United Nations Headquarters

My 1st grader really wanted this set. I saw that they were for 12+, so I hesitated, but purchased it as a reward for something he did... which I can't remember. But it was so very much worth the price. It comes with almost 500 pieces and a thick, thick booklet on how to put it together. It gave my 7 year old a lot of confidence after being able to put it together all by himself. It also gave him a few hours of calm time (on two different days.) My 7 year old said "I would rate this 100 stars" - sooo there you have it! more less

The 16×8 plates are for the set's base, and from there, the construction starts layer by layer, with the exception of the main building with windows, which is built in three blocks of several layers each one. And as a grand finale…the details of the flagpoles, simply great!! more less

For the more casual AFOL who may also happen to be a fan of the Architecture line or international politics, it's probably an easy pick up. For the rest of us, it'll probably be like all the other Architecture sets that you gloss over and pass by on your way to the other themes. more less

I don't know what to think. This model is pretty for sure, especially from the back. Most of the buildings are pretty nice, and the white and light blue go together swimmingly. The ground in front is kind of ugly, though, as I touched upon earlier, but it doesn't 'ruin' the model. more less

The finished model really is a joy to behold and, as far as I can tell, accurately depicts the UN building. Everything about the set is quality: the box, the instructions, the attention to detail in the design and the parts selection. I therefore have no hesitation in recommending it. more less

Overall, the model is not difficult to build; there are no terribly tricky steps and almost no weak connections. It must have been challenging to design but the simplicity of the LEGO System and the methodical instructions mean that perhaps a ten-year-old should be fine without help, should they have the patience. But it isn't a boring build; it is an inspiring primer in using SNOT to create fine microscale details. For the most part, the buildings are represented brilliantly in such minute scale. The set is not so small that it seems unsatisfying, nor is it so large that you get bored. more less