Harry Potter: The Exhibition (Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre – 62 Dawson Street, Brunswick) – exhibition review

Harry Potter is a global cultural phenomenon. It started with what became the most successful book series in history (more than 600 million sold). Then, it transformed into one of the highest grossing film franchises (with a take of upwards of 12.75 billion Australian dollars for the eight movies). Further, the theatrical production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has taken in excess of 1.65 billion Aussie bucks at the box office.

With such stratospheric numbers, you might think that anything with the Harry Potter moniker would be a licence to print money. But the truth is, as with anything new, even if you start with a highly reputable brand, to achieve success you still have to tell a compelling story so it excites an audience. Further, because of the aforementioned accomplishments, the pressure is well and truly on any fresh Harry Potter material to live up to the hype. So, I was keen to see whether Harry Potter: The Exhibition would meet expectations.

The first iteration of the travelling exhibition, featuring props, costumes and artefacts, opened in Chicago in April 2009. It moved to various locations around the world, finishing in Lisbon in March 2020. Then, a new iteration was launched in Philadelphia in early 2022. Again, it is touring, with concurrent productions in the USA, Europe and, now, Australia. In fact, this is the first time Harry Potter: The Exhibition has appeared in the Southern Hemisphere.

The interactive exhibition covers 3,000 square metres (in other words, it is big) and encompasses 25 rooms (otherwise known as galleries). Importantly, it is personalised. At the outset, through a lightweight wristband you choose a wizarding profile, which helps shape your experience. The wristband interacts with Golden Snitch medallions dotted around the exhibits. You collect points for your Hogwarts’ house – Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin – as you complete activities.

You get up close to many original costumes and props that went into the making of the films. What struck me immediately was the level of detail that goes into the costuming. At this point, I should mention that in addition to the Harry Potter films, the Fantastic Beasts spin off series is also featured. The exhibition has been designed to be explored through sight, sound, touch and smell.

Story boards outline the exhibits you are seeing and where characters fit into the franchise. A short film introduces you to the experience and throughout your journey you get to see cinematic excerpts as well as a portrait gallery, some of which come to life. Behind glass is a first edition of the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, published in the UK in 1997. There is a room with wands, you can cast a spell or follow a spirit guide.

You can be teleported and enter an enlarged red phone booth, the visitors’ entrance to the Ministry of Magic, and practice your Quidditch skills. The evocative displays also present many great opportunities for happy snaps. None is better than Harry’s cupboard under the stairs at the Dursley family home, before the boy wizard leaves for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Take a fireside seat in Hagrid’s giant armchair or lift a plant in the Herbology greenhouse. The choice is yours. Read, play and learn.

It really is a superbly curated exhibition with much to see and do. I say that as someone with but a passing interest in Harry Potter. It got me genuinely excited. To see and experience it all, I would recommend you allow yourself at least 90 minutes. You also have the chance to purchase an audio guide to work your way through the exhibition.

You exit via a shop featuring hundreds of high-quality pieces of Harry Potter merchandise. So, you can buy something by way of a keepsake, if that tickles your fancy. Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a beauty – I’d say for all ages five and up – a creative wonderland of witchcraft and wizardry, located at 62 Dawson Street, Brunwick. To find out more and to buy tickets, go to: https://harrypotterexhibition.com

Alex First

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