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

Author : Brooklyn

Apr 19,2025

The first thing to note about this impressive LEGO Art set is its size. Measuring 21 inches high and 16 inches wide, it's about 60% the size of the original painting. This makes it a substantial piece, somewhat unwieldy to handle when moving it around.

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

Price: $199.99 at LEGO Store

This set isn't just a playful tribute to one of the world's most renowned artworks; it's designed to be taken seriously as a piece of home decor. It represents LEGO's ongoing transition from a mere curiosity for adults to a respected hobby.

Vincent van Gogh, during his time in Arles, France, created his iconic series of Sunflowers. These paintings were a significant part of a prolific period in his life, with van Gogh feeling a deep emotional connection to the sunflower, associating it with gratitude. He expressed this in a letter to a friend:

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

In August 1888, he painted four versions of sunflowers in a vase, and in January 1889, he created repetitions of the third and fourth versions.

Among these seven paintings, the fourth version and its two repetitions are particularly well-known. The original fourth version (F454) can be seen at the National Gallery in London, England. One repetition (F457) is at the Sompo Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan, and the other (F458), noted for its vibrant color composition, is displayed 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, inspired by the F458 repetition. This set captures van Gogh's thick brushstrokes through a three-dimensional relief using abstract LEGO pieces.

Upon opening the box, you'll find 34 numbered bags and an instruction booklet with a QR code, leading to a podcast about van Gogh's inspirations.

I found the build's practicality quite appealing. You start by constructing the frame, which you can lean against a wall while you work on the canvas. The final step involves mounting the canvas onto the frame and securing it with pins, adding a touch of realism to the process and enhancing the set's perceived value.

An intriguing Easter egg in the set reflects a detail from the original painting. Art experts discovered that van Gogh extended the canvas height with a wooden strip during the painting process. LEGO cleverly incorporates this by having builders attach a separate strip to the top of the canvas, using brown bricks to simulate wood.

This detail, though subtle and unnoticed by most, adds a layer of authenticity and personal connection for the builder, symbolizing the trial and error inherent in creating art. It also offers a unique point of discussion when showcasing the set.

Building the full-bloom sunflowers can be a bit tedious, but it's a necessary part of achieving the realistic look. The repetition mirrors van Gogh's own meticulous approach. Take breaks and enjoy the process; this isn't a set to rush through.

I particularly enjoyed constructing the wilting flowers and those in profile. They seemed abstract at first, but stepping back revealed their role in the overall composition.

A common question I receive is, "Where do you put a LEGO set after building it?" For this set, the answer is clear: it's now proudly displayed on my dining room wall. This set is perfect for those who know exactly where they'll display it, adding to the anticipation and enjoyment long after completion. It's been a week since I finished it, and I still appreciate its details and three-dimensional effects.

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

LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, Set #31215, retails for $199.99 and includes 2615 pieces. Available exclusively at the LEGO Store.