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Modulex was a LEGO-derived building system made for architects and architectural models—not a standard LEGO theme. Its first system, M20, used 5 mm elements intended for 1:20-scale models, with proportions and parts designed for miniature buildings and planning boards. Production began in 1963 and ended by the late 1980s, according to the specialist reference Modulex Bricks, so today it is a vintage collecting subject rather than a newly manufactured alternative to LEGO.
What was Modulex?
Modulex was a commercial modeling system developed from LEGO for architectural work. The Modulex Bricks FAQ says the LEGO Group started the Modulex company to manufacture and sell the bricks. Its purpose shaped the product: instead of serving primarily as a general-purpose toy building system, Modulex was designed to represent buildings and support planning boards.
An early brochure introduction reproduced in a 2014 Modulex Bricks post, with translation help credited to Thomas Bryde, captures the relationship: “MODULEX is a further development of the Lego system, so it is no accident if you have found a similarity between the two products.” The post identifies Godtfred Kirk Christiansen as the brochure’s CEO of A/S Lego Systems and A/S Modulex. This is a translated historical document reproduced by a collector site, not a newly verified manufacturer transcript. Read the reproduced brochure passage.
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How was Modulex different from standard LEGO?
The resemblance was intentional, but Modulex had its own scale, proportions, and architectural parts. The Modulex Bricks FAQ describes its bricks as equal in width, height, and depth, unlike the proportions of standard LEGO bricks. It compares Modulex elements to roughly five-eighths the size of a standard brick; that is the FAQ’s approximate comparison, not a universal measurement for every part.
#1 Best Overall
- Build a detailed LEGO Architecture model interpretation of the London skyline featuring famous landmarks!
- The model building kit for adults and kids aged 12+ features the National Gallery, Nelson’s Column, London Eye, Big Ben and Tower Bridge
- London’s Thames River is represented by transparent baseplate tiles
- This set has been designed to deliver a rewarding and relaxing building experience and makes an eye-catching decor piece for the home or office
- Includes collectible booklet containing information about the design, architecture and history of the building
- Purpose: Modulex was aimed at architectural models and, later, planning boards.
- Proportions: Its elements used a compact, cube-based design suited to the system’s model scale.
- Surface: Smooth Modulex tiles were the same height as regular Modulex bricks but had no studs.
- Parts: The range included bricks, slopes, tiles, baseplates, windows, and letter tiles, as well as architecture-oriented details such as roof ridges, doors, and a swivel plate.
- Appearance: The FAQ describes the color palette as muted.
Those differences mean Modulex should not be treated as broadly interchangeable with current LEGO System elements. The available references establish distinct sizes and proportions, but do not document a part-by-part compatibility test. BrickLink also catalogs Modulex as its own building-system category rather than as a LEGO System category. See BrickLink’s category definitions.
What was the M20 system?
Modulex’s first product system, M20, was intended for architectural models at 1:20 scale. According to the Modulex Bricks FAQ, its elements were based on a 5 mm cube. That compact dimension made the system appropriate for representing building forms at a smaller scale than ordinary construction toys. M20’s listed elements included basic bricks alongside architectural and presentation parts such as slopes, tiles, baseplates, windows, and letter tiles.
Rank #2
- Lady Liberty Statue - Features a Lady Liberty statue with flowing robe, detailed pedestal with shield, brick detailing, and columned balconies.
- Iconic Statue Elements - Includes broken shackles, 7-ray crown, iconic tablet, upraised arm with golden torch, and a decorative nameplate.
- Authentic Color Scheme - Finished with a sand-green and beige color scheme, this model set delivers a highly satisfying building experience.
- Symbolic Display - An icon of freedom, the statue was a gift to the United States from France in 1886, symbolizing liberty.
- Faithful LEGO Interpretation - This impressive LEGO Architecture model kit faithfully reproduces the monument's blend of sculpture and architecture.
What happened to Modulex?
The Modulex Bricks FAQ dates the beginning of brick production to 1963 and says manufacture had ended by the late 1980s. It also describes a later use in planning boards during the 1970s. These dates and product details come from a specialist collector reference rather than a current LEGO corporate history page, so they are best understood as reported historical specifications.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsCan you still buy Modulex bricks?
Modulex is discontinued, so a buyer should look for vintage Modulex bricks or architectural modeling bricks rather than expect new production. BrickLink retains distinct categories for Modulex, Modulex bricks, decorated tiles, and windows, which can help identify listings. Its catalog categories do not establish present stock, seller quality, or any particular asking price; availability and condition depend on individual sellers. BrickLink category definitions and the Modulex Bricks FAQ provide reference points for identifying the system.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BUILD A FAIRY-TALE CASTLE – Adult builders 18 years old and up construct Bavaria's legendary architectural wonder
- CHANGE WITH THE SEASONS – Customize your castle display all year long with seasonal LEGO summer and autumn foliage
- ROOM-BY-ROOM CONSTRUCTION – Build imposing throne rooms, turreted towers, ornate gates, and vast courtyards with authentic medieval architectural details
- MINDFUL BUILDING JOURNEY – Advanced techniques and premium pieces create an immersive escape for architecture enthusiasts
- GIFT FOR BIRTHDAYS – Ideal for Europhiles, history buffs, and model kit enthusiasts
Rank #4
- Notre-Dame de Paris miniature architectural model kit – Experience every step in the architectural evolution of an iconic Paris landmark through the ages with this LEGO Architecture building set for adults
- Gift for lovers of history, travel and art and a fun Paris souvenir – Your building journey follows that of the actual Notre-Dame cathedral, starting with its curved back and ending with the spire
- Authentically detailed Notre-Dame cathedral model – Admire the rose windows, remove the roof to view interior columns and arches and lift off the towers to take a closer look inside
- Paris decorations for the home – Place buildable trees along one side of the cathedral and attach the nameplate to the base, either at the front or the side of the building
- LEGO Paris gift for adults – This collectible, brick-built Paris home decor makes a fun present for mom, dad, a brother, sister or creative friend who is a lover of history, architecture, travel or France
Rank #3
- ICONIC LANDMARK MODEL – Embrace every step in the architectural recreation of an iconic Rome baroque monument with this 1,880-piece Trevi Fountain nostalgic building kit for adults
- HISTORY & TRAVEL-LOVERS MEMORABILIA – Your building journey lets you recreate the iconic Rome fountain in all its glory, while enjoying updated building techniques and more
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS – Admire the facade’s backdrop, the details of the statue figures, mini hippocampi and small ’Lovers’ Fountain’, plus other items that enhance and complete the model
- BUILD AND DISPLAY – Place buildable streetlamps and bollards at the front of the fountain and attach the nameplate to the base at the front of the building, then place it on display
- GIFT FOR ADULTS – This collectible home decor LEGO set makes a great present for you or another creative adult who is a lover of history, architecture, travel or Italy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
