‘Harry Potter: The Exhibition’ to tour the world, starting in Philadelphia, as JK Rowling wizard franchise celebrates 25th anniversary
- The exhibition is based on the bestselling books and movies that spawned a US$25 billion franchise, and promises lots of ‘hi-tech wizardy stuff’
- Meanwhile, in New York a revised staging of the critically acclaimed play ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ will open on Broadway in November
Harry Potter, as they say in showbiz, has got legs.
Next year is the 25th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the seven-book series, a coming-of-age franchise which is now estimated to be worth in excess of US$25 billion. More than 500 million copies of the JK Rowling novels have been sold, eight films have been made, a theme park has been built, and stage plays have been mounted.
And now, a full-blown exhibition will have its world premiere at the Franklin Institute in the US city of Philadelphia early next year, officials announced on Thursday.
“Harry Potter: The Exhibition,” presented by Warner Bros Themed Entertainment, Imagine Exhibitions, and EMC Presents, will move on from Philadelphia to Latin America, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the presenters said. Exact dates have not been set yet.
“This exhibition will be unlike any other,” said Peter van Roden, senior vice-president of Warner Bros, distributor of the eight Potter movies. “The inclusion of technology, attention to detail, and integration of magical touches created by our partners at Imagine Exhibitions is truly unique.”
