LEGO model of V&A Dundee goes on display as campaign launches for official set

A LEGO model of V&A Dundee, created by Dundonian games entrepreneur Brian McNicoll, is now on display inside the museum as part of a campaign to have it turned into an official LEGO set.

Inspired by the striking waterfront building designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the model captures the dramatic lines and layered structure that have made V&A Dundee one of Scotland’s most recognisable modern landmarks.

Brian says he hopes the design celebrates creativity and play while honouring the museum, the city and the wider Dundee community.

The model has been entered into the LEGO Ideas platform, where it needs 10,000 public votes to progress to the next stage.

If it reaches that target, the design will be formally reviewed by LEGO and could be considered for production as an official set available worldwide.

Support for the campaign is already building locally. Pupils from Ancrum Road Primary School visited the museum to show their backing, designing posters to encourage classmates and teachers to vote. Mason, 11, Murray, 10, Anthony, 10, Leo, 10, and Jude, 10, are all keen LEGO fans and are even considering starting a school LEGO club, with V&A Dundee as their first group build.

If successful, the model could join LEGO’s Architecture series, which features famous global landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Taj Mahal and the Sydney Opera House. It would place Dundee alongside some of the world’s most celebrated buildings in miniature brick form.

Kengo Kuma said it was an honour to see his building recreated in LEGO, praising how accurately the design had been translated.

He added that the museum was inspired by the Scottish landscape and Dundee’s global trading history, and said that an official LEGO set would allow people around the world to build a Dundee landmark in their own homes.

Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee, said the museum was delighted to display the model and see the city rally behind the campaign. She said the project fits perfectly with the museum’s focus on design and play, and praised Brian’s work in bringing the building to life through LEGO.

Brian said he hopes the model will inspire a new generation of builders and designers and help share Scotland’s design story with families around the world.