A Beginner’s Guide to LEGO® Modular Sets

Interested in the creative constructable world of LEGO® Modular Buildings? Here’s everything you need to know before you start building!

Ready to hit the city? Look no further than the wonder of LEGO Modular Buildings – a creative way to bring smart construction, intricate detail and clever storytelling together to make a breathtaking LEGO display.

So, why are LEGO Modular Buildings so popular, and which sets are included in this captivating collection? Let’s find out…

What’s the LEGO® Modular Collection story?

The LEGO Modular Collection was first introduced in 2007 as a series of larger, immersive LEGO building sets. From hotels to cafés to shops, this collection quickly gained popularity as a fun way to construct detailed LEGO builds and is now a showstopping collection both professional and beginner builders can truly appreciate.

Café Corner (10182) was the first LEGO modular design in the series. This iconic build quickly became a favorite among LEGO fans. Café Corner (10182) opened up a world (or at the very least, a city) of possibilities for LEGO builders – from double-thick walls to brick-built lettering to using unusual LEGO parts for entirely different purposes (the entrance archway made with LEGO skis, for example).

And of course, the journey didn’t stop there. From Café Corner (10182) to Market Street (10190), from Green Grocer (10185) to Assembly Square (10255), the LEGO Modular Buildings designs grew and grew as did the love and passion of LEGO fans around the world.

What types of LEGO Modular Sets are there?

This impressive collection currently includes 20 builds, with a new release every year (bring on number 21!), up to the 2025 Tudor Corner (10350). You can fill your LEGO street with the music of the Jazz Club (10312), the tranquility of the cozy Bookshop (10270), or the fascination of the iconic 10-year anniversary Assembly Square (10255), one of the first modular sets to span more than one baseplate. And let’s not forget the sophistication of the Boutique Hotel (10297), celebrating 15 years of LEGO Modular Buildings.

The Boutique Hotel (10297) is a prime example of why these sets are so loved by fans! Hiding an abundance of details with clever nods that honor past sets, including the hotel reception phone from the Police Station (10278) and a coffee mug featured in Café Corner (10182). The set takes all the previous learnings and design ideas and elevates them into a showstopping build. The architectural structure and design of this particular set goes above and beyond thanks to its unique geometric, wedge-shaped design. Trust us, your minifigures are in for a hotel stay unlike anything they’ve ever experienced before!

LEGO Modular Sets are full of hidden eggs…

Not normal eggs, obviously, but hidden Easter eggs! This makes the builds even more enjoyable for fans who love spotting these intricate details. The Natural History Museum (10326) for example – alongside the historic interior with a Brachiosaurus skeleton and astronomy exhibits – features a minifigure of the real LEGO designer behind the set as a window washer suspended on the building. Cool, right?

And if you like that, you’ll love that most modular sets are connected and feature the same or inspired pieces in different sets. For example, the donut in The Natural History Museum (10326) is from the shop featured in the Police Station (10278), and the Boutique Hotel (10297) has artwork from the artist in the attic of the Parisian Restaurant featured in the Assembly Square (10255). Mind blown!

How do LEGO Modular Sets work?

The best part about these eye-catching constructions is that each can be interconnected with a ‘clip together’ feature to create one large LEGO city – perfect for those looking to take their love of LEGO building to the next level.

Each modular set is made with interconnectivity and compatibility in mind, so buildings are designed on the same scale to look more realistic when joined with other sets. Since we typically release at least one new LEGO Modular Set each year, it won’t be too long before you can expand your ever-growing collection (but in the meantime, you can always enhance your street with to-scale vehicles that fit seamlessly with your builds!).

How do you display and maintain LEGO Modular Sets?

LEGO Modular Sets are impressive as standalone pieces, so it doesn’t take much to exhibit them in your home. If you choose to construct a couple of buildings from the collection, you may want to dedicate a deep-set shelf or display case.

But if you decide to construct a busy street or LEGO cityscape, it’s best to ensure you have plenty of display space – be it multiple display units or tabletops. That way each modular set can be appreciated individually and as a whole collection.

Most LEGO Modular Set fans recommend a customizable acrylic display case that encloses your builds in a protective see-through box. However, if that’s not for you, others suggest a large bookcase to display your build effectively. Just remember that long-width modular sets or multiple sets won’t fit all units so make sure you measure each modular set to ensure the perfect fit!

And of course, with a great display comes great responsibility to keep it clean and pristine, so use a soft paintbrush or duster to keep the dust and dirt at bay.

So, if you’re feeling creative and inspired, why not embark on a LEGO Modular Building journey today? We’re sure it’ll be right up your street…