridge, Wrigley Building, and the Big Red, capturing the blend of historical and modern architecture. The set also includes a collectible booklet containing information about the design, architecture, and history of the buildings, adding an educational element to the building experience. The set is notable for its accurate representation of the comparative size of each structure, true-to-life color depiction, and a decorative “Chicago” nameplate. It is over 7” high, 8” wide, and 1” deep, making it suitable for display in the home or office. LEGO fans will appreciate the attention to detail and the opportunity to recreate the city’s skyline.
Chicago Skyline Delight
The LEGO Architecture set “Chicago (21033)” was part of the Skyline Collection and emphasized the vertical nature of the city’s skyscrapers. Featuring iconic buildings like the Willis Tower, Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Center, the set aimed to capture the essence of the city’s famous skyline. The selection of buildings and their arrangement aimed to offer a representative view of the Chicago skyline when viewed from the Lake, with the Chicago River splitting downtown in North and South. The set was generally well-received for its portrayal of the city’s architectural achievements. The incorporation of the city’s landmarks and the attention to detail in the building designs were praised. However, some fans expressed their desire for additional iconic landmarks, such as the Marina City, to be included in the set for a more comprehensive representation of the city’s skyline. Despite this, the set still holds a significant standing among Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs) for its accurate and visually appealing depiction of Chicago’s architectural marvels.
Skyline Spotlight
The Chicago set from the LEGO Architecture Skyline Collection has received mixed yet generally positive reviews. One reviewer, Bison_Bricks, praised the set for its representation of iconic Chicago landmarks. They mentioned, “These skyline series sets are great at celebrating the larger architectural achievements of major cities.” Another review from martiniman, an architect, appreciated the selection of buildings and the variation in building techniques, while also adding his own modifications to include the Marina City apartments. He stated, “I think LEGO missed a chance to make this set unforgettable by adding Marina City on the river bank. So I decided to add it myself.” Despite some criticisms about the base plate and the omission of Marina City, both reviews acknowledged the set’s aesthetic appeal and the accurate representation of the Chicago skyline.
All the reviews for this article were provided by Brickset.com: Chicago Reviews
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Be sure to check back next week as we continue our weekly spotlight on previously retired LEGO sets. This week, we revisited the stunning “Chicago” set, number 21033, from the Architecture theme, which retired on various dates in late 2018. Don’t miss out on the next set under the spotlight!
