Just wild about Harry…Potter that is
I have a confession to make: I’m not a Harry Potter fan. I’ve never read any of the books and I’ve only seen one of the movies. Insert your gasps here. Yes, I know that I’m part of a very small minority but I guess I’m just not a fan of the fantasy genre. Having said that, experiencing Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre has sparked my interest in the series.
Image: Anna Rodrigues
The exhibit brings the world of Harry Potter alive through authentic props found in the movies that are based on the beloved books.
Before you even enter the exhibition lucky visitors are chosen to try out the Sorting Hat and find out which house they belong to. After that you’ll be ushered into a large room with a variety of screens to watch scenes from all of the different Harry Potter movies. Note that it’s dark and some of the scenes may frighten young kids so it might be best to hold the hands of your little ones. The moment the movie sequences end a panel moves to reveal a train at a foggy station, just like the one used to transport Harry and all the other young wizards to Hogwarts.
- Harry Potter’s School Uniform – TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.~ Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR (s10)
After that there’s no turning back. Visitors will be immersed in the world of wizards as they see the actual props, costumes and even sets used in the various Harry Potter movies. One really neat place to explore is Hagrid’s hut where you can sit in the big man’s chair as you walk through it.
As well, kids will have fun pulling what I was told was a mandrake from a pot. As you do this the plant creatures scream. I’m not sure what that’s all about but children were laughing their heads off as they pulled one mandrake after another so it’s very entertaining.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition runs until August 22, 201o. Tickets for just the exhibition are: $20 for adults (18-64); $16 for youth (12-17) and $12.50 for children (4- 11).
For more info: Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Story: Anna Rodrigues and all the Harry Potter Fans who helped me understand Pottermania while I was visiting the exhibit.
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