By Amanda Moses
A new magical exhibit has hit the streets of Midtown showcasing all the wonder and beauty of the Harry Potter franchise. Whether you simply love the films, the books, the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs or the Cursed Child play, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Harry Potter: The Exhibition located at 50 W. 34th Street in Herald Square.
On May 19th, spectators cast the spell “Alohomora” to open the doors of the latest Harry Potter showcase, which is open for only a limited time. This exhibition has intertwined technology with the magical scene designs from the Harry Potter Universe.
“We have something special here in New York, and the initial reactions have been amazing,” Tom Zaller said, the President and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions. “We have poured our heart and soul into this exhibition, and I am honored and proud to open at this iconic location in New York City to share the magic with millions of New Yorkers and visitors to this incredible city.”
Created and developed by Imagine Exhibitions in conjunction with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and EMC Presents, this exhibition allows visitors to customize their experience utilizing a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wristband, which tracks your interactions with fun magical activity such as potion making, spell casting, and even Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Upon entry, guests are asked to select their Hogwarts house (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin), then choose what animal to represent their Patronus charm (to ward off Dementors) and their favorite character’s wand (Harry, Hermione, Ron, Newt, and others). This allows for attendees to earn points for their house as their interact with various games and check points.
Be prepared to witness scenes from the films, like the infamous moving portraits and the incident of escaped Azkaban prisoner Sirius Black destroying Gryffindor’s portrait, the Fat Lady. Explore the Great Hall with its endless dining tables and floating candles, enter the creepy forest to visit Hagrid’s Hut, or perhaps face Dolores Umbridge’s office in the Ministry of Magic. Between the intricate designs that bring each section to life, along with the interactive activities and even costumes from the films and plays, this exhibit is truly a magical experience.
There is even a Gringotts vault holding onto a first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for all to behold. In the very same room, guests were asked to scan their wrist band at a Golden Snitch icon, which then allowed them to see their name floating on the Marauder’s Map along with a seasonal change sequence including video of the Hogwarts Castle and Hogwarts Express.
Once the journey culminated, guests were able to visit the gift shop to purchase exclusive merchandise.
The exhibition is open seven days a week from 9 am to 9:30 pm (starting at $29.99-$43.50 for adult on weekdays, and more on weekends).
For more information visit: https://new-york.harrypotterexhibition.com/
Photos by Amanda Moses
