LEGO Unveils Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers with Hidden Art Surprise

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LEGO Unveils Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers with Hidden Art Surprise

Apr 20,25

The first thing to know about the LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers set is its impressive size. At 21 inches high and 16 inches wide, it's approximately 60% the size of the original painting, making it a substantial piece that can be a bit unwieldy to handle.

Out March 1

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

$199.99 at LEGO Store

This set is designed to be taken seriously, serving as a tribute to one of the world's most iconic artworks. It's crafted to be displayed as art in your home, marking a significant step in LEGO's journey from a curiosity for adults to a respected adult hobby.

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

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Vincent van Gogh painted his famous series of Sunflowers during his time in Arles, France, a period of prolific creativity. He had a deep emotional connection to the sunflower, viewing it as a symbol of gratitude. In a letter to a friend, he wrote:

"If [Georges] Jeannin has the peony, [Ernest] Quost the hollyhock, I indeed, before others, have taken the sunflower."

In August 1888, van Gogh completed four versions of sunflowers in a vase, and he revisited this motif in January 1889, creating repetitions of the third and fourth versions.

Among these seven paintings, the fourth version and its two repetitions are the most renowned. The original fourth version (F454) is displayed at the National Gallery in London, England. One repetition (F457) can be found at the Sompo Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan, and the other (F458) – known for its vibrant colors and iconic composition – is housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The Van Gogh Museum, established in 1973, collaborated with LEGO to create the LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set, a homage to the F458 repetition. This set is designed as a three-dimensional relief using abstract pieces to mimic van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes.

Upon opening the box, you'll find 34 numbered bags and a printed instruction booklet, which includes a QR code leading to a podcast about van Gogh and his inspirations.

I appreciated the practical aspect of the build. Initially, you construct the painting's frame, which you can lean against a wall while waiting to complete the canvas. The canvas is then mounted into the frame and secured with pins, adding a personal touch that mimics the real-life staging and presentation process, enhancing the set's perceived value and importance.

An intriguing Easter egg is hidden within the canvas's construction. Art experts discovered that van Gogh extended the canvas's height with a wooden strip during the painting process. LEGO cleverly replicates this detail by having you build the canvas first and then attach a separate strip at the top with pins, using brown bricks to resemble wood.

This subtle detail, though imperceptible to casual observers, adds a layer of exclusivity and appreciation for the builder, reflecting the trial and error even a master like van Gogh experienced. It's a delightful touch that connects the builder to the artist's process.

Constructing the full-bloom sunflowers can be tedious, yet it's a necessary part of achieving the realistic look. The repetitive nature mirrors van Gogh's dedication to his craft. Take breaks and savor the process – this isn't a set to rush through.

I particularly enjoyed building the wilting and profile-view flowers. Initially abstract and seemingly random, they reveal their purpose when viewed from a distance, adding depth and realism to the overall piece.

The most common question I get from other adults is, "Where do you display a LEGO set after you build it?" For this set, the answer is straightforward: on my dining room wall. This set is designed to be proudly displayed, offering a clear purpose and enjoyment long after completion. A week after finishing it, I still find new details to appreciate.

This is the first standout LEGO set of 2025, highly recommended for enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, Set #31215, retails for $199.99 and comprises 2615 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.