Skip to main content

NHM’s Fantastic Beasts exhibition opening at Royal Ontario Museum

News
fantastic beasts the wonder of nature exhibition natural history museum

Real animal specimens are displayed alongside their fictional counterparts from the Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter films.

Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature, an exhibition created by the Natural History Museum and Warner Bros., is beginning its international tour at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto on 11 June 2022.

Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature made its debut at the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London in December 2020. The exhibition is running at the Royal Ontario Museum through 2 January 2023.

On display will be real animal specimens alongside their fictional counterparts, as well as immersive digital installations, and costumes and props from the Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter films.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature lives at the intersection of natural history and pop culture, deftly exploring the connections between the real and the imaginary,” said Josh Basseches, director and CEO of ROM.

“In doing so, it reminds us of the extraordinary beauty and diversity of the natural world—and the urgent need to protect it.”

Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature

fantastic beasts the wonder of nature exhibition natural history museum

The exhibition explores how real animals have been reimagined as myths, legends and magical creatures. Fantastic beasts showcased include Nifflers, Erumpents and Bowtruckles.

Among the real creatures on display is a dinosaur that scientists named Dracorex hogwartsia, a nod to the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

“Visitors in London truly loved Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature and we are delighted that ROM will be the next venue on the exhibition’s global tour,” said Doug Gurr, NHM director.

“Visitors will explore the magical creatures of the Wizarding World and see the abilities they share with those in the natural world and how these creatures can be just as fantastic.”

“This exhibition provides the millions of fans of the Wizarding World an incredible way to further connect with their favorite characters and creatures they know and love from the franchise,” added Peter van Roden, senior VP of Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment.

Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature at London’s NHM attracted more than 135,000 visitors.

Images: NHM/Warner Bros.

Share this

Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

More from this author

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update