Trafalgar Square

Name: LEGO Trafalgar Square 21045
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 21045
Rating: 4.79 (2374 reviews)

85 · HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: AA20191,197 pcsHigh agreement · 97%

Expert reviews

2analyzed

Owner ratings

2.4K+

Consensus

BUY

BrickScore

Highly Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"With an 84.9 BrickScore and 4.79 stars across nearly 2,400 owner ratings, Trafalgar Square is one of the Architecture line's finest achievements, praised by every reviewer for its inventive techniques, vibrant color, and unmatched integration of building with surrounding environment."

Both expert reviewers align on Trafalgar Square as a standout Architecture set, earning an 84.9 BrickScore and a Highly Recommended tier, with the set's innovative building techniques and detailed integration of environment with landmark building drawing consistent praise. Brickset called it "probably the greatest example of integration between a building and its environment within the Architecture theme," while JANG described it as "absolutely beautiful in so many ways." Real buyers back this up strongly: 4.79 out of 5 stars across 2,374 ratings, with 79% saying they would recommend it, and a value_for_money score of 4.1 out of 5.

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LOVED (9)

01Innovative building techniques throughout, especially the layered staircase construction
02Vibrant, visually striking color scheme that sets it apart from plainer Architecture sets
03Detailed representation of the surrounding environment, not just the National Gallery building
04Interior access panels with removable sections revealing gallery artwork inside
05Accurate window count and architectural detail reflecting the real location
06Nelson's Column and multiple statuary elements add authenticity
07Miniature red double-decker buses, black taxis, fountains, and trees add life and color
08Strong display value from multiple angles
09Excellent US price of $79.99 for 1,197 pieces at $0.067 per piece

CRITICIZED (9)

01Nelson's Column lacks the dark band coloring seen on the real structure
02No human-scale figures or people in the square, which JANG felt was a missed opportunity
03Unsightly stud gaps between corner lampposts unavoidable due to missing appropriate piece
04National Gallery proportions are truncated at the ends due to scale constraints
05Interior artwork does not reference actual National Gallery paintings
06Reverse of the building is entirely plain
07Miniature trees difficult to position with single-stud trunk attachment
08Total plastic volume is low relative to price; mostly tiny 1x1 plates and tiles
09Some printed tiles may be repurposed from an unreleased theme

What reviewers are saying

"Neoclassical architecture is relatively common across the LEGO Architecture theme but this example appears distinctive, due primarily to its detailed environment and intricate construction methods which surpass previous …"

Brickset Reviews

"there are a lot of really nice building techniques used throughout this entire model"

JANG's LEGO Reviews

Ecosystem

21029 Buckingham Palace — Trafalgar Square surpasses predecessor in design; same vehicles (red double-decker buses, black taxis) and white coloring allows attractive paired display. Improved colonnade design compared to similar techniques in Buckingham Palace.

21030 United States Capitol Building — Central portico with ten columns particularly attractive because roof integrated beautifully, improving upon colonnade in Capitol Building

ArchitectureTier 2Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 2

Avg score

Consensus

BUY

Brickset Reviews

Editorial Source

BUY

Key Pros

✓Innovative building techniques
✓Vibrant, striking color scheme
✓Exceptional detailing and attention to accuracy

Key Cons

✕Unsightly gaps between corner lampposts where studs visible (unavoidable due to lack of appropriate piece)
✕Building focus reduced to quarter of set (may disappoint some collectors who prefer architectural detail focus)

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JANG's LEGO Reviews

Expert Video Source

BUY

"there are a lot of really nice building techniques used throughout this entire model"

Key Pros

✓Really nice building techniques throughout
✓Beautifully captures architectural details
✓Interior detail panels add visual interest on back

Key Cons

✕Nelson's Column lacks dark band coloring seen on real structure
✕Should have had smaller people/figures in the square

JUMP TO REVIEW

Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Buy now (1)Wait for sale (0)

Exclusivity

JANG's LEGO Reviews: Standard LEGO Architecture retail release

Minifigures & Standout Parts

Standout parts (per reviewers)

3x3 dome in light bluish grey
New color for this piece; will presumably appear in many subsequent Architecture sets
Layered 1x2 and 1x4 panels for steps
Ingeniously assembled technique for connecting Trafalgar Square with National Gallery
Neck brackets used for string course
Reviewer's favorite building technique across entire set; brackets nestle between windows
1x1 clips for balustrade
Sixteen clips represent roof edge detail
Weapon barrel elements in dome
Used as part of central dome construction
Printed tiles with rainbow stripes
New designs featuring colorful stripes; possibly designed for another unreleased set

What Owners Say · summarized from 29 written reviews (LEGO, Amazon, Walmart)

Owners praise the creative build techniques (especially the stairs) and accurate Trafalgar Square representation, but criticize weak structural integrity of the base, disappointing lion and statue designs, and inappropriate gallery artwork.

COMMON PRAISE