New at Brick Architect

Here’s a quick summary of what’s new this month:

• Pop Culture LEGO Modulars
  Can licensed modulars follow the standard — and how far can they bend the rules without breaking them? (This article includes a closer look at both #76294 X-Men: The X-Mansion and #76300 Arkham Asylum.)
• Updated: LEGO Parts Guide
  I added custom images for nearly 50 parts, including a mix of new parts for 2026 and retired parts.

July 2026 releases for AFOLs

After a jam-packed June release schedule, July is a lot quieter with just a couple sets of interest to adult LEGO builders. One day-one purchase to consider is the Technic Koenigsegg Sadair, because a limited edition #40894 Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear Steering Wheel gift-with-purchase is available while supplies last.

• #11374 Arcade Pinball Machine (LEGO Icons)
  Combining a playable pinball machine with the AFOL-approved LEGO Space theme and a competitive price feels like an obvious recipe for success, and strong sales!
  2274 pieces, ages 18+, $230.
• #42232 Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear Megacar (Technic)
  The latest Technic supercar is something that fans have learned to look forward to every two years. While I am not a car enthusiast, I have always been impressed with the high level of detailing achieved in these intricate models.
  4104 pieces, ages 18+, $450.
• #42240 Aston Martin Aramco AMR25 F1 Car (LEGO Technic)
  If you want to pay more than half of the cost of the Megacar, and get a lot less than half the number of pieces, you can check out this F1 car instead. (The pricing is rough; couldn’t big oil substitute the cost of plastic granules?)
  1547 pieces, ages 18+, $230.

#11374 Arcade Pinball Machine is the obvious pick for the most exciting July release for most builders.

Other interesting sets this month:

• #75459 Imperial Lambda-Class Shuttle (Star Wars)
  961 pieces, ages 14+, $140.
• #76356 Venom Bust (Marvel)
  413 pieces, ages 18+, $50.

As always, you can explore all of the new releases by visiting the lego.com store. (Making a purchase using our referral link helps support this website.)

Best articles from around the web

I hope you enjoy this month’s collection of interesting LEGO links…

• Behind the Scenes of Minas Tirith – Our Interview with LEGO designer Francois Zapf
  LEGO designer Francois Zapf explains the lengths that the design team went to ensure that the model works both as a microscale architectural model and as a model which you can decorate with Minifigs. Apparently, a smaller architectural model was explored before settling on this larger size.
  —Brothers Brick
• Review: 40507 – I ❤️ Billund
  It’s hard to get the LEGO House exclusive sets, so this article by TobyMac is the easiest way to get a closer look at the newest architecturally-focused model.
  —Rebrickable
• Ekow Nimako Studios
  A closer look at the studio of professional LEGO artist Ekow Nimako reveals a beautiful working space, lots of models on display, and I was excited to see his LEGO parts organized using my LEGO Brick Labels collection.
  —curiocitytoronto (Instagram)

Apparently, LEGO Artist Ekow Nimako uses my labels to organize his bricks. (Image: curiocitytoronto)

• Building Knowledge: The Long Road to the University of Science
  Joshua Kingman shares tips to get large models selected in the BrickLink Designer program. Great photography, adapting to the limited parts catalogue, and patience certainly help!
  —BrickNerd
• Making Your MOCs Move: Managing Motorized LEGO Models
  Bethany Wright, a LEGO educator and Tips&Bricks contributor shares tricks to bring your LEGO models to life with motion, and lubricants that keep them moving even longer.
  —BrickNerd
• Review: 31220-1 – Claude Monet – Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies
  This review by JESmamamaakt includes a nice comparison of the new Blue Violet color compared to existing and retired LEGO colors.
  —Rebrickable

See how the new Blue Violet color compares to similar colors. (Image: Rebrickable)

• The 2026 LEGO Inside Tour set commemorates the first LEGO logo
  See how The LEGO Group re-captured their very first LEGO logo in a buildable set packed with rare drum-lacquered gold parts. Unfortunately, you can’t buy this one in stores!
  —Jay’s Brick Blog
• Review: 11380 Road Bike
  This review by Brickset founder Huw Millington highlights all of the new parts introduced in this set while also describing the bike geometry and components in a way that would only be possible for fellow cyclists.
  —Brickset
• Design update at BrickLink: LEGO updates visual identity (German)
  This article offers a biting critique of the upcoming visual changes to the BrickLink website, but also to the slow degradation of the BrickLink brand as it is dumbed down to fit better with The LEGO Group’s own brand.
  —zusammengebaut.com