Admittedly, I was a bit late hopping on the Hogwarts train in life. I was a Junior in high school who had managed to go a whole seventeen years without reading any of the books or watching the movies. For reference, the last book had been published almost ten years prior and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part two had been on the big screen for six years already.
Once I finally picked up the first book, it did not take long for me to become enthralled by the characters, creatures, and adventures taking place in the wizarding world. I read all the books back to back and then immediately jumped into a movie marathon to catch up on my studies. I wish I could go back in time and actually experience the hype of release dates for the books and opening nights for the movies, as I’m sure they were electric.
In honor of International Harry Potter Day, I’m digging out photos and sharing some insight from my husband and I’s experience of Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Atlanta last year. I didn’t know at the time that I’d one day be blogging about books and bookish experiences, we were just a couple of Potter Heads being nerds together.
Trivia & Props
It’s always fun to learn new tidbits of trivia about things you hold near and dear to your heart, and this exhibition is chock full of fun facts, interesting information, and actual props from the movies!
One of the things I found most intriguing during our visit was something an attendant told us. Did you know that the depiction of Harry on the cover of the first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is not solely based on J.K. Rowling’s descriptions of the beloved character? Mary GrandPre, the illustrator behind the original US versions of each book cover, has revealed that she based the original depiction of Harry somewhat on herself! And you know what? I can see it.
It was also very cool to see genuine props from the movies like costumes from various characters, the sorting hat, the triwizard cup, and Voldermort’s robes. Unfortunately, no, you can not put on the sorting hat and finally prove to your friends that you are in fact a true Gryffindor. You will still have to rely on the Wizarding World’s (R.I.P Pottermore) online sorting quiz for that.
Photo Opps
I love taking pictures and am proud to be that person in the background of excursions and activities capturing the moments so we can reminisce on them later. The layout and decor of Harry Potter: The Exhibition was definitely designed with people like me in mind.
Don’t miss the Whitehall telephone box at the entrance to the Ministry of Magic section of the exhibit. I found this to be a delightful detail, although it would be even cooler if you had to actually dial 62442 to gain entry. The exhibit also paid homage to the Fantastic Beasts facet of the wizarding world with a photo opp giving the appearance that you were popping out of Scamander’s suitcase!
Interactive Exhibits
My husband’s favorite part of the experience was how many spots there were to stop and interact with the exhibits, making it a truly immersive experience. You are given a wristband upon entering that serves as your key to all the virtual activities and tracks the points you gain for your house. Yes, you will actually gain points for your house upon successful completion of activities, so make them proud!
Members of the whole family will get a kick out of trying their hand at scoring in quidditch, mixing up potions, or practicing spells. But beware that not all interactions are light and fun, you will cast your patronus at a point in the exhibit…
It’s so hard to not dive into deeper details about our time exploring Harry Potter: The Exhibition but I really don’t want to spoil it all for you. We went into it completely blind, with no idea what to expect, and I am so glad that we did. The displays around every corner were surprises to us and experiencing them like that is what made it so fun!
The Harry Potter series is undoubtedly one that will withstand the test of time and remain a favorite among readers (and movie buffs) of all ages for generations to come. If you have the chance to visit Harry Potter: The Exhibition either in your hometown or on a weekend getaway, I highly recommend it!
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Samantha H.
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