LEGO has released numerous sets based on Disney properties over the years, including several versions of various castles from the franchise. But its latest release takes a different approach. While this next set is not officially part of the Disney IP, it is deeply tied to the company’s history. LEGO has now opened pre-orders for a detailed model of Neuschwanstein Castle. This German palace famously inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and even its logo, and is scheduled to come out this year.
For a listed price of $279.99, this 3455-piece set is part of LEGO’s Architecture collection, featuring a detailed build of the 19th-century castle. According to the website, when fully built, it’s said to measure 31 cm high, 46 cm wide, and 20 cm deep. It promises a “faithful representation” of the iconic landmark, along with foliage that would make it a great display for those who love European history. This set is scheduled to ship on August 1, 2025, and is now available for pre-order online.
The LEGO Architecture collection features a diverse range of landmarks from around the world, recreated as LEGO sets. Including Neuschwanstein Castle, over 60 landmarks have been released throughout the years, with a handful still available for purchase on the LEGO website. Some of these landmarks include Himeji Castle, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Statue of Liberty, and the most recent, the Trevi Fountain.
How Is Neuschwanstein Castle Important in Disney’s History?
According to the Neuschwanstein Castle website, construction of this piece of German architecture began in 1868. It was opened to the public in 1886, seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II. This landmark is described as “the castle of the fairy-tale king” and attracts 1.4 million visitors every year. The castle was built for one person, the late king himself, despite having over 200 rooms, 15 of which were completed.
Outside of its historical relevance, Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland and was featured on the Walt Disney logo from 1985 to 2006, before it merged with Cinderella’s Castle during the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Business Insider reported that Walt Disney brought his wife to the castle during their trip to Europe in 1955. It was from there that he took inspiration from the landmark and brought it to life.
Sleeping Beauty is available to stream on Disney+.
Sleeping Beauty
- Release Date
-
January 29, 1959
- Runtime
-
75minutes
- Director
-
Clyde Geronimi, Wolfgang Reitherman
Source: LEGO
