New York City – The Big Apple

Detailed ratings

In-depth review analysis

LEGO Architecture 21066 New York City – The Big Apple presents an interpretation of New York intended for display. Its 1,465 pieces form a nighttime city whose white landmarks stand out against a dark, apple-shaped sky. All three selected reviews appreciate the visual result, although they approach it differently: Brick Architect focuses particularly on techniques and structure, New Elementary on elements and building stages, and The Earl of Bricks on the building experience and final presentation. Their assessments of price are not unanimous.

For Brick Architect, the base evokes the shape of Manhattan rather than adopting the range’s usual rectangular footprint. It provides a foundation for the buildings while also housing a small subway station. The arches used there offer glimpses inside and contribute to the structure’s rigidity. New Elementary also notices the little train visible beneath the arches and reports that the instructions describe the colored plates underneath the base as a nod to the subway. These details give a purpose to an area that might otherwise have remained purely structural.

The build then progresses to the skyscrapers and landmarks. New Elementary describes some generic skyscrapers as stacks of profile bricks or grille bricks. The publication finds more enjoyment in the identifiable foreground builds, particularly the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Brick Architect appreciates the distinct techniques used for the miniature landmarks and their ability to evoke their real-life counterparts despite the small scale. The Earl of Bricks likewise finds the build engaging because it moves from landmark to landmark and uses varied techniques, citing in particular the gradually narrowing silhouette of the Empire State Building.

The apple-shaped backdrop also requires substantial structural work. Brick Architect explains that two bags are devoted mainly to its framework, built using Technic elements and plates among other pieces. The publication appreciates the varied colors used inside, which may make the pieces more useful for reuse if the model is taken apart. Nevertheless, this stage is presented primarily as structural work, distinct from assembling the landmarks. New Elementary notes that One World Trade Center is attached to the apple to stabilize the model, since the backdrop adds weight at the rear. This observation describes a design solution, but it is not a test of resistance over time.

Visually, the reviewers agree. Brick Architect finds the set beautiful and appreciates how the white landmarks stand out. New Elementary highlights the moonlit effect and the contrast between those buildings and the dark city. For The Earl of Bricks, the apple silhouette is immediately legible and turns the skyline into a unified composition rather than a simple row of landmarks. Yellow taxis and subway details add small points of interest to inspect closely, without changing the overall nighttime character.

The small scale does, however, bring a practical constraint. The Earl of Bricks says the smallest elements require a steady hand and good lighting. The publication considers the zoom, rotation and progress-tracking functions in the LEGO Builder app useful for a build with so many small, easily misplaced pieces. New Elementary reports a detail explained by the instructions, but the excerpts do not provide a sufficiently general assessment of instruction clarity to support a reliable rating.

At €139.99 or $139.99, value for money divides opinion. Brick Architect recommends the set while considering it slightly overpriced. By contrast, The Earl of Bricks regards the price per piece, at around 9.6 cents, as favorable for Architecture. New Elementary also calculates that ratio, but observes that there are relatively few new pieces to excite parts enthusiasts, even though some white, gray and yellow elements lend themselves to miniature building. These assessments address different criteria: the perceived cost of the whole set, the numerical ratio and the appeal of the elements. They do not establish a unanimous view of value.

Overall, the reviewers chiefly describe a successful display piece and a varied build whose miniature details reward close attention. The structural backdrop and handling of very small pieces are worth considering, as is the disagreement over price. The available evidence is not sufficient to judge durability after use or transport.

Strengths

• Recognizable nighttime composition, with white landmarks contrasting against the dark backdrop.
• Varied building experience and creative techniques for the miniature landmarks.
• Details to discover in the base, including the subway and yellow taxis.

Weaknesses

• Price considered slightly high by Brick Architect, although The Earl of Bricks disagrees.
• Very small pieces require precision and good lighting.
• Few new elements likely to excite parts enthusiasts, according to New Elementary.

Where reviewers disagree

Brick Architect considers the set slightly overpriced, while The Earl of Bricks regards its price per piece as favorable for the Architecture range. — brickarchitect.com · The Earl of Bricks

Publications consulted

brickarchitect.com · Date not provided

newelementary.com · Date not provided

The Earl of Bricks · Date not provided