The new LEGO Icons Venetian Quarter (11388) is the kind of set that makes you take a closer look: winding houses, a canal with a gondola, a clock tower, and plenty of tiny details. But when you see the price, you’re bound to take a second look. LEGO is asking 499.99 euros for the model. And that’s exactly where opinions differ: is it a beautiful display piece, or simply too expensive?
What do you get for just under 500 euros?
The set includes 5,682 pieces and 17 Minifigures. Features include a villa, a glassblowing workshop, a bridge, a canal with a gondola, and an astronomical clock tower. The buildings can be arranged in various configurations; the floors and roofs are removable. Measuring approximately 63 × 31 × 48 cm (width × depth × height), the model is quite a sight to behold.
It’s the little touches that make the set interesting: carnival costumes, Venetian references, and a street piano with a 3D-printed part. That’s creative, even if one might wonder how often such a feature would actually be used in the finished exhibition model.
A lot of enthusiasm—and yet, consumers remain hesitant to buy
One contradiction stands out in the initial reactions: Many LEGO fans praise the design, the colors, and the figures, but still aren’t willing to buy the set at the listed price. A frequently mentioned price range is closer to 300 to 400 euros. These are personal price expectations, not officially announced retail prices.
Even the sheer number of pieces doesn’t impress everyone. Anyone looking at the buildings might wonder where the more than 5,600 pieces are. Many small components make a model more complex, but the number alone says little about how large or high-quality a set appears to be. The calculated 8.8 cents per piece is therefore not a sufficient selling point.
Does this even look like Venice?
That’s also up for debate. The canal atmosphere, the gondola, and the carnival figures are clearly recognizable. However, some fans miss the characteristic architecture of the real city and are particularly bothered by the spire. It’s important to note that LEGO isn’t recreating a specific location here with historical accuracy, but rather combining various Venetian motifs to create its own scene.
For me, this isn’t a fundamental problem. A LEGO model is allowed to offer its own interpretation of a city. However, at a price of 500 euros, one can also expect as many impressive details as possible. Especially those who have actually been to Venice are likely to view the model more critically than someone who is simply looking for a beautiful Italian backdrop.
Free water taxi: a nice perk, but not a discount
To mark the launch, the Venetian Water Taxi (40898), consisting of 322 pieces, has been announced as a free gift. It complements the scene with a motorboat, a small dock, and two Minifigures. The promotion is scheduled for November 1–8, 2026, while supplies last and provided the terms and conditions are met.
This is a nice bonus for any buyer who wants to buy the product directly anyway. However, a free set isn’t the same as a 30- or 50-euro discount on the main model. And to see if the water taxi can be integrated as desired without any modifications, you should check the official product images instead of simply assuming it will fit perfectly.
Should I buy it right away, or should I wait?
LEGO Insiders can place orders starting November 1, 2026; general sales begin on November 4. LEGO will initially offer the model exclusively. It is not yet clear whether or when it will be available elsewhere at a lower price. So if you’re primarily looking for the lowest price, you’ll have to weigh your options: grab the bonus set now or hope for future promotions.
In any case, I wouldn’t jump at the chance right away just for the water taxi at 499.99 euros. That’s too much to pay. Anyone who really loves this model and absolutely wants to build it as soon as it’s released will get a nice bonus. Everyone else can take their time watching how things develop and regularly check the Top Deals, Live Deals, and the Brick-Tracker app.
My conclusion: a powerful model, but a steep price
The Venetian Quarter is without a doubt an exciting new LEGO set. The winding architecture, the minifigures, and the many details really make it stand out. Still, I can totally understand why even die-hard fans might hesitate at a price of nearly 500 euros. For me, this is more of a set to keep an eye on than a must-buy on launch day.
What do you think? Would you pay 499.99 euros outright for the set, including the water taxi, or would your price limit be closer to 350 to 400 euros?