Build #145 – MiniCity Pantheon – Chamber of Gods Built & reviewed by D.J. Gibson
Quick Summary
| Category | Rating |
| Design | 9/10 |
| Build Experience | 9/10 |
| Instructions | 8/10 |
| Lighting | 9/10 |
| Build Quality | 9/10 |
| Difficulty | High Beginner |
| Build Time | Approximately 4 Hours |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 |
Pros
- Excellent fit and construction quality
- Clever mirrored build design speeds up assembly
- Impressive dome construction
- Innovative movable lighting feature
- Magnetic dust cover system
- Clear full-colour instructions
- Attractive architectural display piece
Cons
- Magnet holes are slightly oversized
- Some glue required for magnet installation
- Rear-mounted light switch can be awkward to access
MiniCity Pantheon – Chamber of Gods Review
Purchased on Amazon through CCCDF, the MiniCity Pantheon – Chamber of Gods is one of four models in MiniCity’s Architectural Series.
Unlike traditional book nooks, these kits are classified as Mini Nooks and are approximately two-thirds the size of a standard book nook. Despite their smaller footprint, they retain the detailed construction and immersive design that MiniCity builders have come to expect.
The kit is constructed from printed MDF, printed plexiglass, printed acrylic and stickers. The instruction manual is presented in full colour and includes a QR code for downloading a digital copy.
After the frustrations encountered during the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal build, the Pantheon proved to be a refreshing return to form.
Materials and Print Quality
All of the pieces from the varied media types were easy to remove from their respective boards.
The plexiglass and acrylic components feature protective film on the unprinted side which must be removed before installation.
Print quality throughout the kit is excellent.
The print work on all components was clear, clean with no bleed over and legible where needed.
This attention to detail helps the finished model capture the architectural beauty of the original Pantheon.
A Much Improved Building Experience
Unlike the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal kit in this series, almost every piece in the Pantheon kit fit properly within tolerances and little glue was needed.
There were fewer than five pieces that required glue where glue was not specifically indicated.
This immediately creates a smoother and more enjoyable building experience.
Clever Mirrored Construction
One of the most unique features of this build is its mirrored interior design.
When constructing components for the left side from Board A, the following steps typically involve building matching mirrored components for the right side from Board B.
This creates a rhythm that allows builders to work more efficiently.
Build Highlight
A unique thing with this build is you actually find yourself speeding up when you realize that the interior is literally two halves that are mirror images.
The repetition allows builders to become familiar with each stage quickly, reducing the need to repeatedly study the instructions.
Building the Dome
The dome is undoubtedly one of the most intimidating-looking parts of the kit.
Fortunately, it is considerably easier to construct than it first appears.
You begin with the front portion of the dome, creating a complete arch across the front of the structure.
The acrylic panels are carefully bent into shape and installed into dedicated acrylic support beams.
These support beams are then inserted into the upper section of the interior framework.
From there, five additional semi-arch sections are assembled and installed.
Dome Construction Tips
Builders should ensure that all connector tabs are fully aligned before securing them in place.
A plexiglass circular cap is then installed on top of the dome, securing the front arches while applying pressure to the rear sections.
In my build I had one connector that did not want to stay fully in place so I resorted to using one of the clear adhesive strips and that fixed the issue.
Despite its complexity, the dome assembly proved far easier than expected.
Magnetic Dust Cover System
One of the side panels requires installation of magnets that serve a dual purpose.
The magnets hold the front dust cover securely in place while also allowing the dust cover to be stored neatly on the side of the model when removed.
Minor Issue
I will say, all of the magnet holes were slightly bigger than they should have been so they did require a full circle of glue.
To prevent glue migration, I also placed clear adhesive strips behind the magnets while the glue cured.
This simple modification helped keep everything properly aligned during assembly.
Innovative Lighting Features
The light kit consists of:
- Four LED bulbs
- Colour-coded wiring
- Rear-mounted power switch
- Movable ceiling light mechanism
Three LEDs are installed within the lower section of the structure, while the fourth is installed within the ceiling assembly.
A Unique Lighting Effect
The ceiling light is perhaps the most interesting feature in the entire kit.
The light is installed on a movable panel that can be adjusted via a slot and handle located on the top of the model.
This allows builders to reposition the light source and simulate the changing angle of sunlight passing through the dome above.
It is a simple but highly effective design feature that adds considerable realism to the finished display.
Dust Cover Design
The dust cover system differs significantly from most book nook kits.
Instead of removable acrylic panels, the Pantheon uses a dedicated MDF frame attached directly to the acrylic cover.
The frame contains integrated magnets which securely hold the cover in place.
When the cover is removed, it can be attached to magnetic mounting points on the right-hand wall for convenient storage.
This is one of the more practical dust cover solutions currently available in a miniature kit.
Finished Appearance
Once completed, the Pantheon is a beautiful miniature interpretation of one of the world’s most iconic architectural landmarks.
The symmetrical interior, detailed columns, dramatic dome structure and carefully positioned lighting all work together to create an impressive display piece.
Despite being smaller than a traditional book nook, the model still delivers considerable visual impact.
Display Impact
The finished build is a lovely homage to the true Pantheon allowing you to have a small piece of architectural history in your home.
Final Verdict
The MiniCity Pantheon – Chamber of Gods is one of the strongest entries in MiniCity’s Architectural Series.
Excellent part fit, intelligent design choices and an enjoyable building process make this kit accessible to a wide range of hobbyists.
The mirrored construction speeds up assembly, the dome is surprisingly straightforward to build and the movable lighting feature provides a unique finishing touch.
While the magnet installation requires a little extra attention and the rear-mounted light switch is not ideal, these are minor criticisms in an otherwise highly enjoyable project.
Overall Rating: 9/10
A beautifully designed architectural mini nook that combines clever engineering, excellent build quality and an impressive finished display into one of MiniCity’s most enjoyable kits to date.
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