We all knew a massive LEGO Hogwarts Castle set was coming in 2018, but nothing prepared me for this. Yesterday night, LEGO unveiled an absolutely massive Hogwarts Castle set that exceeded all my expectations.
LEGO Harry Potter fans are in for a treat with this stunning microscale rendition of Hogwarts Castle – all 6020 magical pieces, which makes this the second largest LEGO set by piece count. And as you can expect, it won’t come cheap – $399 in the US and $649.99 in Australia.
You best hope that your parents left you an entire vault filled with Galleons at Gringotts to afford Hogwarts. The release date for 71043 Hogwarts Castle is 1 September, however there will be a VIP pre-sale on 15 August 2018.
Here’s the regional pricing for the set:
- LEGO 71043 Hogwarts Castle – US$399.99 [US]
- LEGO 71043 Hogwarts Castle – AU$649.99 [AUS]
- LEGO 71043 Hogwarts Castle – GBP£349.99 [UK]
- LEGO 71043 Hogwarts Castle – CAD$499.99 [CAN]
- LEGO 71043 Hogwarts Castle– €399.99 [EU]
First of all, let’s discuss the set’s design. At a microscale level, it took me a moment to come to grips with it as I had honestly expected a minifig-scale set (one can still dream!) but after taking the day to study the photos in detail, I believe that microscale was the right decision to be made.
Hogwarts Castle is massive, and to accurately capture each facet of its iconic design, microscale is definitely the way to go. With one glance, you can instantly recognise the signature steeples, towers and sections such as the Great Hall.
You’re going to need to clear some display for this set, with Hogwarts Castle measuring over 58cm (22”) high, 69cm (27”) wide and 43cm (16”) deep.
The set comes with a total of 32 microfigures featuring students, professors and statues, and Dementors. They’re really tiny, but LEGO have managed to pack a respectable level of detail into the microfigs that you can recognise most of them.
While Hogwarts Castle might look stunning from the front, the back with the exposed interiors are the real draw of the set, and will surely delight any bonafide Potterhead.
When I first saw the photos, I couldn’t help but grin and try my best to name all the different chambers, rooms and settings that will feel familiar to fans of the books or movies.
This is fan service at its best, and I absolutely loved how they packed iconic moments from each of the books into the rooms. As if the design didn’t look Hogwarts enough, the interiors really seal the deal to make this THE ultimate Harry Potter set.
From Book 1, we have a scene set up in the Great Hall, possibly for the Sorting Ceremony and boasts stained glass windows, floating candles and house banners.
From Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Book 1), we have the Chessboard Chamber, where Harry, Ron and Hermione had to navigate a game of supersized Wizard Chess which was one of the obstacles guarding the Philospher’s Stone.
There seems to be a ton of Philospher Stone references, such as the room with the Winged Keys, and a broomstick (represented by a paintbrush) to find the right one.
From Book 1, we also have the Mirror of Erised, which as you know, held the Philospher’s Stone within it.
For Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, we of course have the Whomping Willow, complete with Mr Weasley’s Ford Anglia caught in it.
Still in Book 2, we have Hagrid’s Hut, with an Aragog spider figure. Love that they included Hagrid’s giant pumpkin patch!
Book 2 has the Chamber of Secrets represented, complete with a giant Basilisk. The Basilisk and those awesome cool pearl grey snakes look like new elements, and I can’t help but think they look amazingly cool. On the floor, represented by a black tile is Tom Riddle’s diary.
Representing Prisoner of Azkaban, we of course have the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, featuring a closet which contains a Boggart. Surrounding Hogwarts are also a bunch of Dementors, although that could’ve been from Book 7, but I think most people associate Dementors with Book 3. At least I do.
For Book 4, we have a brick-built Hungarian Horntail, just casually perched on one of the Hogwarts Towers.
Glad to see the Room of Requirement making an appearance, as a nod to Order of the Phoenix, where Dumbledore’s Army gathered here in secret to practice and hide from Dolores Umbridge and her Inquisitorial Squad.
Speaking of Umbridge, my blood instantly started to boil as soon as I saw this photo – of Umbridge’s office. It’s been years and she’s a fictional character but I have never detested a literature character more than her. Hem hem still makes my skin crawl.
Apart from these movie-specific scenes, there are also familiar haunts such as the shifting staircases, Gryffindor Common Room and even the library. Scanning the entire build, there are just so many more details packed into the build that I can’t wait to properly explore the corridors and secrets of Hogwarts Castle when I build this in September.
As an extra special touch, and a further bonus for Harry Potter fans, the set comes with 4 exclusives minifigures of the Hogwarts founders (and namesakes of each house). From left to right we have Tormund Giantsbane Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin and Rowena Ravenclaw who were widely regarded as the greatest witches and wizards of their time.
Such a fantastic touch to the overall set.
Now the big talking point is the price. At AU$650, this set is one of the most expensive on the market, but given the piece count, and how terrific it looks, it’s one of the sets that I can definitely justify splurging on. Whether I’ll do it at full price is debatable, but I feel that for what we’re getting, this set is a Potterhead fan’s dream come true.
This is undoubtedly THE definitive LEGO Harry Potter set, and while I’m a little sad that we’re not getting a minifig-scale Hogwarts, I think this will go down as one of the most iconic and inspired LEGO sets of this generation.
I absolutely can’t wait for this set. I’m so glad that LEGO brought back the Harry Potter license and in such stunning fashion – this is going to be one heck of a display piece.
So now that you’ve seen 71043 Hogwarts Castle in all its splendour, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the set. Take the poll and let me know in the comments!
The 2018 LEGO Hogwarts Castle set will go on sale on LEGO.com on 15 August for LEGO VIPs, and 1 September for the general public. If you’re lucky enough to live in a country with a LEGO store, they will be made available there too.
David says
Immense. Important to remember not to join the two parts if you plan to move it.
Jay says
Oh does it split apart into two parts?
David says
It is assembled in 2 parts that are then joined (but only if you don’t plan to move it).
Cristina Rosa says
Would this fit on a 4 ft x 16 inch shelf?
David says
A fascinating set with few problems (so far). Getting the large flats to lie flat (step 175) was a challenge as was fitting some of the pieces that cap the stained glass windows (step 246). For the latter, I needed to hollow out a few of these. Otherwise, so far (into book 2), looks good.
Beth says
I had that problem too. I used a dremel and rounder the corners on the window grate pieces. Worked like a charm.
Michael says
I ordered mine on VIP early access, and it just arrived yesterday! Started re-watching the movies while building it.
I’m into Bag 4, and I’ve made a reasonably large base – which looks like it is just the Great Hall and courtyard. Which is like a 3rd of the total build, if that.
This is going to be massive.
Jay says
Oh that’s great! I’ve been itching to do a re-watch/re-read of the series as well.
Hope you’re enjoying the build so far!
Elliott says
I’ve purchased as an investment, hoping in a few years it will be worth quite a lot.
If not then I get to unbox it and play with it so we will have to wait and see.
Jay says
Nice. As an investment set, it’s probably one of the better ones. Will take some time for it to appreciate in value but it’s definitely a solid choice.
Jessica Allen says
Will discount retailers like Big W stock the big castle?
Jay says
Possibly not. I expect it to get to independent retailers (like Toyworld) and department stores like Myer/David Jones.
Rob says
This is a gorgeous complete miniaturized set! It looks like the biggest downside to this kind of detail in miniature is that the details are on stickers – a gazillion of them! 🙁
Chrystal says
Where would you suggest getting this set on sale in Aus?
I’ve signed up for VIP and as a first time buyer of a set (since my childhood Lego was just random bricks) seeing that most of the initial HP set are already on back order I was going to buy straight away because of major FOMO feels 😛
Obviously you’d know better and know that the set will probably be around for a while, so what would you recommend?
Thanks! 😀
Mike says
Not a Harry Pooter fan as such but I have to admit this set is really stunning and would love to own it but would have nowhere to display it. I think I’ll be spending my hard earned on the Bugatti Chiron but all credit to Lego – fabulous set for those that are made of money (or have lots of credit cards).
Jay says
I’m waiting on a good sale on the Bugatti before springing on it so that my Porsche has a buddy 🙂
Mark says
Definitely one of the best microscale builds I’ve come across, official, MOC or other. Day 1 purchase for me. 😀 Not sure how to hide it from the wife though… she’ll want to build it!!!
Jay says
Haha, build it together!
Fiona says
I like the castle but really dislike the inside components and the mini mini figures. Also, the problem with purchasing it, apart from the price, is the question of where you display it given its size.
Jay says
Interesting thought! Good thing you can just display it with just the exterior, which looks fantastic.
Space to display is totally going to be an issue. I’m midway building the Roller Coaster and have no idea how I’m going to find space for it.
David Kessel says
Currently keeping this set on the dining room table which is only used occasionally for eating. I’m clearly running out of space for the Lego collection.
Anthony Christian says
I’m not a fan of HP, nor can I afford it. I am blown away by the beauty of this.
I think Lego have surprised with the microscale and then how huge and impressive this set is.
Certainly one for the collectors.
Jay says
Yeah, I can’t wait to see this set in the flesh. It looks remarkable, and together with the Disney Castle, will definitely go down as one of the most impressive sets in LEGO’s history.
Marlene says
How I would love to own this set but the price is too much for my limited funds. I am not complaining, just making a statement. It is fun to look.
Jay says
Yeah, the price is SUPER prohibitive. That said, the set should be around for a long time, so there’s plenty of time to save up.
Colby says
:O I am at a loss for words. What an incredible set!!!! OMG!!!! 😀 Sure, the price is really high but still, wow. I can’t wait to see it in stores!
Jay says
Me too! Gonna be a huge headache finding space for this set.
Colby says
:O I am at a loss for words. What an incredible set!!!! OMG!!!! 😀 Sure, the price is really high but still, wow.
Ian Hazlehurst says
Sadly not a Harry Potter fan, but love the set, but won’t be buying it.
Jay says
Kind of a good thing, as that’s a huge chunk on money that you can spend on other sets!
DeeAnn says
I have to have it, even though it may be the first time I’ll have to use a credit card and pay it off over several months! It’s a little rich for my tight budget, but since I have most of the old HP sets, I can’t stop now?
Jay says
Oh no, don’t go into debt for LEGO! I’ll be saving up slowly for this one. Are you in Australia? If yes, you should wait till it goes on sale. No way I’m paying full price for this set.
Darren says
Where do yo usually get them on sale and what kind of discount do you expect on this?
Cheers
Mark says
“Spellbound”…haha. It looks amazing! I kinda wish they’d included all of Hogwarts but it would have been huge and prohibitively expensive, even at this scale. I’m not a fan of the microfigs…they look weird without proper hairpieces (or Dumbledore’s beard). Still, the Hogwarts founders minifigs are a nice bonus and likely to remain exclusive. Unfortunately for me it’s around 1cm too wide and deep for my display case though!
P.S. Nice to see you back Jay.
Jay says
My hope with Hogwarts is that they’ll slowly release bits and pieces of it as retail minifig-scale sets, and they all combine like Voltron into the massive Hogwarts we all want.
Time for a new display case! Haha
Joshua Burak says
Will you ever review the minifigure series anymore?
Jay says
I just completed the review! Hope you managed to catch it!