World Premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition opens in Philadelphia

Harry Potter: The Exhibition, the most comprehensive touring exhibition about the Wizarding World ever presented, makes its world premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on Feb. 18, 2022.

In the 25 years since Harry Potter was magically transported from London’s King’s Cross Station onto Platform 9 ¾ in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – or Philosopher’s Stone in the UK – the world has been fascinated with “the boy who lived.”

“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,”  said Larry Dubinski, president and CEO of The Franklin Institute.

This all-new behind-the-scenes exhibition created and developed by Imagine Exhibitions in partnership with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment in association with EMC Presents celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and magical beasts seen in the films and stories of “Harry Potter,” “Fantastic Beasts,” and the expanded Wizarding World, including “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”

“We are so excited to be partnering with Imagine Exhibition and bringing the magic to Philadelphia and officially opening the doors to this awe-inspiring interactive experience,” said Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment Senior Vice President Peter van Roden. “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 favorite props, costumes, creatures, sets, and more.”

Guests begin their journey through the experience from King’s Cross Station, where they will complete a personalized visitor profile by selecting their Hogwarts house, wand, and Patronus. Then, as they explore each gallery, their interactions are captured using RFID wristbands to deliver unique experiences linked to their visitor profile.

The 18,000-square-foot exhibition features 21 galleries with iconic settings that conjure up favorite Wizarding World moments, including The Great Hall, Hogwarts Castle, Hagrid’s Hut, The Hogwarts Houses, and Newt’s Suitcase. Visitors can also see original costumes and authentic props from the “Harry Potter “and “Fantastic Beasts” films, and engage with magical environments and installations in ways never before experienced in a touring exhibition.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition Gallery Highlights Include:

• From Page to Screen – Showcases an original first edition of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” encased in a Gringotts-inspired vault and surrounded by inspirational video and literary quotes, reconnecting guests to Harry’s story as they are introduced to the exhibition. 
• Hogwarts Castle – Features an immersive multimedia experience with iconic elements from the magical school, like the Whomping Willow, Dementors, and the Marauder’s Map, where guests see their names appear, prompting them to continue their exploration of the exhibition.
• The Great Hall – A projection-mapped space that allows visitors to celebrate magical seasonal moments.

• The Hogwarts Houses Gallery – Allows guests to experience more personalized moments with the house they select during their pre-registration. While guests may naturally gravitate towards Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, or Slytherin, this gallery allows visitors to experience all four Hogwarts houses in a celebratory hall featuring freshly-designed house crests on stained glass windows, and, of course, the Sorting Hat, making it the perfect spot for photo ops.

• Hogwarts Classrooms – Filled with recognizable props, creatures, and costumes, the classrooms provide opportunities to interact with magical lessons and games through digital touchscreens that reveal behind-the-scenes secrets about iconic classroom moments. Guests will also have the chance to brew potions in the Potions Classroom, predict the future in Divination, pot a mandrake in the Herbology Greenhouse, and use their digital wand to defeat a boggart in Defense Against the Dark Arts.
• Hagrid’s Hut & The Forbidden Forest – Here, guests will experience an interactive  Patronus charm, uncover iconic creatures hidden in the forest – such as Centaurs and Acromantula – and explore inside a recreation of Hagrid’s Hut.
• Newt’s Suitcase – This photo opportunity allows guests to literally step into Newt’s enchanted case and be surrounded by magical creatures from the “Fantastic Beasts” films.

“We are humbled to be partnered with Warner Bros.Themed Entertainment to present an all-new extension of experiences celebrating the Wizarding World,” said Tom Zaller, president and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions. “Harry Potter: The Exhibition uses best-in-class immersive design and technology to deliver an unforgettable personalized experience, and we are so proud and excited to bring this exhibition to life.”

An exclusive collection of Harry Potter: The Exhibition merchandise will be available at the exhibition, including themed collections encompassing the expanded Wizarding World. Harry Potter fans can also shop for apparel, jewelry, and delicious Wizarding World treats, like Chocolate Frogs and bottled Butterbeer,

In addition, guests can purchase rare collectible art from MinaLima, the team who created the graphic designs for all Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, who also created a small number of two custom prints exclusive to this exhibition, the Commemorative Exhibition Art Print, and a second print that pays homage to the host city of Philadelphia, featuring an image of The Franklin Institute. A limited-edition of 500 premium Philadelphia Prints hand-signed by Studio MinaLima founders Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima will be available.

The Franklin Institute will host Harry Potter: The Exhibition from Feb. 18-Sept. 18, 2022. The exhibition is open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and requires timed tickets (advance reservations are strongly recommended). Masks are required for all guests ages three+ regardless of vaccination status.

Prices for Daytime Tickets (9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) are $43 for adults ages 12-64 and $39 for children ages three-11 (includes admission to The Franklin Institute). Senior (65+) and Military tickets are $41. Evening Tickets (5 p.m. – 8 p.m.) are $30 per person ages three+. A VIP Access option is also available for $59 per person ages three+ and includes an immediate-access pass, exclusive exhibition lanyard, and a discount on an audio tour and photo op.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.