LEGO New York City – The Big Apple continues Architecture’s evolution

Whether fans like it or not, the LEGO Architecture theme is continuing to evolve, as evidenced by the upcoming 21066 New York City – The Big Apple.

An all-new LEGO Architecture set was officially revealed today, with 21066 New York City – The Big Apple arriving online and in stores next month. The upcoming model seems to be hinting at a potential new direction for the theme, one that some fans might not have been hoping for.

That evolution of LEGO Architecture began earlier this year with the arrival of what could have been a one-off release, 21064 Paris – City of Love. The 958-piece model offered builders something that many might not have been expecting, with an almost LEGO Art-style approach to the French capital, one that swapped accuracy for a more emotional and aesthetic approach.

That abstract and artistic 3D postcard dynamic continues with 21066 New York City – The Big Apple, losing 21064 Paris – City of Love’s white picture frame enclosure and expanding thanks to the set’s 1,465 piece count and a large monochromatic backdrop based on the location's famous nickname.

However, it’s that change in visual language that may come as something of a shock to longtime fans of the LEGO Architecture theme, those who might be looking for more detailed, accurate and authentic models that match the look of their real-world counterparts.

The reveal of 21066 New York City – The Big Apple has already garnered heated debate amongst the wider LEGO community, with some welcoming the upcoming set and others bemoaning the theme’s possible new direction.

“Architecture is one of my favourite themes,” said Caliga on Reddit, “and if all we're getting now is these lame skylines and massive sets that are several hundred dollars, I'm pretty disappointed.”

“I’m just not a huge fan of the artsy feel of this new architecture line,” added fellow Redditor, ahtigers10. “The whole point of the original theme, in my mind, was to simply showcase iconic structures with the idea that the architectural design would speak for itself. These are nice looking Art sets, but I’m sad we lost the Skyline series for this.”

“The Architecture theme has truly lost itself,” stated michaelNXT1 about 21066 New York City – The Big Apple. “I mean it’s beautiful and I’m gonna get it, but it used to be more about the art of the building itself, not a postcard.”

The LEGO community isn’t all doom and gloom when it comes to 21066 New York City – The Big Apple though, with some commenting on what they feel works well in the Architecture set and what could potentially be improved.

“I like the "lighting" around the edge of the apple,” said FurryPhilosifer on Reddit, “and I think the forced perspective on the bridge looks great. Wish the Chrysler building was there. but the Empire State and One World Trade Center look great.”

“That micro-Guggenheim is cute,” alvinofdiaspar said. “1WTC is smart and I love how the slant of the Brooklyn Bridge creates a sense of depth. The big apple background is a bit too much though.”

However, the look of 21066 New York City – The Big Apple and 21064 Paris – City of Love may not necessarily be the approach that all future LEGO Architecture sets choose to follow, with rumours of 21065 Sagrada Familia and 21067 Tower Bridge on the way this year, both of which might just offer up more traditional takes on their respective subject matters.

You’ll be able to check out 21066 New York City – The Big Apple for yourself from June 1, 2026, with the LEGO Architecture set priced at £129.99 / $139.99 / €139.99 and available for pre-order now. In the meantime, be sure to take a read of our full review of 21064 Paris – City of Love right here.

LEGO Architecture 2026 sets

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