LEGO Icons Top 5 Sets Retiring in 2026 You Need to Buy Now

When it comes to long-term LEGO investing, few themes offer the same blend of display appeal, cultural relevance, and consistent aftermarket performance as LEGO Icons. From record-breaking landmarks to historically significant builds and beautifully designed modulars, Icons continues to attract a broad audience — and that demand is exactly what drives strong returns once sets retire.

As we move through 2026, the clock is already ticking. Retirement windows are closing in, stock levels will begin to fluctuate, and—crucially—secondary market prices will start to move before many collectors even realise what’s happening. This is the point where the smartest buyers get ahead.

In this article, we’ve analysed the upcoming retirement class to identify the top 5 LEGO Icons sets leaving shelves in 2026—focusing on projected growth, collector appeal, piece count, and proven sub-theme performance. Whether you’re targeting standout flagship models or looking to diversify across different price points, these are the sets with the strongest potential to outperform once they disappear from LEGO.com.

If you’re planning your next strategic buys, this is one list you won’t want to ignore.

LEGO Icons The Endurance Leads 2026 Retirement Projections

1. 10335 LEGO Icons The Endurance

RRP: $269.99 / £229.99 Projected Growth: 45% (1yr) / 82% (3yr) / 102% (5yr) Expected Retirement: December 2026

The LEGO® Icons The Endurance takes the top spot with a projected 45% first-year gain — the strongest opening-year performance among Icons sets retiring in 2026. This 3,011-piece collectible ship model building kit recreates the historic vessel celebrated for its pivotal role in Sir Ernest Shackleton's legendary Antarctic expedition, delivering detailed replica capturing the ship's majestic presence.

The LEGO build features 3 towering masts with 10 full sails, flying red ensign flag, and intricate rigging recreating the sailing ship's authentic appearance. The detailed multi-level deck connects via stairs, with removable sections providing access to port and starboard cabins plus the ship's steam engine. Additional features include 4 detachable lifeboats, chained bower anchor, and ship's wheel that operates the rudder, creating interactive elements beyond static display.

At over 18.5 inches high, 31.5 inches long, and 9.5 inches wide, the completed Endurance creates substantial display presence justifying dedicated shelf space. The included sturdy stand enables proper presentation for home or office nautical décor.

For collectors, The Endurance represents peak maritime history from Shackleton's 1914-1917 Antarctic expedition that has captivated audiences through recent documentaries and renewed cultural interest in polar exploration. The ship's legendary survival story and dramatic discovery of the wreck in 2022 creates multi-generational appeal spanning history enthusiasts, maritime collectors, and adventure story fans.

The 45% projected first-year growth makes this the must-buy Icons retirement of 2026, combining substantial piece count, iconic subject matter, and recent cultural relevance driving collector demand.

2. 10341 LEGO Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System

RRP: $259.99 / £219.99 Projected Growth: 42% (1yr) / 78% (3yr) / 104% (5yr) Expected Retirement: December 2026

NASA Artemis Space Launch System claims second place with 42% projected first-year growth, delivering exceptional returns celebrating NASA's current moon programme. This 3,601-piece premium LEGO building set recreates the Artemis Space Launch System with NASA-inspired accuracy, including multistage rocket with 2 solid-fuel boosters, Orion capsule, and detailed mobile launch tower.

The accurate replica depicts real launch systems with retractable launch tower umbilicals, rocket support and crew bridge, detachable solid-fuel boosters, and separating rocket stages demonstrating authentic functionality. The Orion module features foldout solar panels and can be placed inside the rocket or on separate display stand, creating flexible presentation options. A printed plaque adds finishing touch to this impressive model perfect for home and office space décor.

At over 27.5 inches high and substantial width and depth, the Artemis launch system creates commanding display presence. The functional elements including retractable umbilicals and stage separation enable collectors to demonstrate rocket operation beyond static presentation.

For space enthusiasts, the Artemis programme represents NASA's return to lunar exploration after decades, targeting sustainable moon presence and eventual Mars missions. This current-events relevance combined with NASA's cultural prestige creates strong collector appeal spanning space fans, STEM enthusiasts, and NASA memorabilia collectors.

At $259.99 with 42% first-year projection and over 3,600 pieces, Artemis represents premium value combining substantial build, authentic NASA partnership, and timely subject matter as the real Artemis missions progress.

3. 10351 LEGO Icons Sherlock Holmes: Book Nook

RRP: $129.99 / £109.99 Projected Growth: 41% (1yr) / 71% (3yr) / 90% (5yr) Expected Retirement: December 2026

Sherlock Holmes: Book Nook delivers 41% projected first-year growth as accessible entry combining literary nostalgia with innovative bookshelf décor format. This 1,359-piece LEGO building set recreates the mystique of Victorian London with unique book nook design perfect for fans of classic detective novels, serving as bookshelf insert or captivating display model.

The LEGO set includes 5 LEGO® minifigures representing $65 in value — over 50% of the set's RRP. Key minifigures include twn524 Sherlock Holmes, twn525 Professor Moriarty, and twn521 Dr Watson, with the complete roster adding Irene Adler and Baker Street newcomer Paige. This exceptional minifigure value percentage significantly strengthens investment fundamentals.

Slide the book nook between favourite novels to create window into Baker Street adventures, or open it to discover bookshop with revolving display window, shadowy terraced residence with sliding front door, mysteries and clues, plus detailed recreation of Sherlock Holmes' 221B apartment complete with cosy fireplace, clue board, and beloved violin.

The interactive features include dial-operated door to Professor Moriarty's hideout and opening façade revealing Holmes' apartment, creating playful elements appealing to hands-on collectors beyond static book nook presentation.

At under $130 with 41% first-year projection and 50%+ minifigure value, Sherlock Holmes represents the strongest budget entry in the top 5. The book nook format creates unique positioning within Icons, appealing to literary collectors and bookshelf decorators beyond typical LEGO demographics.

4. 10326 LEGO Icons Natural History Museum

RRP: $299.99 / £259.99 Projected Growth: 35% (1yr) / 63% (3yr) / 82% (5yr) Expected Retirement: December 2026

Natural History Museum delivers 35% projected first-year growth as the latest addition to the prestigious Modular Buildings series. This 4,014-piece LEGO building set recreates iconic museum architecture packed with brick-built exhibits, including brachiosaurus skeleton towering through an atrium up to the museum's 2nd floor.

The detailed build features first floor offering range of natural history exhibits, while second floor focuses on space and science artefacts with separate display referencing classic LEGO sets. The roof houses curator's office and features 2 skylights allowing light to permeate the building, creating authentic museum atmosphere. The set includes 7 minifigures for storytelling and display, though minifigure value is negligible compared to the build itself.

At over 12 inches high, 15 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, the Natural History Museum creates substantial modular presence. As part of the Modular Buildings Collection, it connects with other modular sets sold separately, creating series completion incentive for collectors building comprehensive cityscapes.

The Modular Buildings sub-theme within Icons has demonstrated consistently strong investment performance, with nearly every modular set appreciating significantly post-retirement. The Natural History Museum's combination of 4,000+ pieces, iconic subject matter celebrating science and natural history, and modular connectivity positions it well for sustained collector demand.

For museum lovers and modular collectors, the Natural History Museum represents accessible premium territory at $299.99, delivering substantial build celebrating institutions that resonate across generations of science enthusiasts and families.

5. 10307 LEGO Icons Eiffel Tower

RRP: $629.99 / £554.99 Projected Growth: 31% (1yr) / 66% (3yr) / 90% (5yr) Expected Retirement: December 2026

Eiffel Tower rounds out the top 5 with 31% projected first-year growth as the flagship model in the LEGO Travel & History series. Standing at almost 5 feet tall with 10,001 pieces, this represents one of the tallest and highest piece-count LEGO sets ever produced, creating awe-inspiring challenge for experienced builders.

The collectible model assembles in 4 sections following the way the real tower was built in Paris, France, giving builders unique insight into Gustave Eiffel's engineering brilliance. True-to-life details throughout include landscaping, 3 observation platforms, lifts, and broadcast tower topped with French flag. The faithful geometry follows real Eiffel Tower's décor with arches, supports, cross bracing, railings, and authentic view when looking up from beneath.

Ground-level details include Esplanade with Parisian lamp posts, benches, trees, and shrubs setting the scene. The ascent features 4 plinths, 3 observation platforms, lifts with cabling, Gustave Eiffel's private office at the top, and broadcast tower capturing the complete tower experience.

The model separates into 4 parts with carrying handles enabling movement and display flexibility despite its monumental 58.5-inch height and 22.5-inch width and depth.

At $629.99 with 10,001 pieces, the Eiffel Tower sits in ultra-premium territory justified by record-breaking scale and piece count. The 31% first-year projection represents solid returns for a set requiring substantial capital commitment, appealing to collectors seeking statement pieces celebrating world's most iconic landmarks.

For travel and history lovers, the Eiffel Tower delivers ultimate Paris-themed present combining engineering challenge with display-worthy recreation of France's most recognisable monument.

LEGO Icons Theme Investment Performance

LEGO Icons has delivered 11% average annualised growth (AAG) across retired sets since launching in 2012, making it one of the stronger LEGO investment themes overall. However, Icons encompasses wide content range — vehicles, buildings, landmarks, botanical displays, space sets — resulting in significant performance variation between individual releases.

Top LEGO Icons performers demonstrate the theme's potential when selecting the right releases:

10231 Brick Bank – RRP $170, current value $650, 282% growth, 22% AAG. This modular building shows LEGO Icons' strength in the Modular Buildings Collection sub-theme.

10248 Ferrari F40 – RRP $100, current value $364, 264% growth, 18% AAG. Licensed supercar content delivers exceptional appreciation within LEGO Icons vehicles.

10259 Winter Village Station – RRP $80, current value $226, 182% growth, 17% AAG. Seasonal sets tied to collecting communities can significantly outperform theme averages.

The pattern shows LEGO Icons' 11% AAG masks significant variance, with top performers achieving 17-22% AAG. The theme rewards selective buying focused on sub-themes with proven track records — modular buildings, iconic landmarks, licensed vehicles — rather than buying broadly across all Icons releases.

Final Thoughts: Why These 5 Sets Will Define Icons 2026 Investment Performance

Investabrick's top 5 LEGO Icons sets retiring in December 2026 represent rigorous selection within a theme averaging 11% AAG across nearly 150 sets. From The Endurance's 45% first-year projection to the Eiffel Tower's 31%, every set on this list significantly outperforms the Icons theme average, demonstrating why selective buying matters even within strong-performing themes.

Several patterns emerge:

• Iconic subject matter drives performance: The Endurance (Shackleton expedition), Artemis (NASA moon programme), Eiffel Tower (world landmark) leverage cultural significance
• Modular Buildings strength: Natural History Museum benefits from consistently strong modular sub-theme performance
• Minifigure value adds fundamentals: Sherlock Holmes' 50%+ minifigure value strengthens investment case
• Recent cultural relevance: The Endurance wreck discovery (2022) and Artemis programme launches create timely collector appeal

The LEGO Icons theme's 11% AAG requires careful set selection rather than broad buying strategies. These five sets project 31-45% first-year growth, demonstrating that the right Icons picks significantly outperform theme averages.

The strategy is clear: secure these LEGO Icons sets at or near RRP before December 2026 retirement, store sealed, and let collector demand for iconic landmarks, maritime history, NASA partnerships, literary nostalgia, and museum architecture drive projected appreciation. Whether targeting The Endurance's 45% first-year gain or building diversified Icons portfolio across all five, these represent the best LEGO Icons investment opportunities retiring in 2026.

All five sets remain available now at RRP. Act while retail pricing remains accessible before retirement announcements push prices above retail in the secondary market.