LEGO 1997 / Duplo Sets

In 1997 LEGO released 32 Duplo sets. The largest Duplo set from 1997 was 2247 Extra Bricks Medium with a piece count of 99 and a retail price of $16.99.

The LEGO DUPLO theme was introduced as far back as 1969 and is designed for children ages 1 to 5. It features DUPLO figures which are much larger than minifigures and DUPLO blocks which are about twice the length, width, and height of a standard System brick. Like LEGO System, DUPLO also has subthemes that are often junior versions of System themes, like Pirates and Castle and licensed themes like Disney and Super Heros.

1997 LEGO Sets

In 1997, the LEGO Group faced significant challenges as it grappled with a changing toy market and internal organizational shifts. While the company introduced its first-ever licensed theme, "Star Wars," laying the groundwork for one of its most successful and enduring lines, it also experienced a dip in sales for the first time since its inception. The LEGO Group recognized the need to innovate and diversify its product offerings beyond traditional brick sets, leading to endeavors in new areas like software and video games, with the launch of LEGO Island, its first PC game. This year marked a period of introspection and transformation for the iconic toy company.