Is the Grand Emporium the best LEGO Creator Expert Building?

Is the Grand Emporium the best LEGO Creator Expert building or just the first of the greats? This has been high up my wanted list for a very, very long time! Why? Because I think the Grand Emporium is one of the best sets in the Creator Expert line. And also a real turning point for the series.

This is a set that I have always loved the look of. It is definitely grand and I have seen some amazing MOCs from the LEGO community using this as a foundation. For me, this was the set where the Creator Expert line really started to shine! The architecture is first rate – although some say it is a little bland and repetitive. But that’s kind of how it’s meant to be. It is that style of architecture.

That’s not to say it’s without it’s flaws though. The interior could definitely do with more details added and some tiling on the lower ground floor. But they really started to put more effort into the interior of the building.

Let me know what you think in the comments though. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this classic set and which is your favourite (mine is the detective’s office!).

About the LEGO Creator Expert Grand Emporium (10211)

This spectacularly detailed 3-story department store is part of the LEGO Creator Expert line and is designed in a realistic scale with lots of special building techniques and rare pieces.

On the street outside, citizens carry shopping bags, send letters at the mailbox, admire the window mannequins, then cool off at the ice cream stand while a busy window washer works above. Enter through the revolving doors to discover a ground-floor clothing department, complete with a cash register, fitting room, hats, jewellery, perfume, and even a selection of spare trousers.

There’s a brick-built escalator that carries customers to the second floor which has the housewares department with glassware and golden plates for special occasions. Then up on the top floor is the toy department complete with toy house and push-scooter with an impressive chandelier above the open atrium. And they even put a billboard and skylight up on the roof!

Learn more about the Grand Emporium 10211 on Brickset.