Harry Potter fans in Seattle are in for a magical time at the Pacific Science Center's 10,000 square foot Harry Potter Exhibit, which is scheduled to open Oct 23, 2010 and run through January 30, 2011, according to a statement issued August 10, 2010 following Actor Matthew Lewis' presentation to a group of Potter Fans. Lewis played Neville Longbottom in the films, based on the books by the UK's J.K. Rowling.
The exhibit has toured so far in Boston, Ontario and Chicago. The visit to Seattle will be its final United States destination and the only chance West-Coast residents will have to see these artifacts close to home.
Harry Potter Film Props
Memorabilia from the film sets are featured in the exhibit, including the TriWizard Cup. Clothing, including Quidditch robes and game equipment, Death Eater robes and masks, Professor Slughorn's robe, Albus Dumbledore's elaborate robe from the Chamber of Secrets' end-of-the-year feast and Harry, Ron and Hermione's school robes are also on display. Harry's original wand, eyeglasses, the Marauder's Map and (just one) Hogwarts acceptance letter and robe are featured, too. Buckbeak the Hippogriff is on display, as is Kreacher, the Black family's House Elf.
Each room in the exhibit is painstakingly recreated to match the film's original sets. The craftsmanship and art of creating animatronic creatures and interpreting architectural styles that are distinctively Hogwarts makes the display particularly magical.
Harry Potter Activities and Replica Sets from Harry Potter Movies
Visitors to professor Sprout's Herbology Classroom can try their hand at pulling a Mandrake, just like the students at Hogwarts. Exhibit guests are invited to walk through Hagrid's Hut and sit in his oversized chair. Kreacher greets guests at the replica of Grimmauld Place. Lockhart's classroom, the Gryffindor Common Room including the boys' dorm room with its notorious four-poster beds as well as the Great Hall and Dumbledore's office are also featured. A quidditch display allows wannabe players the opportunity to toss a Quaffle through the goal posts.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows IMAX Experience
According to the press release, the exhibit also offers guests an unprecedented opportunity to view "new items from the highly-anticipated, two-part finale to the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. To add to the excitement, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 will be presented in IMAX 3D at Pacific Science Center’s Boeing IMAX Theater when the film opens on November 19, 2010."
Pre-sale tickets to the Harry Potter Exhibit are available for museum members beginning August 14th. Tickets are $17 for children, $24 for youth and seniors, $26 for adults. IMAX tickets are separate.
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Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
