Modding the Natural History Museum (10326) – A challenge built for you

When it comes to LEGO® building, following instructions isn’t your only option. The LEGO Modular Series provides the perfect platform for creativity beyond the manual, inspiring simple, but unique additions and alterations that allow that personal touch.

So, we set a challenge for our dedicated fan builder: take two copies of the Natural History Museum (10326) set, limit yourself to the included pieces and create a structure unique to them.

The outcome? One inspirational, larger-than-life museum with heaps of personality! Let’s take a look at how it was done!

Step 1 – Blueprint building

When it comes to expanded builds, it’s important to lay the groundwork. Consider: ‘What do you want to bring to the build?’ Maybe you want to build up or increase the floor print, deciding this makes for a good starting point!

Setting their sights on how they could bring more storytelling to the museum, our fan builder decided to transform the museum’s original rectangle-shape into an open C-shape. Plus space for a mini car park and garden for staff to munch on sandwiches during breaks. They even went beyond the challenge, adding a few additional bricks for a play area with sandpit and hidden dinosaur bone, expanding the story-telling around the set in front and back.

Step 2 – Starting to build

Our builder had chosen to make this an expansion rather than a full alternative build. Considering this, they chose to build the first set as per the instructions. This would still be the front aspect and give the build a starting point.

Then the plan was to use the second set for the extension. It was built one floor at a time and only opened a few numbered bags at once. This let them gauge whether they have enough bricks. Thanks to this approach our builder reduced the width of the extension early on, as it was clear a brick shortage was inevitable.

Our builder recommends incorporating techniques used in the original build as much as possible to help consistency. It's also a great way to learn new ways to build.

Step 3 – Addressing the challenges

Our builder recalls two challenging moments in this build. The first was keeping it structurally sound while being easy to move. Due to its size, it needed to come apart not just by floors but also in sections. To make this possible a lot of time was spent working on the ground floor, creating a smooth, interlocking overlap between the original and extension. Once the ground floor blueprint was constructed, it was a simple task of building upwards.

The other challenge came when redesigning the roof’s linear line while retaining the distinctive look. It wasn’t a quick task, it took plenty of trial and error, but that's the beauty of LEGO bricks, nothing is permanent! This is also a fun way to explore options, and the roof went through 5-6 iterations before landing on this final version.

Step 4 – Finishing up

It was at the end that our builder went back and knocked through the internal walls to make one big, connected masterpiece. Getting the structure right before adding details is always a good way to prevent lots of rebuilding. Once finished, all that's left to do is choose where to display your creation... or like our fan builder, you can always go back and add more!

The key thing to remember here is that nothing’s permanent with LEGO bricks. So, why not take a risk and try modding your own modular set? There’s no right or wrong, so make it yours – you never know what the outcome could be… as our builder says, “Don’t be afraid to go beyond the instructions. Not all LEGO builds are easy, but it’s not about being the best builder – it’s about your enjoyment. Have fun with it!”