Harry Potter Exhibition in Boston - One More Month!

For my birthday, we went to see the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Museum of Science in Boston. It was far better than we could have imagined.  The only downside was that no photography was allowed.  I was tempted to shoot surreptitiously (I love these kind of challenges), but I only had my point and shoot camera and there were too many guards around.  Plus, what kind of example would I be setting for my kids?  They will have plenty of other opportunities to learn how their mom pushes the envelope.  We settled for the program afterwards, where the photography was not quite up to snuff, but still better than just memories.

In 2006, we saw the Star Wars exhibit at the Museum of Science, which was cool, but nothing phenomenal.  Sure, there were ship replicas, droids, and costumes, but it was just a static display, nothing to draw you in.


Adam and Dova in front of the wizard chess knight in the lobby of the Museum of Science.

Walking into the Harry Potter exhibit was like walking into Hogwarts.  It was magical.  From the rich textured fabrics of Harry's and Ron's beds, to the oversize Jack in the Box and the boggart chest, everything was so real.  Walking from room to room brought more and more awesome displays.  The kids' favorite activity was to pull the mandrakes out of the pots, where they screamed and scowled at you.


Image from the Harry Potter Exhibition gallery.

One of the most vivid displays was the dementors.  You can't really see them in the movies (or the program), but inside they are creepy skeletons with long arms and hands, and a long backbone with no pelvis or legs.  Chilling to the bone.

You could walk through Hagrid's hut and see his gigantic kitchen and costume. Turning the corner, was the wall of Education Decrees tacked up to the ceiling and finally the great hall with candles hanging in the air (OK, it was a bit smaller, but it had the same feel).  My favorite costume was Hermione's dress from the yule ball, the fabrics were absolutely exquisite and Emma Watson was so petite!  Even Daniel Radcliffe's clothes from the first movie were tiny, there would be no way that Adam at age 9 could fit into Daniel's clothes at age 11.

The model of the phoenix Fawkes was quite striking as well.  He stood perched eye level with you and his tail feathers almost touched the ground.  His orange and red colors were really vivid and I was tempted to secretly whip out my camera again.

At the end, the store was even spectacular.  There was a display of wands in boxes stacked just like in Ollivander's wand shop.  You could purchase a Marauder's map for $40!!???!!  There weren't even any footsteps in them.  Of course, I caved and bought Adam a (ridiculously expensive) wand and Dova this shirt which she layered for the winter.

 

But my biggest regret was that I continued to think that I couldn't take pictures in the store.  The store isn't part of the exhibit so I should be able take pictures! Pictures of Ollivander's wand shop, of the Marauder's Map, of all the cool wands (plus I need to get Dumbledore's wand for myself... but not because I crave power...).  So we are going back to see it again!  Because I am obsessed!

If you live in the Boston area, the exhibit will be here for one more month until February 21st.  Since tickets are pricey, it is worthwhile just getting the Museum of Science membership (plus you can see the HP exhibit again cheaply if you are obsessed like I am).  It also gets you a 10% discount in the shop if you are compelled to buy wands.  Next stop for this exhibit is Toronto from April 9, 2010 - August 22, 2010.  Don't miss it!