Custom LEGO Architecture Skylines

You might be inspired to build a model of your favorite city after seeing this collection of the best fan-made LEGO ‘Skyline’ models.

The LEGO Skylines series combines four to five landmarks from a single city into one model. There are now six official sets, after three new sets were released in January 2017 (Chicago, Sydney, and London).

That said, there are hundreds of cities around the world with exceptional architecture, and LEGO enthusiasts aren’t waiting for an official set of their favorite cities – they are already building their own versions! I wanted to highlight a few great examples that closely follow the style of the official sets, as well as a few interesting models that have tried something new.

All seven of these models were selected from my Pinterest board containing Fan-made LEGO Skylines. For more great LEGO Architecture creations, visit pinterest.com/tomalphin.

Paris Skyline

This intricate Skyline of Paris captures five key landmarks using a modest number of LEGO bricks. I am especially impressed by the accurate Eiffel Tower, and the front facade detailing for Notre Dame.

Paris Skyline, by Cecilie Fritzvold

Paris Skyline, by Cecilie Fritzvold

From left to right: Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Notre-Dame, and July Column.

Tokyo Skyline

Cecilie’s second model in this list is a beautiful model of Tokyo.

Tokyo Skyline, by Cecilie Fritzvold.

Tokyo Skyline, by Cecilie Fritzvold.

From left to right: Meiji Jingu, Tokyo Tower, the Imperial palace, Tokyo Skytree, and Senso-ji.

Both of Cecilie’s models have an appropriate number of buildings, as compared to the official sets. She did take one liberty – the entire base of both of her models have a depth of 6-studs, rather than the 4-studs used on most of the official models. This allows more detailed landscaping, which is a nice touch.

Milan Skyline

I love that Fernanda’s model includes a microscale LEGO model of Torre Velasca, an early example of the transition from Modernism to Postmodernism. I also have fond memories of touring the interior and rooftop of the Duomo during my foreign exchange to Italy in High School.

Milan Skyline, by Fernanda Rimini

Milan Skyline, by Fernanda Rimini

From left to right: Torre Velasca, Duomo, Castello Sforzesco & Pirelli skyscraper.

Frankfurt Skyline

This computer-generated LEGO Skyline of Frankfurt contains a generous eight buildings, resulting in a model that is quite a bit wider than the official sets. The Commerzbank Tower is particularly well done.

Frankfurt Skyline, by ThomasW

Frankfurt Skyline, by ThomasW

From left to right: Henninger Turm, Maintower, Römer, Messeturm, Eiserner Steg / Iron Bridge, Commerzbank Tower, Tower 185, and Europaturm.

Dubai Skyline

This is an excellent collection of many of Dubai’s most interesting new buildings. This includes the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and one of the world’s finest hotels, the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai Skyline, by Anscott

Dubai Skyline, by Anscott

From left to right: Jumeira Beach Hotel, Cayan Tower, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Atlantis.

While the circular arrangement deviates from the official Skyline sets, the shape is intentional – it evokes the curved shape of the palm-shaped peninsulas which have been built along the coast. I think the buildings in this model would work just as well in a linear arrangement.

Seoul Skyline

It’s hard not to like this intricately detailed model featuring four landmarks in Seoul, South Korea.

Seoul Skyline, by Ponpanpino

Seoul Skyline, by Ponpanpino

From left to right: Tower of Yi Sun-sin, Sungnyemun, Seoul Station, and N Seoul Tower.

I was a little hesitant to include this model as it doesn’t follow the Skyline style very faithfully. The base has a different design and is far too deep, and the buildings are a bit too large and detailed. I went ahead and included it as it’s got really nice detailing and I think you will like it too. I’d love to see another version at a slightly smaller scale!

Budapest Skyline

I wanted to close this collection with this excellent model of Budapest. By placing the Chain Bridge in front of the Fisherman’s Bastion, the model features the artistic layering of structures that was introduced with the new 2017 sets.

Budapest Skyline, by docbali

Budapest Skyline, by docbali

From left to right: House of Parliament, Chain Bridge (Lánchíd), Fisherman’s Bastion, and Heroes Square.

I hope these models have inspired you to create a skyline of your favorite city. If you create a great LEGO skyline, or or want to share another great model that you found, leave a comment below!

7 Responses

  1. Anthony says:

    Hi. I’m a little bit too late, but I created a Skyline from Koln (Cologne, Germany). You can find it there :

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDv4zlkHHgv/?igshid=1cqd36q4yp0vb

  2. Tyler says:

    I noticed that one of my skylines was in your Pinterest board. I just wanted to say that I completely rebuilt my Washington D.C. skyline and I also made a San Francisco skyline. Both of which are in a Rebrick contest with other spectacular skylines. You will definitely be impressed by the submissions in the contest.

  3. Ken says:

    Budapest looks almost ready to go into production. Some of the others are really close. I’m doing some concepts for a Midwest American city (where I was born), need to get the stones to start solving one of the biggest issues with it. Love the article!

  4. Michael says:

    Hi Tom!
    In the building list for Frankfurt, I think one is missing. Between Henninger Turm and Römer stands the Maintower.
    Michael

    • tomalphin says:

      Thanks Michael, I’ll correct the article now! (I haven’t been to Frankfurt so I didn’t notice the mistake myself.)

  5. Hi Tom, I created this one of my adopted home city of Glasgow in Scotland: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/133033

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