Review: 76408 12 Grimmauld Place
Posted by CapnRex101,
The summer Harry Potter range has received an incredible response, exploring unusual locations and including various unique minifigures. 76408 12 Grimmauld Place definitely seems impressive and recreates the Order of the Phoenix's hidden headquarters in London.
Of course, this model incorporates an ingenious sliding function that reveals the concealed building, while the realistic architectural style may prove interesting for a broad audience. Furthermore, nine excellent minifigures are provided, several of which are exclusive. The expectation surrounding the set accordingly seems fitting!
Summary
76408 12 Grimmauld Place, 1,083 pieces.
£114.99 / $119.99 / €129.99 | 10.6p/11.1c/12.0c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Despite an impressive façade and function, 12 Grimmauld Place feels frustratingly small.
- Attractive on display
- Excellent function
- Many accurate details
- Great minifigure selection
- Surprisingly small
- Limited interior space
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Harry Potter wears a familiar dark blue jacket, returning from five previous sets and reflecting his attire upon arriving at 12 Grimmauld Place. The white stripes are missing from his sleeves, but the metallic silver zip looks appealing. Moreover, I like Harry's double-sided head and this simple hairstyle approximates his appearance during Order of the Phoenix.
The hair component and head chosen for Ron Weasley appear similarly appropriate, but this torso is new. I dislike this combination of green shades and yellow stripes, although the gaudy design corresponds with the movie! Since they are nearing adulthood, both minifigures include standard legs, rather than the small and medium legs common among Harry Potter sets.
Each character carries their usual wand, although Harry's broom seems decidedly unusual. This accessory comprises a new element and an antenna, allowing greater customisation than was possible before. Moreover, the shape appears more accurate than the existing element, which predates LEGO Harry Potter. Some have expressed concern that this design would feel fragile, but I have found it adequately strong.
Fred Weasley and George Weasley are among the characters gathered at Grimmauld Place when Harry arrives. Their matching striped shirts are certainly more attractive than Ron's attire and again closely resemble the onscreen characters. Identical dark orange hair pieces are also included, although their heads thankfully differ.
These designs previously appeared in 75978 Diagon Alley and capture wonderful personality, since both twins seem fittingly cheerful. Fred features a smile and a laughing expression with open eyes, while George's laughing face includes closed eyes. The twins' reddish brown and dark brown wands are also provided, as always.
Another member of the Weasley family also welcomes Harry. Molly Weasley wears a striking flame yellowish orange dress, with intricate patterning across both sides of the torso and her legs. The decoration looks outstanding, but the arms appear relatively plain without it. This returning hair element also leaves something to be desired because it was not developed for Mrs. Weasley.
Despite his important role, Sirius Black has only appeared in three earlier sets, wearing his prison fatigues from Azkaban on those occasions. This minifigure instead features an olive green jacket, based upon the character's garb during Order of the Phoenix. Sirius' refined depiction looks great and is among my favourite minifigures from this set, although I wish the printing continued on the sides of his legs.
This double-sided head was introduced in 75945 Expecto Patronum and remains well-suited to Sirius Black, although the angry face is perhaps overly expressive. Molly Weasley displays two smiling expressions, but I have always found her second face, shown below, somehow sinister! Nevertheless, these unique minifigures are certainly welcome and both carry their wands.
Kreacher memorably serves the house of Black and looks instantly recognisable in minifigure form. The character's miserable expression is absolutely perfect and his hooked nose clearly distinguishes this House Elf from Dobby, whose outlook is usually more optimistic. Kreacher's downturned ears seem similarly effective, alongside wrinkles and narrowed eyes which convey his suspicious nature.
Like other House Elves, Kreacher wears a ragged sheet. This dark bluish grey sheet further distinguishes Kreacher from Dobby and seems accurately worn, including various scuffs and stains. Unfortunately, the flesh printing on the grey torso looks relatively muted beside parts in the same colour. While this instance is not too problematic, LEGO should solve the issue.
After his unexpected encounter with two Dementors, Harry is rescued by several members of the Order of the Phoenix. These include Kingsley Shacklebolt, whose resplendent blue and purple gown looks marvellous. The metallic gold highlights are appealing and I like Kingsley's hat, although the decorated version from his Collectable Minifigure was superior.
Nymphadora Tonks, on the other hand, represents a notable improvement upon the version from 75980 Attack on the Burrow. Her black jacket features lovely metallic silver buttons and reflects the original character, including accurate red fabric inside her hood too. However, my favourite aspects of this minifigure are her updated head design and alternative hair elements.
Lavender and red elements are provided, recreating Tonks' unusual Metamorphmagus status. This ability allows Tonks to change her appearance at will, so the second face displays a pig's snout, shown briefly during the film. The more traditional confident smile looks splendid as well. Shacklebolt and Tonks are both equipped with their wands and broomsticks in two colours.
Crookshanks completes the figure selection, despite Hermione's absence. This half-Kneazle cat looks reasonable and I love his moody expression, reflecting Crookshanks' sometimes haughty personality. I think a traditional dark orange colour may have been more appropriate than this vibrant colour though and my figure exhibits a printing issue around the eyes, which is hopefully isolated.
The Completed Model
Upon first glance, this building appears surprisingly mundane. The architecture corresponds precisely with the terraced houses in areas of central London and the distinct proportions of these houses are perfect, although they are one floor shorter and accordingly narrower than their onscreen counterparts. Nevertheless, the relative heights and widths are most important and those measurements look great.
However, the model is significantly smaller than I had envisaged, reaching just 26cm in height. While perhaps disappointing, the size is roughly equivalent to the buildings from 75978 Diagon Alley, so they look good together and some simple modifications could ensure total consistency between them. The scale does feel underwhelming for the price though, unfortunately.
These houses are correctly elevated in relation to the pavement, so include steps to their front doors. This elevation also creates space underneath the buildings, accommodating the sliding mechanism that will reveal 12 Grimmauld Place. The stickered doors look nice, although these are actually opaque windows, instead of functional doors. Moreover, the lampposts beside both houses look odd because the onscreen houses are part of a longer terrace.
Medium nougat dominates the upper levels and the brick texture changes between the ground floor and those above. Once again, that replicates the source material because the street level façades are constructed using decorative stone. Conversely, the higher floors present standard brickwork, which is depicted using 1x2 masonry bricks.
I like the reddish brown highlights above each window and the simulated wrought iron railings look splendid as well. Such details are missing from the sides, although these medium nougat 1x6x5 panels look reasonable and the chimney pots on the roof are equally effective. Moreover, viewing the model from this angle reveals a third house, secreted behind these two.
The aforementioned lampposts are missing from the onscreen location, but serve an important purpose. These form useful handles when sliding numbers eleven and thirteen apart, gradually revealing the hidden number twelve between them! The motion feels very satisfying and pulling the houses apart automatically brings the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters forward.
12 Grimmauld Place slots almost seamlessly into position between its neighbours. The model inevitably appears more substantial in this configuration and measures 24cm across, which seems closer to what one might envisage for a set containing nearly 1100 pieces. I like the contrasting colours too, even though that contrast has been exaggerated, relative to the film.
Unlike the neighbouring houses, the entrance to number twelve is functional, but includes a sticker matching those on either side. The consistency between them certainly improves the impression of opening doors. Displaying the model in this configuration does create an issue though because the steps no longer cover the whole frontage. Ideally, they would move with each building, but something needs to remain static and provide a base.
The construction of the three buildings appears outwardly similar, differing primarily in colour. Such consistency is effective and I like the black bands, resembling drainpipes, that separate these properties. The addition of sand green highlights on number twelve conveys the desired dilapidation too, but were probably unnecessary.
The sliding function has affected the interior. Floor space in the flanking rooms is fairly limited because wedge plates are needed to accommodate the sliding building. The division of rooms seems unusual too, lacking the internal doors typically found in open-backed structures like this one. There is ample room for minifigures though and I think some compromises are acceptable for such an exceptional function.
12 Grimmauld Place appears prominently during the latter Harry Potter movies and the dining room is the centre of particular focus. Seats for four minifigures are provided around this long table, although the space in front of the stove and china cabinet is limited. I am pleased such furnishings were added though and the stove is removable to create more room for minifigures, if you choose.
Several mugs and goblets are placed along this table, with an exclusive newspaper tile which depicts The Daily Prophet's momentous 'The Boy Who Lies?' headline. Four linkages connect the dining room with the areas on each side and they are integral to the sliding function, pulling 12 Grimmauld Place forward. Kreacher's den occupies the corner, behind a door with room for Kreacher inside.
Kreacher's den hardly appears onscreen and details on the opposite side are most prominent in the books as well. They include a troll-leg umbrella stand, which is assembled using a lavender barrel with tan 1x1 bows, while the stickered curtain covers Walburga Black's shrieking portrait. Perhaps the designer could have included a functioning curtain to reveal the painting.
The limited room becomes more apparent on the middle floor, which looks surprisingly sparse. One room contains a basic armchair, while the small piano is inspired by The Deathly Hallows, when Harry, Ron and Hermione take refuge in Grimmauld Place. There are stools for Ron and Hermione, so it is a shame that Hermione omitted.
Nevertheless, the printed piano keys look superb and another decorated tile forms a radio on top. This also originates from The Deathly Hallows, as the heroes listen for news about Death Eater attacks. Additionally, a sticker on the wall displays the Black family crest, tattered by age like other paintings throughout the house.
Perhaps the most memorable feature of the Black's ancestral home is their ornate family tree tapestry, which covers multiple walls. Two stickers are employed to great effect here and they capture extraordinary detail, since every character can actually be identified! The whole family tree is well-documented and available to view here.
Comparing these stickers with the tapestry from the movie reveals some minor omissions, but the most important characters are present. For instance, Bellatrix Lestrange, Narcissa Malfoy and Draco Malfoy are situated in the bottom corner, with Sirius' seared image above Bellatrix. Orion and Walburga Black can be identified by Walburga's yellow hat, although I think Regulus' image in the top corner warrants greater distinction.
Sirius' bedroom is found on the top floor, featuring a Gryffindor banner and therefore conflicting with the Black family's long-held Slytherin affiliation. Bat skeletons are suspended over this bed, appearing in tan for the first time. The neighbouring room is remarkably empty, only containing a pair of skulls beneath trans-clear domes and a candle.
While unexciting, this area provides welcome space for minifigures and maintains the sombre atmosphere apparent throughout 12 Grimmauld Place. Regulus Black's bedroom occupies the last room and includes a simple bed. Unfortunately, the initials R.A.B. are not present anywhere, which feels like a missed opportunity because Harry learning that those initials refer to Regulus is important to the story.
However, the bedroom does contain a pivotal accessory because a decorated 1x1 round tile forms Salazar Slytherin's locket, hidden above a window. Slytherin's serpentine symbol looks good and a spare is provided, so you can recreate scenes with both the replica locket and the genuine article, stolen from Grimmauld Place by Mundungus Fletcher.
The set also includes another interesting, albeit less significant, accessory from the film. Fred and George develop the magical Extendable Ear, perfect for listening to distant conversations. This example comprises a flexible tube, a new medium nougat angled accessory holder and a printed ear, stretching from the top floor to the dining room.
Overall
76408 12 Grimmauld Place fills a conspicuous gap in the LEGO Harry Potter theme and has proven impressive, in many respects. The function that reveals number twelve is outstanding and I think the exterior looks marvellous, while the interior includes numerous details from the movies. The designer has certainly made efficient use of the limited space.
Of course, that limited space is also problematic and reflects the surprisingly small size of this structure. The façade appears smaller than envisaged and the building is also rather shallow, considering the expensive price of £114.99, $119.99 or €129.99. The minifigures are exciting though and I am pleased with this rendition of Grimmauld Place, but I think the location offers potential for something larger and maybe even better.
171 likes
30 comments on this article
I want it! But I want some other expensive stuff even more!
I really like the figures in this set, and the Black family tapestry looks brilliant
Maybe consider utilizing gif images in future reviews? Would have been great to see the transformation happening live!
This is an excellent set. I do feel a bit like Kreacher needed a bit more definition to his mouth, though perhaps that's less true in 3D. I think one side of that Sirius head is new though. Possibly? I could be misremembering.
What does the building look like from behind when the house is closed?
"The scale does feel underwhelming for the price though, unfortunately."
Sums it up perfectly. Looks beautiful, the function is well done and works just great, but it is simply too much money for what you get.
@CapnRex101
Since this is a muggle scenery, a picture besides the modulars would be nice for comparison. Since it is quite small, I guess this three storey model would only reach the second floor of the modulars (i.e. quite a bit of mods necessary to be the same size as the modulars.)
I am thinking to buy this for a City building but the interior leaves much to be desired.
Thanks for the review. I want this set! The figures look great. The set looks playful. A lot of neat details present. I don't love the price, but that is the trend with this hobby, so I'll either take it or leave it.
Gotta disagree with @CapnRex101 about those Weasley shirts - Ron is styling, while Fred and George are ... not.
@ForestMenOfEndor said:
"Gotta disagree with @CapnRex101 about those Weasley shirts - Ron is styling, while Fred and George are ... not."
Correct. Ron has drip. The other two are dressed like nerds.
is this the first time Lego has depicted an ear at minifig scale?
Despite not watching the Harry Potter series, this set is interesting and warrants an MOC to make it seem more… Muggle? Is that the word?
It's really awesome to see the designers include the sliding function! The small interior spaces bother me a tiny bit, but I really like how much detail was included given the restrictions. My only real gripe is the lack of RAB initials in Regulus Black's room and I wish the skull area at the top had a railing or something to add a little more detail.
It will be very interesting to watch this set get expanded on as time passes. I think once someone makes it larger and increases the overall size of each room there’s a lot more to work with (obviously). But then there’s a bit more opportunity to make a set like this really cook, is my point. I do love the gimmick of it though…
I’ve always liked Harry Potter sets despite not knowing the source material. On first impressions I really liked this set but it’s as though the buildings have an added illusion of appearing larger than they actually are.
“Frustratingly small interior” is a qualm I have with a lot of Harry Potter sets, honestly, even the ones I’m a fan of. For all the crap people give the 2021 sets, a lot of them mitigated that issue. While this was a set they had to make eventually I doubt I’ll get it given the price, the Ministry of Magic is a better deal but this still has some cool details.
The suffers suffers when you make a large thing in Lego form. The Lego set doesn't increase at the same rate as the actual thing it's representing so the set is a bit underwhelming. Plus, a larger portion of the budget is to minifigs than we might find in a Friends or City set.
Be that as it may, the set's nice. The expanding facade is cool. The minifigs are excellent.
$120 is pushing it. But on sale? Sure.
@Meppers said:
"is this the first time Lego has depicted an ear at minifig scale?"
I wonder what the ears would look like on the Mario and Luigi figures.
@ExnomonGaming said:
"Muggle? Is that the word?"
Muggle is the word used by British wizards and witches when talking about non-magic people.
So, have they managed to release any version of the blue coat often enough that you’ve got enough identical copies for this scene without having to buy loose minifigs or multiple copies of any sets?
@Meppers:
You mean besides all the molded ones on non-human heads?
@LAKAbricks said:
" @ExnomonGaming said:
"Muggle? Is that the word?"
Muggle is the word used by British wizards and witches when talking about non-magic people."
What do the Danes call them?
@Kynareth said:
" @LAKAbricks said:
" @ExnomonGaming said:
"Muggle? Is that the word?"
Muggle is the word used by British wizards and witches when talking about non-magic people."
What do the Danes call them?"
The Danish word is almost the same: muggler, pl. mugglere.
Good figs for the most part, except Harry is pathetically redundant. Molly's dress and Sirius' jacket are too bright and the Weasleys should all be in short sleeves.
Also, it's interesting that they chose Sirius' death jacket which belongs ideally in the Ministry set rather than the wine velvet jacket that he has on most of the time in his Grimmauld scenes. Nevertheless, I'm happy to get it as I doubt Lego would agree to Death-Sirius at the Ministry just like there was no dead Cedric in 4766 or 75965. I wonder if the the awesome Harry Potter designers snuck Death-Sirius into this set? Good work!
The building is a good design, and starts to plug the gaping holes for the later movies. Wish it was bigger and cheaper. Waiting for discount or good GWP (as I do for everything now).
@PurpleDave said:
"So, have they managed to release any version of the blue coat often enough that you’ve got enough identical copies for this scene without having to buy loose minifigs or multiple copies of any sets?"
I think you're confusing Book 5 (Harry in navy jacket, grey stripes, light blue shirt) with Book 7, Part I (Harry in blue-grey jacket, navy stripes, burgandy shirt).
In Book 7, they don't fly Harry to Grimmauld Place. In the movie, the go to the Burrow. In the book, they go to Tonks' parents home.
Regardless, I think they only made 3 sets with this jacket combo. Yet, there are tons of Harry in a very similar blue jacket that would surely confuse Voldemort on a cloudy night. ;)
@LAKAbricks said:
" @Kynareth said:
" @LAKAbricks said:
" @ExnomonGaming said:
"Muggle? Is that the word?"
Muggle is the word used by British wizards and witches when talking about non-magic people."
What do the Danes call them?"
The Danish word is almost the same: muggler, pl. mugglere."
In the U.S., we call them 'conservatives.'
The interior reminds me a bit of the OG Harry Potter sets. Random sections with a bit of furniture! Now we just need more secret hiding places for random magical items!
I like this set for it fills a major gap in the lineup ever since the Order of The Phoenixcame out. The designers should be proud of that transformation function!
@StyleCounselor said:
" @LAKAbricks said:
" @Kynareth said:
" @LAKAbricks said:
" @ExnomonGaming said:
"Muggle? Is that the word?"
Muggle is the word used by British wizards and witches when talking about non-magic people."
What do the Danes call them?"
The Danish word is almost the same: muggler, pl. mugglere."
In the U.S., we call them 'conservatives.'"
Ha Ha
We actually call them No-Majs in the USA.
@WizardingCheesburger said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @LAKAbricks said:
" @Kynareth said:
" @LAKAbricks said:
" @ExnomonGaming said:
"Muggle? Is that the word?"
Muggle is the word used by British wizards and witches when talking about non-magic people."
What do the Danes call them?"
The Danish word is almost the same: muggler, pl. mugglere."
In the U.S., we call them 'conservatives.'"
Ha Ha
We actually call them No-Majs in the USA."
Glad I’ve got clarity now
@ExnomonGaming said:
" @WizardingCheesburger said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @LAKAbricks said:
" @Kynareth said:
" @LAKAbricks said:
" @ExnomonGaming said:
"Muggle? Is that the word?"
Muggle is the word used by British wizards and witches when talking about non-magic people."
What do the Danes call them?"
The Danish word is almost the same: muggler, pl. mugglere."
In the U.S., we call them 'conservatives.'"
Ha Ha
We actually call them No-Majs in the USA."
Glad I’ve got clarity now
"
Serenity NOW!!