The world premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition of is currently on at the Franklin Institute–within walking distance from Cornerstone B&B! It’s an interactive, in-depth experience designed to put you right in the action of the Wizarding World. Not only is there an abundance of sets and hands-on attractions from the original series, but it even includes the expanded universe from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
When you enter the Harry Potter Experience, you scan a special wristband and select a character to travel through the universe as. Who you choose can change some of the interactive elements around you, including your Patronus – a magical animal to ward off evil creatures – and the Marauder’s Map, the infamous enchanted map will magically show you the location of anyone in its area! Be sure to scan your wristband wherever you see a Golden Snitch to catch every last big of magic hidden throughout the extensive exhibit.
As you move through the Experience, don’t forget to earn points for your Hogwarts House! There are multiple Hogwarts classrooms that we read about Harry, Hermione, and Ron taking grueling lessons in, and you can even participate yourself – will you be able to make the potion correctly to escape Professor Snape’s sneer? If not, head down to Herbology to try and repot a Mandrake, a.k.a. a plant with a screaming baby as its roots! As you complete lessons and other interactive attractions, you will rack up points for your House. Play up some friendly competition with your friends and family as you go through to add another layer of fun to it all.
We don’t want to spoil it all, so we’ll leave it here and encourage you to see it all for yourself! The exhibit requires special timed tickets which are $43 for adults and $39 for children from 9:30am to 5:00pm, but discounted to $30 for both in the evening until 8:00pm. Harry Potter: The Exhibition will be embarking on a world tour in September, so be sure to catch it while it’s still here. You only get the chance to attend the world premiere of such a magical event once in a lifetime!
