Home News LEGO Van Gogh Sunflowers: Hidden Art Surprise Revealed

LEGO Van Gogh Sunflowers: Hidden Art Surprise Revealed

Author: Henry Mar 13,2025

This LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers set is substantial: 21 inches high and 16 inches wide—about 60% the size of the original painting. Its impressive scale means it's not just a toy; it's a piece of art meant to be displayed. This reflects LEGO's ongoing transformation from a children's toy to a sophisticated adult hobby.

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

Out March 1

$199.99 at LEGO Store

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Vincent van Gogh created his iconic Sunflowers series during his prolific Arles period. He deeply connected with the sunflower, viewing it as a symbol of gratitude and a muse, writing to a friend: "If [Georges] Jeannin has the peony, [Ernest] Quost the hollyhock, I indeed, before others, have taken the sunflower."

He painted four versions in August 1888, and revisited the motif in January 1889, creating further repetitions. The most famous are the fourth version and its two repetitions. The original is at London's National Gallery, one repetition is at Tokyo's Sompo Museum of Art, and the most iconic—renowned for its vibrant colors—resides in Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum (F458).

This LEGO set, a collaboration between the Van Gogh Museum (established 1973) and LEGO, recreates the Amsterdam version (F458) as a three-dimensional relief, cleverly using abstract pieces to mimic van Gogh's thick brushstrokes.

The 34 numbered bags and instruction booklet (including a QR code linking to a podcast about van Gogh) guide the build. The construction begins with the frame, which can be displayed independently while the canvas is built separately. The canvas is then mounted into the frame, secured with pins—a satisfying touch mimicking the real-life process.

A delightful detail mirrors an imperfection in the original F458: Van Gogh added a wooden strip to the top of the canvas. LEGO cleverly replicates this with a separate strip, fastened with pins, using brown bricks to simulate wood. This hidden detail, only noticeable to the builder, adds a unique layer of satisfaction.

Building the sunflowers is somewhat repetitive, reflecting van Gogh's meticulous process. However, the result is incredibly convincing. The wilting flowers and varied perspectives initially seem abstract but become coherent when viewed from a distance, revealing subtle details and artistry.

The completed set's ideal location? On the wall! This set's value extends beyond the building process; it's a beautiful piece to display and enjoy long after completion. It's a stunning start to 2025 and highly recommended.

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