Displaying the LEGO Icons Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine (10363)

The LEGO® Icons Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine (#10363) sits right at the intersection of Renaissance invention and modern brick engineering. It's 493 pieces of gears, warm wood tones and canvas-style wings — a genuine gallery piece for anyone into historical builds, and one that looks as much at home on an office desk as it does on a collector's shelf.

The catch is that intricate builds need careful upkeep. Between the wide wingspan, open-gear structure and delicate fabric-style elements, this set collects dust fast, and it's not the kind of model you want to run a duster over. If you're weighing display options beyond an open bookshelf, a purpose-built acrylic case is the upgrade to make.

Da Vinci's Dream of Flight

Centuries before the Wright brothers, Leonardo da Vinci was already sketching flying machines. His notebooks, the Codex Atlanticus among them, are full of "ornithopter" designs — machines meant to fly by flapping wings like a bird, sketched out long before anyone had the materials to actually build one.

This LEGO® Icons set is a tribute to that curiosity. It takes Da Vinci's wooden and canvas blueprints and turns centuries-old mechanical theory into a model you can actually build and move. Displaying it is as much about the history as the build itself, which is part of why we think it deserves more than a bare shelf.

From Loose Bricks to a Working Machine

As shown in the speed-build review from YouTuber AustrianBrickFan, putting this set together is a genuinely satisfying process from the first brick to the last gear, with a clear rhythm to how each section builds on the last.

The manual: the build opens with an instruction booklet styled like an old manuscript, covering Da Vinci's original aviation notes and setting the tone for the whole build before you place a single brick.

The mechanics: the base and spine rely on internal Technic gears and connectors. Building the crank that makes the wings flap is one of the most rewarding parts of the set — it bridges static display with actual movement, and it's the part most builders talk about first.

The canvas wings: the fabric-style wing membranes are the highlight of the build. They clip onto the frame and add a texture that contrasts nicely with the rigid plastic elsewhere, and they're also the most fragile part of the whole model.

The stand: the set includes a dedicated black exhibition stand and a Da Vinci minifigure, giving it a museum look right out of the box without any extra work on your part.

Why a Shelf Isn't Enough

As sharp as the engineering is, those open gears and canvas elements are fragile. Standard cleaning — dusting, wiping — can easily warp the wings, fray the fabric or jam the moving parts on set #10363, which defeats the purpose of a model built around motion.

Cheap plastic display cases tend to warp, scratch or cloud under UV light over time. A build that pays tribute to history like this one calls for materials that actually hold up.

Why We Built This Case

Our display case for the 10363 is engineered to turn the set into a proper gallery piece, so it stays in good condition for years instead of slowly losing its wings to dust and handling.

SGS-verified Lucite clarity: we use Lucite (Mitsubishi) brand-new casting acrylic — 100% pure, with zero recycled content — for over 98% light transmission and no optical distortion.

UV and dust protection: unlike acrylic that yellows over time, ours is embedded with UV inhibitors, and the laser-cut panels interlock for a 99% dust-proof seal. You get a clear view of the wood tones and gear detail without worrying about dust or sunlight.

Sized to fit: at 35 x 35 x 35 cm, the case gives the wide wingspan and tall stand room to breathe, whether it's joining the rest of your LEGO Icons collection or standing alone.

A base that makes it pop: the heavy-duty black acrylic base provides contrast that makes the model's warm wood tones stand out under normal room lighting.

Questions We Get Often

Do I need tools to put it together? No — no glue, no screws. The panels use an interlocking tooth structure that snaps together by hand.

How do I prep the panels first? Each panel ships with protective film on both sides. Peel it off fully before you start snapping the pieces together.

How do I keep it looking clear? Wipe it down occasionally with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Skip window cleaners and harsh chemicals — they can damage the acrylic surface.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Compatibility	Tailored exclusively for LEGO® Icons Set #10363
Dimensions	35 × 35 × 35 cm (13.78 × 13.78 × 13.78 inches)
Material Standard	Lucite (Mitsubishi) 100% Pure Casting Acrylic (SGS Verified)
Protection	99% Dustproof & High-Performance UV Inhibitors
Base Architecture	Heavy-Duty Sleek Black Acrylic Baseplate

Tell Us About Your Build

How are you planning to display your Flying Machine — alongside other historical sets, or as a standalone piece? Share your setup with us in the comments.

A Quick Note

Intellectual property: this is an independent, aftermarket display accessory made for collectors. It isn't manufactured, sponsored or endorsed by the LEGO Group. References to "LEGO", "LEGO Icons" and set number 10363 are only to show compatibility.

Model not included: the LEGO® Icons Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine (#10363) shown in our photos is for scale reference only and isn't included with the case.