In 2013 LEGO released 5 Architecture sets across 2 subthemes. The largest Architecture set from 2013 was
21050 Architecture Studio with a piece count of 1210 and a retail price of $159.99. The current estimated value of all these Architecture sets from this year is about $1,969.95 which represents a 437.8% growth.
The Architecture theme which was introduced in 2008 contains sets designed by Chicago architect Adam Reed Tucker based on real structures. Adam Reed Tucker's sets focus on incredible man-made sights and structures based upon the real world and comprised of microscale models. Unlike most LEGO, Architecture sets are typically not meant for playing but rather designed for display. The debut sets, released in 2008, were of two Chicagoan classics: Willis Tower, and John Hancock Center then New York City's Empire State Building, followed by Seattle’s Space Needle.
2013 LEGO Sets
2013 included a number of notable theme releases including the Legends of Chima, The Lone Ranger, Galaxy Squad, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Mickey Mouse & Friends. The flagship release was Legends of Chima with the coincided premier of The Legends of Chima TV Show on Cartoon Network. However, LEGO unfortunately did retire a number of well-loved themes such as Monster Fighters, SpongeBob SquarePants, Cars and Dino. One interesting note is that in 2013, LEGO started changing from 4-digit set numbers to 5-digit set numbers. 2013 was also the year that LEGO release the exclusive Mr. Gold in its collectable minifigures blind bags. This event single handled created one of the greatest investment opportunities for collections LEGO has seen.