Nassau Hall

Built in 1756, Nassau Hall has seen more than its fair share of history. As the flagship building of Princeton University, the site of a critical battle in the War of the American Revolution, a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, and the one-time home of the entirety of the United States government, not many buildings can rival its stature in American history. Now, you can build your very own Lego Nassau Hall! I am an individual who values the historic character of buildings such as this one, and took up the mantle of creating it in Lego form as an unofficial “tribute” to the institution, the building, and the many stories it represents.

Constructed from 2,998 Lego bricks, this impeccably detailed reconstruction of this iconic building reproduces its most famous features: the sand green roof, the tan and brown brick, the tigers standing guard at the main entrance, and of course, the sprigs of ivy. Measuring 74 studs wide, 55 studs deep, and 44 studs tall (23.4”x17.4”x13.9”), this imposingly large model of one of America's oldest collegiate buildings is sure to inspire Princeton alumni, history enthusiasts, and Lego builders alike.

Besides the carefully-detailed exterior, the building features a delightful concealed play feature: the entire roof can be removed, revealing an interior recreation of the Faculty Room. This historic room, which was the site of Congressional delegations and the home to the entire United States government for four months in 1783, is reproduced here in exquisite detail, including the diamond-shaped floor tiles, benches, and the President's Desk. Flanking the desk are a detailed recreation of the University Mace, as well as Lego-esque portraits of George Washington and King George II.

On the front facade, the model accurately recreates the more-than-250-year-old face of Princeton University. The arched windows, iconic cupola, and the vaunted green tigers mark the distinction of the building, as well as accurately recreating the sand-green tone of the roof and drainage systems. On each end, careful detail has gone into recreating the varying heights of stairstepped windows as well as the turret-style stairwell enclosures. On the southwestern face, a blue door marks the 2021 addition of an elevator, granting unhindered access to the building. Finally, the southern facade features a representation of Alexander Hamilton throwing away his shot -- a recreation of the dent in the stonework reputed to have been caused by the artillery under Hamilton's command during the 1777 Battle of Princeton.

As an individual who is interested in history and architecture, I relished the challenge of recreating such a storied building with intricate, precise, and varied techniques to achieve a proper representation. Although this is only a fan model and not an official endeavor of Princeton University, this Lego Nassau Hall is a beautifully detailed tribute to the institution’s historic flagship building, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. As one of the oldest university buildings in the entire United States, and the site of many important events in American history, please click the "Support" button above to help make this set a reality!

*This set is not officially constructed by Princeton University, but by an individual. Princeton University does not take responsibility for the model or its design. Princeton University has granted permission for this model to be posted to Lego Ideas.