Alohomora!, Expecto Patronum! and Expelliarmus! Hopefully everyone knows these famous spells. Harry Potter has been enchanting people all over the world since 1997 (book) or 2001 (film). No one can get around the boy who survived, no matter whether you can hum the theme music, speak the words or recite the next chapter by heart.
Facts
To immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, there is no better place than the studios in Watford. The Warner Bros. Studios are located approximately 30 kilometres outside of London and can therefore be perfectly combined with a city trip. The exhibition is open all year round, but opening hours vary. Admission is not cheap, but families/groups get a discount, as do young people under 15.
We got tickets online in advance, which is always recommended as the exhibition sells out quickly. However, our tour started outside Warner Bros. Studios in central London. We got a lot of information about filming in London and saw various locations outside the studios. One highlight was the building that served as the Ministry of Magic.
Exhibition
The Harry Potter Museum offers everything your heart desires! There are not only original props to see, but also costumes, such as Hermione Granger’s dress, which she wore to the Christmas Ball in the fourth part. Original props include the Sword of Gryffindor, Hagrid’s motorbike, The Sorting hat and the Firebolt.
However, there are not only props to marvel at, but also making offs! You can learn all about green screen technology and even fly through the air yourself on a Nimbus 2000 with the help of these effects. In the Creature Effects workshop you can then learn all about the animation techniques used in the movies and marvel not only at Buckbeak or Aragog, but also at the (free) elf Dobby!
Our highlights
One of the best moments for us was right at the beginning, when we were allowed to enter The Great Hall of Hogwarts for the first time. We waited a long time for our letter, and even though it has not arrived to this day, entering this hall was like entering the magical world of Harry Potter and his friends.
Through certain effects, The Burrow seemed as if we were in the middle of the movie. Everything moved – it was knitted, cooked and washed. A completely different kind of goosebumps spread when we entered The Forbidden Forest, where not only Hagrid and Buckbeak were waiting for us, but also Aragog and a centaur. All the more beautiful was the sight of the Gryffindors’ common room, where the fire was still burning in the fireplace, as well as the boys’ dormitory.
Another highlight was Dumbledore’s study. Have you ever been able to look into a Pensieve? And then, of course, there was Platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express, which you could enter. You could recognise different scenarios in the various compartments, for example when Lavender Brown drew a heart on the window pane in the sixth movie. Of course, we were a huge fan of the free elf Dobby and enjoyed glimpses of potion class!
In the exhibition you will also discover the famous shops of the magical world, such as Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes by Fred and George or Mister Ollivander’s Wand Shop. However, the real Diagon Alley is in the middle of London and is called Leadenhall Market.
Probably the most magical moment hits when you stand in front of Hogwarts. The model of the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is recreated in such detail, every tree and pathway is exactly where it should be. The music playing in the background adds such perfection to the moment that, as a big fan, you really do have to hold back the tears. In winter, the model is even covered with snow.
Finally, every visitor has the opportunity to buy props, sweets or clothes in the studio shop. From wands or Bertie Botts beans to cloaks and key rings, Harry Potter fans will definitely find what they are looking for!