LEGO Unboxing – LEGO Ideas Tribute to Galileo Galilei 40595

We’ve received another gift from LEGO, just in time for the official announcement today – a pre-release copy of the LEGO Ideas Tribute to Galileo Galilei 40595 gift-with-purchase.

The new GWP set will be available as an add-on with purchases equal to or greater than €130/$130/£115 from 1^st November to 16^th November 2023 until stocks last. Currently, the set is due to go live on the LEGO website from 1st November 2023.

The set is based on a LEGO Ideas Grand Prize-winning entry from ‘Firecracker_’ (Jessica Kiaei), who built their own charming MOC showing the famous astronomer in his room working on scientific discoveries – check out their thoughts on the design below, taken from the printed instruction booklet.

The official LEGO version adds to the detail with some stunning exclusive sticker decals and elements.

Who Is Galileo Galilei?

Galileo Galilei was an Italian scientist and astronomer best known for his groundbreaking contributions to the fields of astronomy and physics – this included constructing his own improved telescope, which he used to make numerous astronomical discoveries, including the observation of Jupiter’s moons and the phases of Venus.

His work supported the Heliocentric model of the solar system proposed by Copernicus, challenging the prevailing geocentric view. Galileo’s advocacy for the Heliocentric model led to conflict with the Catholic Church, resulting in trial and eventual house arrest. To this day, he is considered to be a hero of the Scientific Revolution.

LEGO Ideas Tribute to Galileo Galilei 40595 – Building the Model

Fresh from their successful attempt to build the Mini Steamboat Willie 40659 GWP, we once again handed over the exclusive LEGO gift to our resident LEGO newbie. See their thoughts and pictures of the construction process below!

Here we go again!

Once the box was open, it was time to open the instructions and get started on the first bag of bricks. It’s always fun to see what happens ‘behind the curtain’ on LEGO sets with a moving element, and the build began by constructing a base with concealed cogs to turn the central solar system map in the room above.

Suffering from slight overconfidence, I soon realised I had placed some bricks in the wrong places, contrary to the instructions. You might think that the studs should line up parallel (as above), but I had to go back and correct a few. Most of the studs are placed to hold Galileo’s furniture in specific places. Rookie error!

The finishing touch to the base included adding the nametag sticker and brick to the front.

On to bag two…

The next stage of the build began by assembling the backdrop, which included some stylish aesthetics, such as the mixture of smooth and textured bricks on the wall and the open balcony.

The portrait of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most charming additions to the set, and I did my best to maintain a steady hand while applying the sticker to the plate. As soon as this piece was attached to the wall, it instantly brought the room to life. I also applied some pleasant greenery to the outside of the balcony.

On to bag three and the final stages…

♫ Galileo! Galileo! Galileo Figaro… magnifico! ♫

It was time to construct some furniture. Up first, the shelves carrying Galileo’s books and goblet.

Next – the antique table, ornaments, and the famous telescope.

And here’s the finished model! Thanks to its shape, the set fits nicely in a corner, and I chose to place it on top of my computer. More discerning enthusiasts might consider placing in between some old books on a shelf or as an elegant addition to their LEGO diorama collection.

Final Thoughts

The model took just under an hour and a half to build and featured some inspired elements, including the use of angled sections and sticker decals. The overall balance of colour also deserves praise, with subtle hints of different hues splashed throughout, including the green plants, the red book on the shelf, and the vivid Leaning Tower of Pisa portrait and frame.

The spinning planetary map is controlled from behind the set and makes for a fun, interactive addition. We did find that this set included many almost identical pieces, which involved backtracking on a few occasions to ensure the right ones were used. Pay close attention to the instructions on this one!

For fans of history and science, this is an engaging set to build and makes for some smart display possibilities – perhaps you know a science teacher who could use this on their school desk?

Our Rating: 8/10