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

The first thing to know about the LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers set is its impressive size. Measuring 21 inches high and 16 inches wide, this build is approximately 60% the size of the original painting. Its substantial dimensions make it a bit unwieldy to handle, yet perfect for displaying as a centerpiece in your home.

Out March 1### LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

0$199.99 at LEGO StoreThis set's size and scope command attention, positioning it as a serious tribute to one of the world's most iconic artworks. It's designed to be hung as art in your living space, marking a significant evolution of LEGO from a mere curiosity to a sophisticated adult hobby.

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

93 ImagesVincent van Gogh's famous Sunflowers series was created during his time in Arles, France, a period marked by prolific creativity. Van Gogh felt a deep emotional connection to the sunflower, viewing it as a symbol of gratitude and even referring to it as his artistic muse. 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 painted four versions of sunflowers in a vase, returning to the motif in January 1889 to create a repetition of the third version and two different repetitions of the fourth version.

Among these seven paintings, the fourth version and its two repetitions stand out as the most renowned. The original fourth version (F454) is housed at the National Gallery in London, England. One repetition (F457) is displayed at the Sompo Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan, while the other repetition (F458), celebrated for its vibrant color and composition, resides at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

In collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, established in 1973, LEGO introduced the LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set, inspired by the F458 repetition. This set is crafted as a three-dimensional relief, utilizing abstract pieces to emulate van Gogh's distinctive thick brushstrokes.

Upon opening the box, you'll find 34 numbered bags along with a printed instruction booklet that includes a QR code. Scanning this code directs you to a podcast exploring van Gogh's life and artistic inspirations.

I appreciated the build's practical design. You start by assembling the painting's frame, which I leaned against the wall as a placeholder. Next, you construct the canvas with the painting on it.

You complete the build by mounting the canvas into the frame and securing it with pins, a process that mirrors the real-life staging of art, enhancing the set's perceived value and importance.

An intriguing Easter egg is hidden within the canvas construction. Art experts noted that van Gogh extended the height of the canvas with a wooden strip during the painting process of F458 to ensure the sunflowers weren't cramped.

LEGO cleverly replicates this detail by having you initially build the canvas as one piece, then attach a separate strip at the top using pins. The strip, circled in red below, is even designed with brown bricks to resemble wood.

This seemingly minor detail adds an unexpected layer of authenticity and exclusivity, known only to the builder. It evokes the sense of trial and error inherent in creating a masterpiece and offers a personal touch that you can choose to share with others.

Building the full-bloom sunflowers can feel repetitive, yet it's an essential part of the process that mirrors van Gogh's meticulous approach. Take breaks to enjoy the experience fully, as this isn't a build to rush through.

I particularly enjoyed constructing the wilting flowers and those depicted in profile. Initially abstract and seemingly random, these elements come together beautifully when viewed from a distance, revealing themselves as stems or leaves.

The most common question from fellow adults is, "Where do you put a LEGO set after building it?" For this set, the answer is straightforward: on my dining room wall. This clear destination enhances the anticipation of completing the set and allows you to enjoy it long after finishing. A week after completing my build, I'm still discovering new three-dimensional details that catch my eye. This is the first remarkable LEGO set of 2025 and comes highly recommended.

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