Lego Releases Notre-Dame Cathedral Set, Drawing Adults Back to Childhood Joy
Arnaud Gaudillat, a history teacher in France, was moved to tears as he watched the devastating fire at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in 2019. Now, five years later, as the real cathedral is being rebuilt, he is constructing his own version out of 4,383 Lego pieces.
Lego, the world’s largest toy company, recently released a model of the iconic cathedral, complete with intricate details like rose windows, bell towers, and a central spire surrounded by statues. Designed for adults, the set is part of Lego’s collection of architectural feats, appealing to fans of design and history alike.
“I just want to have this beautiful thing in my house,” said Mr. Gaudillat, expressing his passion for building Lego sets. The Notre-Dame set, priced at $229.99, has gained attention not only for its design but also for being the first religious structure released by Lego in 67 years.
Thomas Lajon, a screenwriter and director in Paris, shared his desire to purchase the Lego Notre-Dame as a way to reconnect with the real cathedral, which holds significant meaning for him. The set allows fans to engage with the cathedral’s history and architecture in a unique and hands-on way.
Genevieve Capa Cruz, head of product for adults at Lego, highlighted the growing trend of adults turning to Lego sets as a leisure activity, particularly as a way to unwind from high-pressure jobs. Themes like architecture, flowers, and popular movies have resonated with adult fans, leading to increased sales for the company.
As Lego continues to expand its offerings for adults, fans like Sonia Hudson, an intensive care doctor in London, are eagerly adding the Notre-Dame set to their collections. For Dr. Hudson, Lego is not just a toy but a building medium that allows for creativity and expression.
With the release of the Notre-Dame set, Lego designer Rok Zgalin Kobe aimed to capture the majesty and history of the cathedral, guiding users through the construction process in stages similar to the real building’s timeline. The set offers a unique perspective on the iconic structure, allowing fans to appreciate its grandeur in a new light.
For Gordon Finlay, a Lego fan outside Glasgow, the Notre-Dame set represents a return to childhood joy after a period of not playing with Lego sets, which fans humorously refer to as “the dark age.” As he prepares to build the set, he joins a community of adult Lego enthusiasts rediscovering the magic of building and creating with these timeless toys.
