Little Building Co. Guggenheim Museum Wooden Model Kit, 1:500

Build Frank Lloyd Wright’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in timber: a 1:500 scale model kit of 62 parts, made in Australia by Little Building Co.

With its spiraling organic form, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York set a new architectural precedent. Frank Lloyd Wright designed it, and when it was completed in 1959 it pushed the limits of construction technology and modern museum design. Little Building Co.’s kit captures the spiraling ramp drum and the rectangular tower behind it at 1:500 scale, in american cherry, aspen, birch, mdf and acrylic. It has 62 parts and takes one person about 12 hours to assemble from clear, stage-by-stage diagrams. The finished model measures about 4.3″ L × 6″ W × 3.5″ H. You will need PVA wood glue, not included.

Specifications

• Brand: Little Building Co. (Brisbane, Australia)
• Model: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum model kit
• Building: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, New York
• Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright
• Type: Wooden architectural model kit (assembly required)
• Scale: 1:500
• Parts: 62
• Build time: About 12 hours for one person
• Finished size: Approx. 4.3″ L × 6″ W × 3.5″ H
• Materials: American cherry, aspen, birch, MDF and acrylic
• Also needed: PVA wood glue, not included
• Instructions: Easy-to-follow stage-by-stage diagrams
• Age: Contains small parts; ages 5+
• Made in: Australia
• Item number (MPN): LB-SRGM

Features

• 1:500 scale model of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, New York
• 62 precision-cut parts; about 12 hours to build
• Timber kit: American cherry, aspen, birch, MDF and acrylic
• Clear, stage-by-stage illustrated instructions
• Finished size approx. 4.3″ L × 6″ W × 3.5″ H
• Made in Australia

Best for

Architects, architecture students and design lovers; a quiet weekend project for anyone who enjoys careful handwork. Built, it is a handsome object for a bookshelf, desk or office reception. More from Little Building Co.: Little Building Co. Jacobs House Wooden Model Kit, Frank Lloyd Wright, 1:100, Little Building Co. Sydney Opera House Wooden Model Kit, 1:750, Little Building Co. SC Johnson Headquarters Wooden Model Kit, Frank Lloyd Wright, 1:500.

Who this is not for

• Young children on their own: the kit contains small parts (5+ per the maker), and younger builders need an adult’s help (our advice).
• Anyone wanting a ready-made model: it arrives as a kit to assemble.
• Snap-together fans: it needs glue and patience.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009, and these are the gifts our architect clients ask for by name. Little Building Co. designs, develops and manufactures architectural model kits in Brisbane, Australia, with the look and feel of models from an architect’s own studio. Each kit is researched from original drawings, detailed photographs and cross-referenced details, made from sustainably sourced materials where possible, and supports the Foundations, Trusts and Estates that preserve the legacy of the architects behind the buildings.

Care for the finished model

Solid timber ages beautifully on a shelf. Little Building Co. recommends furniture wax on the finished timber models, except the Farnsworth House, whose clear acrylic windows would be hard to clean of wax; there, wax only a cherry base. Dust with a soft, dry brush.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Guggenheim kit take to build?

About 12 hours for one person; most builders spread it over a few evenings.

What do I need to build the Guggenheim model?

Little Building Co. recommends a good-quality PVA wood glue (not included).

How big is the finished Guggenheim model?

Approx. 4.3″ L × 6″ W × 3.5″ H, at 1:500 scale.

Is the Guggenheim kit hard to build?

No special skills are needed, just patience and the ability to follow the stage-by-stage diagrams.

What if I glue a Guggenheim part in the wrong place?

Many parts join with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that cures over time, so a misplaced part can be peeled apart and repositioned; PVA also gives you time to adjust.

What age is the Guggenheim model kit for?

It contains small parts and is for ages 5 and up; younger builders will want an adult alongside.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, contractors and builders can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Little Building Co. and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and free catalogs and finish swatches. Applying takes about three minutes; our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day. Furnishing an architecture office, a museum shop or a client gift program? Contact us with models and quantities and we’ll confirm availability and lead time.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.