After captivating audiences across 19 cities worldwide, Harry Potter: The Exhibition has finally made its long-awaited Sydney debut and it is well worth experiencing. From iconic movie props to interactive displays, the experience is a masterfully crafted journey through the Wizarding World that will delight Potterheads of every generation.
The exhibition spans 28 rooms, each distinct and meticulously designed around a different corner of the Harry Potter universe. It took around three months to build in its Sydney configuration and the hard work is apparent in every detail.
The magic begins in the very first room. Visitors register their names into a kiosk, which seems like an administrative formality until they are escorted into the Marauder’s Map room and watch their name appear on the big screen alongside their favourite characters. It was a lovely way to start the exhibition and set the tone for everything that follows.
From there, house sorting kicks in and points can be earned for your house through interactive activities such as potion making, casting spells and discovering your patronus. The points are displayed at the end of the exhibition for visitors to view on their way out.
The Quidditch room was the standout of the experience. It was essentially an arcade basketball game except with Quidditch hoops and quaffles as the balls. It was a clear fan favourite and brought out a fun sense of competitiveness in visitors of all ages. Broomsticks and the Golden Snitch were displayed around the space, tying the room together.
The only element that fell short of expectations was the Butterbeer, an iconic drink heavily featured throughout the series that is served in a non-alcoholic form, despite its name. The novelty alone makes it worth trying, though its appeal will depend entirely on individual taste buds.
For those who are interested in photographic keepsakes or merchandise, the gift shop has an extensive collection of memories to take home. Additionally, professional photographs are taken at the beginning of each session, which are available for purchase at the counter.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and a welcome addition to Sydney’s side quests. It is one of the most interactive exhibitions to come through the city in recent memory, and the craftsmanship across all 28 rooms reflects the immense effort put into it. For Harry Potter fans, whether die-hard or those simply chasing the nostalgia, it is well worth the visit.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Until 11 October, Paddington Pavilion, Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park
