The highly anticipated tour of Harry Potter: The Exhibition arrives in Sydney next week, premiering at Paddington Pavilion in Sydney Olympic Park on May 14, and it’s set to be an absolute must-see for all Potterheads.
Fans are describing it as ‘the most extensive touring exhibition ever created’. It captures the magical world of Harry Potter and beyond, presented by Warner Bros, Discovery Global Experiences, Imagine, and Eventim Live and includes several behind-the-scenes experiences.
Exhibition Highlights
Visitors will be treated to behind-the-scenes wonders directly from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series, including iconic moments, characters, settings, and creatures. Wonders from the extended world of Harry Potter are also on offer, including the Tony-award-winning Broadway production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Many of the unforgettable moments from the films that fans have loved over the past 25 years will be crafted in ways that honour, getting an insider look at authentic props and original costumes as they journey through innovative galleries using best-in-class immersive design.
Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine, says, “This exhibition celebrates the extended world of Harry Potter like no other touring exhibition has done before.
“With its family-friendly environment and great appreciation for storytelling and adventure, Sydney is the perfect place for fans and families of all ages to experience the behind-the-scenes magic of the wizarding world.
We can’t wait to share it with visitors from near and far when we open this autumn.”
What to expect
As visitors begin their tour, this is what they can expect:
- Encounter a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, encased in a Gringotts-inspired vault.
- Once inside the Page to Screen theatre, view moments featuring inspirational video and literary quotes and reconnect them to the story.
- The Marauder’s Map also comes to life through a dynamic multimedia presentation
- Hogwarts Castle vignettes highlighting iconic elements such as the Whomping Willow and Dementors.
- The Great Hall Gallery is a space that allows visitors to celebrate magical seasonal moments in its iconic architecture.
The Great Hall Gallery
The Hogwarts Houses gallery is one of the exhibition’s most popular spaces, with the Sorting Hat at the centre of a celebratory hall, and visitors can explore each of the four houses. The distinct house crests are also a hit with visitors, rendered in intricately crafted stained glass with designs created exclusively for this exhibition.
Interact with iconic props, creatures, and costumes in the Hogwarts Classrooms. There are magical lessons and games through digital touchscreens that reveal behind-the-scenes secrets about iconic classroom moments.
- You can then brew potions in the Potions Classroom
- Predict the future in Divination
- Pot a mandrake in the Herbology Greenhouse
- Use your digital wand to defeat a boggart in ‘Defence Against the Dark Arts’
Hagrid’s Hut and The Forbidden Forest offer an interactive Patronus charm experience. Uncover iconic creatures, such as centaurs and Acromantula, hidden in the forest and explore inside a recreation of Hagrid’s Hut.
Merch fans will be delighted with an exclusive collection of Harry Potter: The Exhibition merchandise, available in the retail shop. Fans can choose from a range of merch from apparel, jewellery, and edible treats, including Chocolate Frogs and draft Butterbeer, available while supplies last. And they’re exclusive to this exhibition, not available at any other Harry Potter experience.
