Few themes in LEGO history capture imagination quite like LEGO Ideas. It is not simply a product line, it is a living dialogue between fans and the LEGO Group. For collectors, museum curators, investors, and builders alike, LEGO Ideas represents something rare: official sets born from community creativity.
At Redmond’s Forge, where museum curation meets collector strategy, LEGO Ideas occupies a special place. These are not just sets; they are milestones, cultural artefacts representing the voice of the fan community.
Let’s explore the origins, evolution, must-have sets, value trajectory, and long-term significance of the LEGO Ideas theme.
The Origins: LEGO CUUSOO to Ideas
LEGO Ideas began life in 2008 under the name LEGO CUUSOO, a Japanese crowdsourcing platform. The premise was simple but revolutionary:
- Fans submit original LEGO concepts.
- Projects that reach 10,000 supporter votes enter official LEGO review.
- Approved designs are refined and released as retail sets.
In 2014, LEGO CUUSOO evolved into LEGO Ideas, a globalised platform with streamlined submission rules and structured review phases.
This model fundamentally changed LEGO’s relationship with its audience. Instead of guessing what fans wanted, LEGO could measure demand directly.
From a business perspective, it was genius:
- Market validation before production.
- Built-in hype.
- Passion-driven purchases.
From a fan perspective, it was empowerment.
What Makes LEGO Ideas Different?
Unlike themes such as City or Technic, Ideas sets are not part of an ongoing narrative wave. Each release is:
- A standalone concept.
- Often targeted at adults.
- Usually display-focused.
- Produced in limited waves rather than evergreen cycles.
Common characteristics:
- Higher part counts.
- Strong display presence.
- Unique or rare minifigures.
- Unusual subject matter (typewriters, lighthouses, sitcom houses, medieval blacksmiths).
Ideas sets feel curated, almost boutique.
For museum display, they work beautifully as centrepiece models in glass Detolf cabinets, particularly on BILLY and Vittsjo bookcases with spot lighting.
The Breakout Sets That Defined the Theme
🚀 1. The Early Licensed Hit – Minecraft
The original Minecraft Micro World set in 2012 proved that Ideas could tap into emerging IPs before mainstream LEGO licensing deals followed.
Minecraft later became a full theme, demonstrating Ideas as a testing ground.
🏴☠️ 2. Pirates of Barracuda Bay (21322)
LEGO Ideas 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay is widely considered one of the greatest Ideas sets ever produced.
Why it matters:
- Tribute to 1989’s Black Seas Barracuda.
- Modular island that converts into a full pirate ship.
- Nostalgia-driven design.
- Incredible minifigure lineup.
For collectors, this set has performed strongly on the secondary market due to its display value and crossover appeal to classic LEGO Pirates fans.
🏠 3. Home Alone (21330)
LEGO Ideas 21330 Home Alone exemplifies Ideas at its best:
- Massive, detailed house.
- Packed with movie references.
- Seasonal display appeal.
- Strong minifigure lineup.
This is a museum-level set. Displayed at Christmas time, it becomes an experiential piece — not just a model.
⚓ 4. Motorized Lighthouse (21335)
At Redmond’s Forge, this set stands as one of the most elegant Ideas releases.
LEGO Ideas 21335 Motorized Lighthouse combines:
- Powered Up motor functionality.
- Classic maritime aesthetics.
- Sophisticated rockwork.
- Adult-focused display.
The rotating light effect elevates it beyond static display. It becomes a kinetic sculpture.
🖨️ 5. The Typewriter (21327)
LEGO Ideas 21327 Typewriter proved that LEGO Ideas could move into artistic and mechanical territory.
This set:
- Includes functional key mechanics.
- Appeals to writers and creatives.
- Serves as a conversation piece in office displays.
It broadened Ideas beyond nostalgia and into lifestyle art.
The Medieval Renaissance
One of the most important releases was LEGO Ideas 21325 Medieval Blacksmith. This set:
- Revived castle aesthetics for adult fans.
- Included stunning timber-framed architecture.
- Reignited demand for fantasy and medieval builds.
In many ways, it paved the way for renewed interest in Castle-inspired designs across LEGO’s portfolio. For a museum display, it works exceptionally well alongside Castle exhibits.
Display Presence in a LEGO Museum
At Redmond’s Forge, LEGO Ideas sets function as:
- Spotlight centrepieces.
- Conversation starters.
- Cross-theme bridges (e.g., Pirates next to Castle, Home Alone near Modulars).
Because they are not tied to continuous waves, they avoid overcrowding. Each set feels curated. Lighting tip for display:
- Warm LED spotlights enhance sets like Blacksmith.
- Cool lighting suits Lighthouse and Typewriter.
- Seasonal rotations increase visitor engagement.
Investment & Secondary Market Analysis
Ideas sets often:
- Have medium production runs.
- Retire without heavy reissues.
- Appeal to adult buyers with disposable income.
This creates strong aftermarket potential. Historical trends show:
- Licensed Ideas sets (Home Alone, Ghostbusters Ecto-1) perform well.
- Nostalgia-driven themes outperform experimental builds.
- Unique mechanical features boost long-term value.
However, not all Ideas sets appreciate dramatically. Some plateau depending on subject appeal. From a museum acquisition standpoint:
- Buy at discount where possible.
- Prioritise unique IP or nostalgia.
- Store boxes flat-packed (never discarded).
The Strengths of LEGO Ideas
✔️ Community-driven authenticity
✔️ Unique subject matter
✔️ High display value
✔️ Often premium packaging
✔️ Strong crossover appeal
The Weaknesses
⚠️ Inconsistent scale
⚠️ Some niche concepts underperform
⚠️ Higher price points
⚠️ Occasional design dilution from fan submission to final product
Cultural Impact
LEGO Ideas changed how fans view the LEGO Group. It made building aspirational again. It told adult fans: “Your creativity matters.”
It also demonstrated LEGO’s adaptability in a digital age, blending community platforms with retail. Few themes carry that weight.
🧱 Full LEGO Ideas / CUUSOO Sets With Set Numbers and Ideas/CUUSOO Project Numbers
📌 Note:
- LEGO Ideas was originally called LEGO CUUSOO (sets #001–#006) before rebranding.
- The “Ideas number” refers to the sequence of approvals on the LEGO Ideas/CUUSOO platform.
- Some sources list more recent sets beyond this list (production in 2025–2026), but official project numbers for those may not yet be published on Wikipedia at the time (e.g., 40788 etc.). For clarity here we include all official published project numbers.
🔹 LEGO CUUSOO (Original Fan-Submitted Sets)
| Ideas # | LEGO Set Number | Set Name |
|---|---|---|
| #001 | 21100 | Shinkai 6500 Submarine |
| #002 | 21101 | Hayabusa |
| #003 | 21102 | Minecraft Micro World |
| #004 | 21103 | The DeLorean Time Machine |
| #005 | 21104 | NASA Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover |
| #006 | 21108 | Ghostbusters Ecto-1 |
🌟 These six were the earliest community-approved sets under the CUUSOO banner (2008–2014).
🔹 LEGO Ideas (Post-Rebranding)
| LEGO Set Number | Set Name | Ideas # |
|---|---|---|
| 21306 | Yellow Submarine | #015 |
| 21308 | Adventure Time | #016 |
| 21309 | NASA Apollo Saturn V | #017 |
| 21310 | Old Fishing Store | #018 |
| 21312 | Women of NASA | #019 |
| 21313 | Ship in a Bottle | #020 |
| 21314 | TRON: Legacy Lightcycle | #021 |
| 21311 | Voltron – Defender of the Universe | #022 |
| 21315 | Pop-Up Book | #023 |
Note: Beyond #023, subsequent sets are formally approved Ideas projects but not always listed with specific “Ideas #” in every source, however most modern sets follow the continuing Ideas numbering in chronological release order.
📌 LEGO Ideas Sets (Chronological Release – Not All Have Listed Ideas Numbers)
After #023 (Pop-Up Book), LEGO continued releasing Ideas sets. Many do not yet have a publicly catalogued “Ideas number” in the same sequence format but are officially LEGO Ideas approvals. Below are the released ones:
| LEGO Set Number | Set Name | Ideas # |
|---|---|---|
| 21316 | The Flintstones | #024 |
| 21317 | Steamboat Willie | #025 |
| 21318 | Tree House | #026 |
| 21319 | Friends Central Perk | #027 |
| 21320 | Dinosaur Fossils | #028 |
| 21321 | International Space Station | #029 |
| 21322 | Pirates of Barracuda Bay | #030 |
| 21323 | Grand Piano | #031 |
| 21324 | 123 Sesame Street | #032 |
| 21325 | Medieval Blacksmith | #033 |
| 21326 | Winnie the Pooh | #034 |
| 21327 | Typewriter | #035 |
| 21328 | Seinfeld | #036 |
| 21329 | Fender Stratocaster | #037 |
| 21330 | Home Alone | #038 |
| 21331 | Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone | #039 |
| 21332 | The Globe | #040 |
| 21333 | The Starry Night (Vincent van Gogh) | #041 |
| 21334 | Jazz Quartet | #042 |
| 21335 | Motorized Lighthouse | #043 |
| 21336 | The Office | #044 |
| 21337 | Table Football | #045 |
| 21338 | A-Frame Cabin | #046 |
| 21339 | BTS Dynamite | #047 |
| 21340 | Tales of the Space Age | #048 |
| 21341 | Disney Hocus Pocus – The Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage | #049 |
| 21342 | The Insect Collection | #050 |
📌 In addition to these, recent 2025/2026 LEGO Ideas announcements include sets like Love Birds, Sticky Sea Otter, Snoopy – Campfire, Sea Serpent, Tintin – Space Rocket, LEGO Godzilla, and more that are scheduled for future release but don’t yet have LEGO set numbers officially published at the time of writing.
| LEGO Set Number | Set Name | Ideas # |
|---|---|---|
| 21343 | Viking Village | #051 |
| 21344 | Orient Express | #052 |
| 21345 | Polaroid Camera | #053 |
| 21346 | Family Tree | #054 |
| 21347 | Red London Telephone Box | #055 |
| 21348 | Dungeons & Dragons Red Dragon’s Tale | #056 |
| 21349 | Tuxedo Cat | #057 |
| 21350 | Jaws | #058 |
| 21351 | The Nightmare Before Christmas | #059 |
| 21352 | Magic of Disney | #060 |
| 21353 | The Botanical Garden | #061 |
| 21354 | Twilight Cullen House | #062 |
| 21355 | The Evolution of STEM | #063 |
| 21356 | River Steamboat | #064 |
| 21357 | Disney Pixar Luxo Jr. | #065 |
| 21358 | Minifigure Vending Machine | #066 |
| 21359 | Italian Riviera | #067 |
| 21360 | Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory | #068 |
| 21361 | Gremlins: Gizmo | #069 |
| 21362 | Mineral Collection | #070 |
| 21363 | The Goonies | #071 |
| 21364 | (Unreleased / Not yet assigned retail set — placeholder) | #01 |
| 21365 | Love Birds | #072 |
| 21366 | Floating Sea Otters | #074 |
| 21368 | Peanuts: Snoopy’s Doghouse | #076 |
| 21376 | Orange Cat | #073 |
📊 Summary
Total Count (Official Retail LEGO Ideas Sets)
- 6 CUUSOO sets
- 60+ LEGO Ideas retail sets
- Additional releases pending future numbering.
According to the latest available data, 72 LEGO Ideas sets have been produced and 83 announced (including newer approvals) as of early 2026.
The Future of LEGO Ideas
As LEGO continues expanding into adult-focused markets, Ideas remains strategically important:
- It scouts demand.
- It engages the AFOL community.
- It tests licensing viability.
- It produces premium display sets.
Expect future sets to:
- Lean into pop culture nostalgia.
- Explore architecture and lifestyle art.
- Expand modular-style builds.
- Increase price brackets for larger concepts.
Final Verdict – Museum Grade
LEGO Ideas is not simply a theme. It is:
- A collaboration engine.
- A nostalgia machine.
- A collector’s playground.
- A design laboratory.
For Redmond’s Forge LEGO Museum, Ideas represents the bridge between fan and company, the proof that LEGO is not just manufactured imagination, but shared imagination.
If you are building a curated collection:
- Prioritise landmark sets.
- Protect boxes.
- Rotate displays seasonally.
- Document provenance.
Because every LEGO Ideas set begins as a dream on a computer screen, and ends as a piece of plastic history on your shelf. And that, in many ways, is the most beautiful story LEGO ever told.