LEGO Architecture Skyline Collection 21043 San Francisco Building Kit Includes Alcatraz Model, Golden Gate Bridge and Other San Francisco Architectural Landmarks (565 Pieces)

I have a lot to say, but I'll try and keep this short. I love this set, it was super fun to build and see "under the hood" of how it works and all the little details (like how two of the waves help keep parts in place), and looks great. I love that unlike other skyline sets it's not just a collection of buildings but an actual city, with hilly streets and cars and landmarks that are more known locally. As a Bay Area native I give it my stamp of approval for authenticity, if someone you know lives or has lived in SF or nearby I'd highly recommend this as a gift. I was a bit skeptical of the forced perspective thing they did with the Golden Gate Bridge, but after seeing it in person it works (for me at least). The finished product is more sturdy than I expected, the bridge towers might need a good squeeze once in a while to help keep them in place and certainly could be knocked over pretty easily, but nothing is particularly delicate, and the base pieces do a good job of keeping everything together and bend very little.My one complaint (which is honestly pretty minor and shouldn't discourage you from buying the set, this is more in the hopes that LEGO will see this and fix it) is that the top of 555 California St can slide around and spin. It's a flat 2x1 on top of a single short stud that just has two flat 1x1 s on both sides, this problem could easily be solved by using the short 3x1 piece that has 2 studs on top of it (the set actually included 4 of these pieces in black and one in light gray, just not in brown).

I bought this set for my son for his 18th Surprise Birthday Party (does capitalizing that make it seem more official?). He shared the birthday party with his sister so, the picture does not do it justice since her cake topper is in the frame too. The cake is 1/2 sheet for size reference. Well, he is a Civil Engineering student in his second year. I was looking for a cake topper to tie in his studies to his party. Humorously, he called me when I was building the set and he asked me what I was doing. I told him, “I’m building a bridge.” He asked me what for and I told him not to worry he would see. He is a LEGO nerd. So, my building it took a little fun away but was a happy surprise. It has a lot of small pieces that can get lost. I told him not to worry as the KRAGEL would keep it together. If you don’t know what KRAGEL is, go watch the LEGO movie. Have fun for crying out loud. For those LEGO buffs that just cringed when I said I used KRAGEL…those pieces are completely untouched with the exception of some buttercream from the cake. Great show piece that my son now keeps on his nightstand as a reminder of how much he is loved.

Fun build! I thought it would be too easy, but I had a good time. There were a lot of small pieces that were challenging to put in and the instructions were a little confusing in places (which I prefer). It took me a couple hours to put it together and looks very nice on my shelf. It cost a little more than I usually would spend on a Lego set and of this size, but it was worth it.

Item arrived quickly and in great shape. Xmas gift for my grandson who's getting back into his Lego building.

Instructions are easy enough for my 6 year old! Good quality

My grandson loves this Lego collection-third one we’ve gotten him

Kids couldn't quite get the top of one of the buildings to look right, but was a relatively fast build otherwise.This set is very popular amongst the San Francisco natives and especially those that have moved away from the city.

Lots of fun.