True HARRY POTTER fans should definitely plan a short holiday in Potsdam in the next few months. Because here, since 13 October 2018 Harry Potter: The Exhibition finally makes a stop in Germany again. After the exhibition has already been able to inspire more than three million visitors in cities such as Cologne, New York, Toronto, Sydney, Tokyo or Singapore, it can now be seen for the second time ever in Europe after Sweden. In 25 containers, many original props and costumes from the films, all on loan from Warner Bros. Entertainment, were brought to the Caligari Halle at Filmpark Babelsberg, where a truly wonderful exhibition experience was conjured up.
After visitors were allowed to pose for a souvenir photo with their scarf and wand, they are met by the talking hat and assigned to one of the Hogwarts houses. Then it's off to a little pre-show, where visitors are introduced to the exhibition with a few clips from the films. After the end of this presentation the door opens and the visitors pass a neighbour of the Hogwarts-Express and enter the first exhibition room. There are now seven more sets (Gryffindor Common Room, Classroom, Quidditch, Hagrid's Hut, The Forbidden Forest, Dark Arts, The Great Hall) that fans won't be able to stop marveling at. It's true that you're familiar with the exhibits from the films, and perhaps from the accompanying books or bonus material on the DVDs and Blu-rays. But it's only when you stand directly in front of the many props and costumes that you really see how much attention to detail everyone involved in the film adaptations of J.K. Rowling's bestsellers worked with.
It's precisely this attention to detail that allows viewers to immerse themselves in this very special world again and again when watching the films. And it succeeds quite wonderfully in the exhibition as well. Here, too, it's the small details, like the vibrating dragon egg in Hagrid's hut, that create a real Harry Potter feeling as you walk through the exhibition. It is simply fun to marvel at the many small and large things that are exhibited here and sometimes discover completely new sides to them that may have remained hidden in the film. That's why it's definitely worth it to walk through the exhibition with an audio guide, as the numerous articles still reveal things - about Professor Trelawney's magic ball, for example - that would otherwise remain hidden from you, even if you take a closer look.
Whether it's the Philosopher's Stone, Lord Voldemort's cloak, Harry's Nimbus 2000, the Golden Snitch, the Rumrunner's Map, a model of Dobby the House Elf, the Horcruxes, the hippogriff Buckbeak, a Dementor, or Death Eater cloaks and masks, fans will never cease to be amazed and will carry that joyous grin on their face for a long time to come. Of course, there are also some small points of criticism. For example, at the end of the show, which just comes way too fast, you wish there were a lot more set pieces (like the Weasley brothers' shop or Harry Potter's room at the Dursleys'). Also, especially with regard to the many younger visitors, more interactive stations would have been nice. It's true that you can try your hand at Quidditch, take a seat in Hagrid's chair or harvest young, shrieking mandrakes. But there could have been more of such offers. Nevertheless: despite minor point deductions, this really beautifully designed exhibition is a real feast for fans and also highly interesting for film lovers in general. (The description refers to a visit of this exhibition in Cologne)
To admit, for the visit of the exhibition you have to dig a little deeper into your pockets, especially as a non-Potsdam resident. To the journey still the entrance fees (starting from 14,50 €) and possibly still the purchase of numerous Merchandising articles such as memory photos or the beautiful, really worth reading and seeing catalog to the exhibition. That's a lot of money, of course, no question. But for those who love the world of Harry Potter, the time and financial investment will definitely be worth it.
The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 6pm from 13 October 2018, and from 10am to 7pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Last admission is one hour before the end of opening hours.
For all other info, visit: <link https: www.harrypotterexhibition.de _blank>
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and ©Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights ©JKR. (s14)
An article by Frankfurt-Tipp
Copyright: Sebastian Betzold, Aufnahmen aus der Ausstellung in Köln
