Harry Potter traveling museum show in Seattle
A few lucky visitors first are invited to try on the sorting hat, which compliments them on their bravery, intelligence or cunning. Then, a few steps down a dark corridor, you are surrounded by a cloud of vapor. Ahead is the train station, where the Hogworts Express has just arrived.
You have entered "Harry Potter: The Exhibition," a traveling museum show that just opened at Seattle's Pacific Science Center. It's a showcase filled with the imagery evoked in J.K. Rowling's series about an orphan named Harry who discovers he is part of a mostly hidden magical world.
ABOUT THE SHOW What Harry Potter fan hasn't wanted to sit for a bit in a giant chair at Hagrid's cottage, watching to see if the dragon's egg shaking and rattling on the table is going to open? The show also gives fans a chance to test their Quidditch skills and see up close the beautiful gowns the actors wore to the Yule Ball in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." The 10,000-square-foot exhibit has costumes and props from all the "Potter" films, including a decoy detector and other goodies from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," which opens in theaters Nov. 19.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE Just about everything the fan has ever wanted to take a closer look at is on display: from the tapestry outside the Room of Requirement - it's painted not woven - to the creepy crawlers stored in jars in the potions classroom, plus the marauder's map, Harry's broomstick, various school uniforms, everybody's wands and Dobby the house elf.
The show has only a few hands-on exhibits: tossing a quaffle, pulling a mandrake from its pot and sitting on Hagrid's chair.
IF YOU GO "Harry Potter: The Exhibition" is open through Jan. 30. Tickets for timed entry are available in advance online or by phone, 800-664-8775. Daytime admission is $26 ($24 ages 6-15; $17 ages 3-5), which includes access to other Pacific Science Center exhibitions. Extended evening admission for the "Harry Potter" exhibition only costs $19 ($15 ages 6-15; $13 ages 3-5). Details at harrypotterexhibition.com.
