LEGO The X-Files: Scully's Lab (40896) Build Review - a GWP Packed with Hidden References

For many LEGO fans, Gift with Purchase (GWP) sets can be just as exciting as the main release, especially when they expand on a beloved theme. Available until August 10th, LEGO Ideas The X-Files: Scully's Lab (40896) accompanies the larger LEGO Ideas The X-Files set, offering a compact scene that feels as if it were lifted straight from one of the series' most memorable investigations.

At just 221 pieces, this is a quick build that can easily be finished in one sitting. The construction is straightforward, with most of the time spent assembling the cabinets, examination table and smaller accessories before everything comes together into Scully's lab.

LEGO Ideas The X-Files: Scully's Lab (40896)

Price: $19.99 (with Purchase of LEGO Ideas The X-Files set (21369))

Availability: August 1–10, 2026 (Gift with Purchase, while stocks last)

Ages: 18+

Pieces: 221

LEGO Minifigures: 1 (Dana Scully)

LEGO Insiders Points: N/A (Gift with Purchase)

Size: Over 8cm high

Gift with Purchase sets are usually designed to complement a larger release, and LEGO The X-Files: Scully's Lab (40869) follows that formula. Instead of trying to do everything, it recreates one memorable location from the show in a compact 221-piece build. While the main LEGO Ideas set focuses on some of the series' biggest moments, this smaller model highlights Dana Scully's role as the FBI's medical doctor and scientist. It's a straightforward build, but one that's packed with references longtime fans will enjoy spotting, making it feel like a worthwhile extra rather that can go on your shelf rather than a bonus that will be tucked away.

A Scene That Makes Perfect Sense

Rather than giving Dana Scully an office that never really existed, LEGO chose one of the locations she became synonymous with throughout the show's nine-season run: the autopsy room.

As the FBI's scientist and medical doctor, Scully often found herself examining strange victims, mysterious creatures, and extraterrestrial evidence in morgues and laboratories across America. The sterile examination room instantly captures that side of her character, making it one of the most recognisable environments associated with her.

The LEGO X-Files: Scully's Lab build centres around an examination table beneath an adjustable surgical lamp, with cabinets, medical equipment, and laboratory details surrounding the workspace. It's a simple layout, but one that immediately feels authentic to the source material. The cabinets and workbench are where most of the interesting techniques are found. Nothing here is particularly complex, but the smaller details come together nicely, and it's satisfying seeing the laboratory gradually fill with equipment and references from the show. Because there are no repetitive sections, the build keeps moving at a good pace. New details are introduced regularly, making it feel more engaging than its modest piece count suggests.

The Details Are Where This Set Shines

What makes this Scully's Lab GWP particularly enjoyable is how many hidden references LEGO managed to squeeze into such a small footprint. Fans will spot Scully's oversized autopsy safety goggles on her alternate face, a translucent red jar referencing the infamous Black Oil, and a printed microscope slide inspired by the Flukeman investigation from The Host. Even the printed doughnut on the counter is a fun nod to The Springfield Files, The Simpsons' unforgettable X-Files crossover.

One of our favourite touches is the tiny green frog tucked behind the cabinetry, a reference to the killer amphibians from Die Hand Die Verletzt. It's exactly the kind of obscure Easter egg that longtime viewers will appreciate.

One Small Missed Opportunity

The examination table includes studs designed to hold a specimen, clearly encouraging builders to recreate one of Scully's many autopsy scenes. Surprisingly, though, the set doesn't actually include anything to place on it.

Given that this model is designed to complement the main LEGO Ideas The X-Files set (21369), it's clear that the intended "specimen" is the Grey Alien minifigure from that set. If you own both sets, the idea works perfectly and creates a fantastic display. However, on its own, the table feels just a little unfinished. Including a small alien body, an unidentified creature, or even a LEGO specimen would have made the laboratory feel complete while giving the GWP a little more standalone value.

It's a minor complaint, but one that stood out during the build.

As a Gift with Purchase valued at $19.99, LEGO Ideas The X-Files: Scully's Lab (40896) does exactly what you'd hope for. It adds another scene from the series, gives Scully her own build, and includes plenty of references for fans to spot without asking for too much time to build.

Complete Your LEGO X-Files Display

Whether you're displaying LEGO Ideas The X-Files (21369) on its own or alongside The X-Files: Scully's Lab (40896), keeping the finished model protected makes all the difference. With multiple scenes, eight minifigures and plenty of small details, it's a set that's worth showing off.

We have a custom display case designed specifically for:

• LEGO The X-Files Display Case (21369)

It's a simple way to keep the model dust-free while making it easy to enjoy all of the details from one of LEGO Ideas' most anticipated releases.  It'll be available soon, so click "Notify Me" to be among the first to hear when it's released and to take advantage of our new-release pricing.

Our Build Rating for LEGO 40896 The X-Files: Scully's Lab: 8/10

As a build, Scully's Lab delivers what a Gift with Purchase should. It's a quick project that adds another memorable location from The X-Files, with enough hidden references to make the build enjoyable from start to finish. Will you be adding this Gift with Purchase to your LEGO X-Files collection before it disappears on August 10th?