As the LEGO® Harry Potter™ range introduces a new modular system to build Hogwarts™ Castle, we use the Time-Turner™ to revisit the epic previous sets from 2018 to 2023.
Welcome, Potterheads! As we all know, Hogwarts Castle is not only central to the story of Harry Potter – it’s iconic, in every sense of the wizarding word! With its endless series of interconnected buildings: from classrooms to common rooms to hidden chambers, it’s truly a masterpiece of magic.
And speaking of interconnected, the LEGO Harry Potter sets integrated together beautifully. They gave builders everything they needed to create their own Hogwarts Castle with seamless storytelling that resulted in a spellbindingly proud display.
So, with that in mind, what else could have possibly made these sets so extraordinary?
Nimbus 2000s at the ready! Let’s take a flying visit to Hogwarts Castle...
Open the doors to the most enchanting, and in our eyes, greatest hall of them all!
As one of the most prominent, this huge structure is instantly recognizable when approaching the castle and plays host to numerous important and, let’s face it, incredible scenes! From the sorting ceremony in the first movie that begun it all, to the climactic, epic Battle of Hogwarts as the journey reaches its triumphant end.
It’s no wonder then that the Great Hall is at the absolute core of each version of the school, from 2001’s Hogwarts Castle (4709) to Hogwarts Great Hall (75954) and Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets (76389), released in 2018 and 2021.
Ahh, the chimes of the impressive Clock Tower! Appearing throughout Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ and beyond, this iconic structure is another feature of the castle that is instantly recognizable from outside and hence provided inspiration for the classic Hogwarts Clock Tower (75948) from 2019 and later the Hogwarts Hospital Wing (76398) in 2022.
Though it is not apparent from the set names, both iterations of the Clock Tower feature the Hospital Wing inside, as well as mechanisms to control the hands on the clock face outside. “Mysterious thing, time.”
Students, if you refer to movies 1-8, you’ll find that many classrooms and four House common rooms are a vital addition to a LEGO recreation of the one and only Hogwarts.
Usually distributed across various sets, they serve a key role in constructing a modular Hogwarts Castle as their exteriors are rarely associated with specific areas of the castle, instead they link with the more recognizable sections, such as the Great Hall and Clock Tower.
For example, fellow students, the famed Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom appeared in Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets (76389) from 2021, while Hogwarts: Dumbledore’s Office (76402), launched in 2022, divided its attention between the titular headmaster’s office and the library.
Class dismissed!
Not only home of the Clock Tower, Hogwarts Castle is also known for its many towers, including the brilliant Grand Staircase tower, adjoining the Great Hall, and the striking Astronomy Tower.
The Grand Staircase tower was featured in Hogwarts Great Hall (75954) from 2018, while the Astronomy Tower was represented in Hogwarts Astronomy Tower (75969) in 2020.
Lots of more generic towers have also appeared, including in Hogwarts: Dumbledore’s Office (76402), which occupied the place of the Grand Staircase tower in the version of Hogwarts released across multiple sets between 2021 and 2023.
A tower of excellence, you might say!
At last, time to hunker down in Hagrid’s cozy hut. Although not part of the castle itself, this is an essential addition to the school grounds. After all, what would Hogwarts be without Hagrid™?
And so, in flew Hagrid’s Hut: Buckbeak’s Rescue (75947) which was produced in 2019, with a rescue mission you wouldn’t want to miss.
Take a bow, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!
A perfectly suited home to a series of modular sets, even with its complex layout. And while the approach to building has varied with each set, one thing has always remained constant – the memorable, cherished features that make this theme special for so many.
With 16 sets produced between 2018 and 2023, the true magic has always lied in the ability to design, connect and tell stories of your own creation, both inside and outside the castle walls.
So, whichever modular set you choose, remember, LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.
