In the absence of broomsticks, Floo powder, and portkeys, devoted Harry Potter fans made their way to
Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. I was one of the many muggles who had the chance to visit the exhibit in its opening weekend.
The exhibit, which opened on April 30, was designed and created by Warner Bros. and Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. It features more than 200 costumes and props from the Harry Potter films, arranged in settings designed to immerse visitors in the world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There are nine staging areas in all, including the Gryffindor dormitory (bookend-ed by talking portraits), various classrooms, the Hogwarts grounds, the Dark Forces, Hagrid’s Hut, and the Great Hall. Guests can also partake in several hands-on activities, such as throwing a quaffle, pulling a mandrake (no earmuffs required) in the Herbology greenhouse, or sitting in Hagrid’s enormous leather chair.
The breadth of the exhibit is exceptional, likely to be the closest any Potter fan will get to Hogwarts, and its attention to detail is incredible. There are so many small items on display that visitors might have to hunt for their favorites. The Golden Snitch used in Quidditch matches is here, its wings spread. The Time-Turner used by Harry and Hermione in Prisoner of Azkaban is in a case. The Monster Book of Monsters is on a shelf in Hagrid's hut and has minutely detailed teeth and claws. The Sorcerer's Stone from the first film, potion ingredients from Potions Master Severus Snape's classroom, Latin inscriptions on the Marauder's Map, and Gilderoy Lockhart's Defense Against the Dark Arts exam are among the other beloved treasures that one might miss if swiftly strolling on to the next set. (Be sure to listen carefully too; you may just hear He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’s voice hovering over you in the Dark Forces section.)
As I walked out of the exhibit and began thinking about my blog post, I dreaded the idea of picking a handful of items and deeming them as “my favorite parts.” Alas, as is the case with any exhibit like this, I have formulated my list of favorite items (in no particular order) from the exhibition:
The Pre-Show: One of my favorite parts of the exhibit was actually outside of it. The exhibit begins with a pre-show, led by a cheery witch in Hogwarts robes who gathers the crowd (dubbed “first years”) in front of the Sorting Hat. The hat assigns a couple of the new students (sadly, this is for kids only) to one of the Hogwarts houses. The first years then move into a room with eight video screens featuring the movie posters from each of the six films, with two spots open for the Deathly Hallows posters. The screens then show clips from the movies as music from the soundtracks plays. A wall rises to reveal a life-sized Hogwarts Express, surrounded by billowing fog. I actually got goose bumps and tears in my eyes during the pre-show, so prepare yourself.
Wands: Nearly all of the characters have their wands on display here, including Dumbledore’s (the Elder Wand!) and Voldemort's. The wands are featured in key spots throughout the exhibit, so a keen eye is required to spot all of them.
The Marauder's Map: The actual physical map is as notable and brilliant as the story of the Marauders who created it. Potter fans should pay particular attention to its intricate detail – even without the moving footsteps and names.
Remus Lupin’s robes: There are many robes on display at the exhibit, but I was particularly moved by Professor Lupin’s. They are quite worn out and faded, and speak to the care that the filmmakers put into representing the character who wore them. You really get a sense of how difficult it was for Lupin, a kind and gentle force with limited means, to live the life of a werewolf.
Quidditch gear: Harry's Nimbus 2000, Draco's Nimbus 2001, the Golden Snitch, items from the World Cup, Quidditch magazines, and broom repair kits all greet you in the Quidditch Pitch section of the exhibit. The padded and vividly colored Quidditch robes of Cedric Diggory, Oliver Wood, and Harry himself stand out, as does a display of various trophies, each with chiseled names of former Quidditch Captains - again drawing your eye to each tiny detail. Fans can also see Victor Krum’s uniform from the Quidditch World Cup on display.
The Yule Ball/Great Hall: Massive double doors, flanked by numerous educational decrees, lead you into this most magical space – the Great Hall. The gorgeously detailed dress robes and gowns worn by Harry, Ron, Hermione (absolutely beautiful!), Krum, Cho, and Cedric line the left wall. The elaborate table settings from the Yule Ball serve as the backdrop to the gowns.
The exhibition certainly exceed my expectations. It was exciting and grandly theatrical, inspirational and moving, and, dare I say, even magical. The exhibit quite convincingly shows us how the filmmakers brought this beloved series to the big screen and, more importantly, communicates the great deal of care that was devoted to ensuring the books were represented in the purest of fashions and with J.K. Rowling’s original vision fully intact. This exhibit embodies the magic of a story that has left an unprecedented mark on our culture and it is a must see for any Harry Potter fan. It'll have you saying "Galloping Gargoyles" from the moment you step foot in it!
PHOTO GALLERY
Various online muggle sources are reporting that the running time for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is 153 minutes - or 2 hours and 33 minutes. This would make the film the second longest to date, coming behind Chamber of Secrets by a few minutes.
