Jeffrey Hernaez
Hogwarts Comes to Germany: Harry Potter Exhibition Returns for a Second Run

German “Potterheads” are in for a treat as they get another chance to visit the Harry Potter exhibit that is happening at Calligari Halle in Potsdam Germany starting October 13, 2018. Here, fans can get the chance to experience the magic that the bestselling book and the blockbuster movie can offer.

By Jeffrey Hernaez

The story is something that has captivated the imagination of young and old, with author J.K. Rowling creating a whole new world that follows that adventures of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley along with their classmates at the mysterious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The exhibit will feature elements that were inspired by the movie set, so guests can walkabout and feel like they are actually in Hogwarts, with the actual props and costumes that were used in the movie sets. Here, they can get a feel of the settings from the films’ most popular locations—including the Gryffindor Common Room and Dormitory; Professor Snapes’ Potions classroom and Professor Pomona Sprout’s Herbology room where they planted those terribly noisy Mandrakes; and the scary Forbidden Forest where magical creatures abound.

Throwing Quaffles and pulling Mandrake

To add to the fun, there will be interactive areas too. The exhibit’s website says that guests can enter the Quidditch™ area and toss a Quaffle ball, pull their own Mandrake in the Herbology classroom vignette, and even tour a re-creation of Hagrid’s hut and sit in his giant-sized armchair for photo opportunities!

The book series and subsequent Hollywood films have a universal appeal, with a simple story of good triumphing over evil against all odds, and the story involving the conflicts and challenges of “The Boy Who Lived” serves as an inspiring reminder that any obstacle can be overcome by a heart that is filled with good intentions.

As popular as it is in Germany, where the exhibition was so successful it demanded a second run, it is also an event that will surely excite its numerous Filipino fans if ever it reaches Manila, where some bars are frequented because they serve their version of butterbeer and for whom the Harry Potter theme park attractions in Osaka, Japan and Orlando, Florida are must-sees. For German fans, the exhibit’s return is a not-to-be-missed event, where they can experience being part of a fantastical world where magic exists and anything is possible.

Oliver and James Phelps at Filmpark Babelsberg

The media launch held October 11, 2018, was graced by the mischievous Weasley twins Fred and George, who were played by Oliver and James Phelps. The two reminisced about their filming days, calling a walkthrough of the exhibit as “a trip down memory lane”. Oliver also pointed out that some of the guests coming into the exhibit who were too young to watch the film when it came out, “so it’s a new generation of fan base coming in,” he says with awe. “I think it is a testament to the craftsmanship of the filmmakers in general.”

Robin Stapely, Vice President for Design and Creative of GES, says that it was a two-year process in developing the exhibit, and that this is their 19^th venue. Because of the collaborative process they have with Warner Bros. and with the filmmakers, he promised fans “a lot of special details” in the exhibition.

For more information about the exhibit, visit the official website.