Published 02:31, October the 30th, 2009
Getting to the Potter gold
“Harry Potter: The Exhibition” is essentially a field trip to the sets of the six already released films. All of the costumes, brooms and wands on display were used by the movies’ stars, and although you may have seen them onscreen, the impressive details are worth viewing up close.
Before you put on your robe and jump on your broomstick, you should probably think about whether you are one of the many diehard fans of the Harry Potter book series (i.e., you never cease to point out the films’ flaws or you simply refuse to see them). If so, this multimedia adventure into J.K. Rowling’s imaginative world might not be for you.
If you really want the most out of your muggle money, take advantage of the interactive components. Whether you’re sorted into your favorite house, pull a whiny mandrake from its pot, or even attempt to throw a quaffle, it’s easy to forget you’re not actually at Hogwarts.
And in the end, if only to rub in the fact that the world of Harry Potter isn’t actually real, there is a huge gift shop complete with pretty much any magical object you could ever want — except, of course, that acceptance letter from Hogwarts that you’re still checking your mailbox for.
‘Harry Potter:
The Exhibition’
Through Feb. 21
Boston’s Museum of Science
Science Park, Boston
$5-$26, 617-723-2500
www.mos.org
Can’t miss
Fawkes The mutli-colored phoenix is Dumbledore’s bird. Plus it’s huge and an amazing sight to behold.
Harry’s wand It was in Daniel Radcliffe’s hand. Isn’t that enough? Ew, gross, we’re not talking about the one he exposed in “Equus.”
Hagrid’s hut Even the tallest people feel tiny sitting in his set-to-scale chair.
Marauder’s Map It’s every troublemaker’s dream and one of the most detailed and realistic (for being magical) props.