Imagine Exhibitions, a leader in worldwide travelling exhibitions and entertainment, has provided details of its bespoke Harry Potter: The Exhibition installation, which debuted in Philadelphia last month.
The all-new exhibition celebrates the memorable characters and settings seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the expanded Wizarding World through carefully crafted environments that take guests behind the scenes.
Recreating the world
The 18,000-square-foot exhibition, found at The Franklin Institute, features over twenty galleries based on locations from the film including The Great Hall, Hogwarts Castle and Hagrid’s Hut.
Museum visitors are granted an up-close view of artefacts through a combination of immersive design and technology created by Imagine Exhibitions. The installation was a collaboration with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment in association with EMC Presents.
Senior VP of Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment, Peter van Roden says “We are so excited to be partnering with Imagine Exhibitions and bringing the magic to Philadelphia and officially opening the doors to this awe-inspiring interactive experience. This exhibition is an incredible way for Wizarding World fans to celebrate the world of Hogwarts and beyond – bringing them up close and personal with their favourite props, costumes, creatures, sets, and more.”
Personalised magic
Guests begin the experience by being transported from a recreation of London’s King’s Cross Station, where they are introduced to visitor profiling, selecting traits such as their Hogwarts house, wand, and Patronus before they commence their personalised journey through the exhibition.
Guests can use their RFID wristbands to activate unique experiences in each gallery based on their visitor profile. Imagine Exhibitions has included a selection of original props and authentic costumes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series, creating a unique opportunity to get up close with pieces of Hollywood history. The company has designed a series of innovative and magical environments which are explored in ways “never before experienced in a touring exhibition”, according to the firm.
Bringing it home
Accompanying the exhibition, an exclusive array of Wizarding World-themed merchandise is available for guests, including clothing, jewellery and rare collectable art. Edible treats from the films are also available to sample, including Chocolate Frogs and bottled Butterbeer.
The Franklin Institute’s president and CEO Larry Dubinski comments “Harry Potter: The Exhibition brings iconic moments that are beloved by fans across the world to life in an immersive and innovative way, providing an experience like none other, and we are thrilled that The Franklin Institute is the first to host this incredible exhibition.”
Imagine Exhibitions President and CEO Tom Zaller concludes “We are humbled to be partnered with Warner Bros.Themed Entertainment to present an all-new extension of experiences celebrating the Wizarding World. Harry Potter: The Exhibition uses best-in-class immersive design and technology to deliver an unforgettable personalised experience, and we are so proud and excited to bring this exhibition to life.”
Harry Potter: The Exhibition is now open at The Franklin Institute until 18 September 2022, before embarking on a global tour of Latin America, the Asia-Pacific Region (APAC), Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
