The LEGO Group Unveils the Groundbreaking 10326 Natural History Museum Modular Building
By Agnibeena Ghosh
The LEGO Group has introduced the latest addition to its highly anticipated Modular Buildings Collection: the remarkable 10326 Natural History Museum. This awe-inspiring model not only shatters conventions but also sets new standards for the series in multiple ways.
Breaking free from the confines of tradition, the 10326 Natural History Museum deviates from the usual 32×32 grid that has become synonymous with the Modular Buildings Collection. It sprawls across a vast 48×32-stud arrangement of baseplates, marking the first modular building to do so since the 2017 release of the 10255 Assembly Square. This expansion in baseplate size paves the way for a truly spectacular two-story museum, comprised of an impressive 4,014 LEGO pieces.
In terms of volume, the 10326 Natural History Museum becomes the largest modular building to date, narrowly surpassing the 4,002 bricks used in the 10255 Assembly Square. Among these pieces, a handful are dedicated to constructing a brick-built brachiosaurus skeleton that dramatically rises to the first floor of the museum. The remaining elements are expertly employed to decorate the building’s interior, featuring a diverse array of exhibits and intricate details.
The interior of this exceptional creation is a veritable treasure trove for LEGO enthusiasts. It houses various historical displays, such as a sabretooth skull and an assortment of fossils. A captivating geology exhibit showcases a plethora of remarkable rocks and minerals, while an in-depth exploration of LEGO minifigure history is punctuated by nods to multiple classic themes.
Furthermore, the 10326 Natural History Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the future. The solar system orrery and a diorama featuring the smallest-ever 10497 Galaxy Explorer are among the captivating elements that enhance this remarkable building. To breathe life into this model, the LEGO Group includes seven minifigures, comprising museum guests, dedicated staff members, and even a curator. The minifigures offer numerous storytelling opportunities throughout the build, including the mischievous dog that has absconded with a dinosaur bone and the enigmatic case of the shattered pottery.
The thoughtful integration of storytelling elements is in line with the high standards that are now expected in modular buildings. Yet, the 10326 Natural History Museum distinguishes itself further by launching ahead of schedule. For the past decade, the latest modular building was always unveiled on January 1st, marking a much-anticipated start to the new year for LEGO enthusiasts. However, the 10326 Natural History Museum is set to be available for purchase from December 1, 2023. This unique early release marks the second set in the series to grace store shelves within a single year, following the January release of the 10312 Jazz Club.
The reasons behind the LEGO Group’s decision to change the release date remain a mystery, but this alteration holds exciting prospects for those seeking a brand-new modular building as a Christmas gift. The 10326 Natural History Museum will retail for £259.99 / $299.99 / €299.99, aligning with the final recommended retail price of the outgoing 10255 Assembly Square. LEGO enthusiasts and collectors can already pre-order this exceptional set, eagerly anticipating its arrival.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 31st October 2023
