Today LEGO is announcing that the iconic 10189 Taj Mahal will be re-released as Creator Expert 10256 Taj Mahal. Formerly the long-time record holder for Largest LEGO Set until being dethroned a few months ago by the new UCS Millennium Falcon, this set is still the second-largest LEGO set of all time with 5,923 pieces and will be available on November 27 (aka Cyber Monday) in LEGO stores and from the LEGO Shop Online for $369.99 USD.
Interestingly, the new set contains a single piece more than its predecessor released in 2008, though the model is indistinguishable from its earlier twin. The original Taj Mahal sold at retail for $299.99, so the additional part plus inflation has resulted in a $70 increase since it was available a decade ago. (Looking through TBB archives, the original was once discounted to $249!)
Widely known as the crown jewel of many LEGO fans’ collections, the Taj Mahal currently commands a premium on the secondary market. News of yet another massive re-release will no doubt send prices into a whirl, as it seems that LEGO is intentionally aiming to rerelease or redesign older, massively popular sets which have garnered outlandish prices (in 2017 alone we’ve already had the UCS Snowspeeder and UCS Millennium Falcon). As of publication, the cheapest unopened Taj Mahal set is selling for $3,000 USD, a price that will no doubt drop dramatically soon.
2017 will certainly go down in history as the year of big sets, with a version of the top 11 largest LEGO sets ever all available for purchase from LEGO simultaneously by the end of November:
- 75192: Millennium Falcon; 7,541 pieces; $799.99 (read our review)
- 10256 Taj Mahal; 5,923 pieces; $369.99 (available Nov. 29)
- 70620 Ninjago City; 4,867 pieces; $299.99 (read our review)
- 75827 Firehouse Headquarters; 4,634 pieces; $349.99 (read our review)
- 10214 Tower Bridge; 4,287 pieces; $239.99
- 10253 Big Ben; 4,163 pieces; $249.99 (read our review)
- 71040 Disney Castle; 4,080 pieces; $349.99 (read our review)
- 75159 Death Star; 4,016 pieces; $499.99
- 10255 Assembly Square; 4,002 pieces; $279.99 (read our review)
- 42055 Bucket Wheel Excavator; 3,929 pieces; $279.99
- 70922 Joker Manor; 3,444 pieces; $269.99 (available Nov. 24)
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
10256 Taj Mahal
Ages 16+. 5,923 pieces.
US $369.99 – CA $449.99 – DE 329.99€ – UK £299.99 – DK 2699.00 DKK
Discover the architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal!
Build and discover the Taj Mahal! The huge ivory-white marble mausoleum, renowned as one of the world’s architectural wonders, was commissioned in 1631 by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, the Empress Mumtaz Mahal. This relaunched 2008 LEGO® Creator Expert interpretation features the structure’s 4 facades with sweeping arches, balconies and arched windows. The central dome, subsidiary domed chambers and surrounding minarets are topped with decorative finials, and the raised platform is lined with recessed arches. The model is finished with ornate detailing throughout and intricate tilework around the base. With more than 5,900 pieces, this set is designed to deliver a rewarding building experience and makes a great display piece for the home or office.
- LEGO® interpretation of the real-world architectural wonder, the Taj Mahal.
- Relaunched 2008 model, featuring 4 facades with arches and arched windows; central dome, 4 subsidiary domed chambers and 4 minarets, all topped with decorative finials; raised platform lined with recessed arches; ornate detailing throughout; and intricate tilework around the base.
- Divides into 7 modular sections for easier transportation.
- Put your LEGO® building skills to the test with one of the largest LEGO models ever created
- Special elements include 6 blue 16×32 baseplates, white 1x5x4 bricks with bow, lots of transparent elements, ‘Erling’ bricks and ‘jumper’ plates.
- Measures over 16” (43cm) high, 20” (51cm) wide and 20” (51cm) deep.
