Comparing LEGO Ideas 40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei to its original project

The latest LEGO Ideas gift-with-purchase, 40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei, has changed more than you might believe since it was just a project.

Winning the STEM contest held in 2022, LEGO Ideas 40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei is based heavily on the original submission by Firecracker_, though it has undergone a few notable changes in its transition from a fan-designed project to an official set. You can find out more about the set and take a closer look in our detailed review.

40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei is scheduled to be offered from November 1 through to November 16 with orders of £115 / $130 / €130 or more and includes 307 pieces. Similar to the other tribute sets including 40530 Jane Goodall Tribute and 40450 Amelia Earhart Tribute, a minifigure of the historical icon is included but with added printing compared to the original submission.

The build has undergone a significant transformation, though the majority of the model has remained the same. The bookshelf to the left has had its layout changed and the letter knocked off the top but it is otherwise the same.

In the centre of the build, the desk has retained the spinning orrery feature though its design is much simpler than what was originally proposed. Items have been moved around too, including moving the orrery into the middle and shortening the stack of papers.

The balcony to the right has been reduced in size slightly to match the diagonal shape of the building, but greenery has been added to the back for a more interesting silhouette and it brings a splash of colour to an otherwise monochrome section of the build.

The painting at the back of the model has changed dramatically. In the final design, the golden frame has been removed but a unique painting (via a sticker) has been added to depict the Leaning Tower of Pisa, arguably more fitting for the Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer than a sailing ship.

Linking back to the set’s only play feature, 40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei has moved the spinning cog from the front of the model, where it is always on display, to the back – making it more hidden. The base has also changed from brown to black, though this is in line with most of the other LEGO tribute sets.

Two extra accessories have been added to the build too, not originally proposed in the contest-winning entries. Overall, many of the changes in 40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei appear to be an improvement, but the fan design still hasn’t changed nearly as much as other LEGO Ideas sets.

40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei will be available from November 1 through to November 16 with orders of £115 / $130 / €130 or more while stocks last or until the deal ends.

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