‘Lord Of The Rings’ Replica City: Architects Are Crowdfunding To Build Working Replica Of Minas Tirith In England

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live and work within the walls of a Lord of the Rings city? If so, you are not the only one. A group of architects have decided they want to undertake the task of building a fully functioning Lord of the Rings replica city — specifically Minas Tirith, the city under siege in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.

In order to realize this admittedly far-fetched dream, the architects behind the project have turned to Indiegogo in an attempt to crowdfund the roughly $2.8 billion — yes, you read that right — needed to replicate the Lord of the Rings city.

“Our goal is to raise £1.85bn [$2,884,973,250 USD] within 60 days. We’re fully aware of the scale of our ambition, but we hope you realise just how special this project could be.”

The insane amount of money required wasn’t just pulled out of the sky. The group have put a lot of thought into exactly how much will be needed and where the allotted funds will go, should the campaign actually succeed. They have broken it down for potential donors on the “Realize Minas Tirith” Indiegogo page.

“In order to realise this amazing dream, we have calculcated [sic] our required budget to be in the region of £1.85bn. The vast majority of this expense will cover building costs – £15m [$23,421,075.73] for land, £188m [$293,552,916.69] for labour and £1.4bn [$2,186,209,651.30] for material. The remainder of the money will be invested in maintenance and public services until the year 2053.”

As with any good crowdfunding campaign, donating to the Lord of the Rings replica city will land you some sweet perks, which range from a Twitter follow from the campaign creators for a measly $4.70 to being a Lord of Lady of the city — complete with exclusive access for you and your family to the entire city, as well as use of the horse-drawn carriage — for just over $156,000 (or £100,000).

If you find yourself somewhere in the middle of those two extremes, fear not — there’s something for everyone. According to the Indiegogo page, £15 will get your name on a monument within the city walls; £25 gets you a free tour once building of the replica city is completed; £50 gets your name on a plaque on the “Wall of Honor”; £500 allows for one all-inclusive night’s stay in the city; and £900 is also an all-inclusive night’s stay, but for two people.

As of this writing, the campaign has received just £29,253 ($45,670.90 USD) in donations — less than one percent of their goal. With only 47 days left to reach their goal, the group know how unlikely it is that they will achieve their dream.

“Please only donate within your means, and in the knowledge that this project is a light-hearted venture with virtually no chance of succeeding.”

Would you consider donating to the construction of a Lord of the Rings replica city? Would you live or work there if you could?

[Image Credit: Indiegogo/Realise Minas Tirith]