It’s broomsticks, bludgers and Bertie Botts beans galore as the Harry Potter exhibition arrives in Paris. Showing at Luc Besson’s film studio complex La Cité du Cinéma, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through Harry, Hermione and Ron’s action-packed years at Hogwarts with a selection of original costumes, sets and props used in the Warner Bros films.
The exhibition starts out interactive and immersive: the sorting hat determines your house, the Hogwarts Express chugs by, and a grandiose singing portrait of the Fat Lady sends you on your way. You can play with squealing potted mandrakes, try your hand at throwing a quaffle through a Quidditch hoop, lay eyes on the Philosopher’s Stone or pay a visit to Hagrid’s over-sized den. The selection of objects is-wide-ranging and detailed – sure to surprise even the most devoted Harry Potter fans.
The magical experience however peters out into a banal costume display as the short exhibition progresses. Descriptions are brief, and at €22 a ticket, we would have liked to see some more information on how the films work behind the scenes. Young fans will doubtless be pleased, but don’t expect any true cinematic magic.