No letter from Hogwarts? Visit Harry Potter at The Londoner Macao instead

A new Harry Potter exhibition at The Londoner Macao offers “a unique experience that connects the fans” with a world that they love. Courtesy of Harry Potter: The Exhibition

MACAO — It has been 16 years since the last Harry Potter book came out and 12 years since the final silver screen installment of the series was released. The enchantment of the magical world created by British writer J.K. Rowling still lingers, captivating wizards and muggles, or those who don’t have magic, alike.

The magic of Harry Potter continues to spellbind audiences around the globe and a new interactive exhibition about the film franchise just opened at The Londoner Macao, appealing to both old and new fans.

Spreading out over 2,800 square meters with more than 20 galleries, “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” in Macao features original props and costumes from the films as well as the West End play “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.”

“Harry Potter: The Exhibition” in Macao is expected to appeal to old and new fans alike. Courtesy of Harry Potter: The Exhibition

According to Julian Moon, senior vice president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, the exhibition was launched in the U.S. and Europe in 2022 and became a hit there.

“We’ve kept the same exhibition largely because it’s a unique experience that connects the fans directly with films and stories that they love,” he said. “I think what the fans want to do is relive and reconnect with those moments from the movies and the books.”

More than 1.7 million fans have visited these exhibitions around the world so far. Two editions are concurrently running in New York and Barcelona at the moment and the one at the Londoner Macao is the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region.

Upon entry, each visitor is given a wristband with a built-in chip to support their personalized experience.

This experience allows visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of Hogwarts, from choosing their school house, wand and Patronus — a spiritual guardian — to interactive activities such as preparing potions, potting screaming Mandrakes and practicing Quidditch. Visitors can enjoy small details such as moving portraits and the Great Hall with its floating candles as they explore Hogwarts' grounds and classrooms.

Hagrid’s hut and the Forbidden Forest are some great spots to take cool selfies.

In the Potions room, visitors can brew a potion using a touch screen device. Courtesy of Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Expanding from the original Harry Potter universe, vignettes from “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” and costumes from the Broadway production of “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child” are also on view at the exhibition.

Tom Zaller, president and chief executive of Imagine Exhibitions, highlighted that interactive narration and scores from the movies will enhance the immersive experience.

“In all of the rooms, there’s lighting, sound, different floor textures and different smells [if you go into Hagrid’s hut, you smell wood burning]. We really wanted to make it feel like you’re in the place. I think it’s the four-dimensional environment that makes you feel emotions and connected to the brand,” he said.

Zaller said he hopes “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” will attract people of all ages, from longtime fans to new enthusiasts.

“Harry Potter is loved by many generations, so we’re now seeing grandparents, parents and children all coming together. There’s certainly demographic information about the core fans, which is between 18 and 35, but we’re seeing a lot of young fans and new fans. I’m 50 and I love it. So the range is quite wide,” he said.

Visitors get to engage in interactive activities such as potting Mandrakes. Courtesy of Harry Potter: The Exhibition

The exhibit is currently open-ended and the organizers said they will gauge visitor reactions before setting a closing date.

“I’ve been very surprised and pleased by the love for Harry Potter that there is in Asia and China. I’m hoping it’s going to be the biggest exhibition we’ve done,” Moon said.

“To us, the visitor experience is very important. We’re in the learning phase right now, but we will make sure people love it,” Zaller added.

In addition to the immersive experience, Potterheads can buy products from the exclusive collection of merchandise available in the on-site retail shop and enjoy a sweet, creamy cup of Butterbeer.

“Harry Potter: The Exhibition” opens seven days a week and welcomes visitors of all ages.