It’s rare that LEGO sets are directly affected by the tragedies that happen in the real world. But just as the first photos were turning up online of a new LEGO Architecture set depicting the Las Vegas skyline, a gunman opened fire on October 1st, 2017, firing down onto a packed concert venue from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel casino. The gunman murdered 58 people, injuring hundreds of others. In light of this tragedy, LEGO never officially unveiled the Las Vegas set, originally scheduled to be released alongside 21039 Shanghai in January 2018. LEGO has finally revealed the redesigned (and re-numbered) set, 21047 Las Vegas on Amazon.fr.
The French Amazon website doesn’t list a price or part count, but we expect it to be in the same range as Shanghai (597 pieces for $59.99) and New York City (598 pieces for $59.99). We’ll update you as we learn more, though thus far LEGO has been keeping this set fairly low profile.
The redesigned version of the set retains the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, Luxor with the Sphinx, Encore at the Wynn (despite #MeToo allegations against owner Steve Wynn), Stratosphere tower, and Fremont Street Experience, but replaces the Mandalay Bay with the Bellagio.
Although we’ve never really recommended LEGO Architecture sets as parts packs, builders may be disappointed to see that the original unreleased or canceled version (numbered 21038 rather than 21047), appeared to include a large number of pearl gold pieces for the gold-colored glass of Mandalay Bay.
Here are a couple more official photos of the redesigned version.
What a shame they decided to change it. I really liked the original design. I was in Vegas a week ago and the Mandalay is looking beautiful and getting on with it. Lego should have supported them. #VegasStrong
I don’t understand using the Wynn or the Stratosphere. Neither are unique to Vegas. The MGM Grand would have been more aptly suited to this model. Even Excalibur and Circus Circus would be more appealing and frankly more fun to build.