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There's a new, magical exhibition brewing at the Museum of Science & Industry, and it's sure to please Potter-philes and non-fans alike. Comprised of over 200 costumes and props used in the filming of the movie adaptations, the Harry Potter Exhibition, opening today and running through September 27, gives visitors an up-close look at the fantastical world that hasn't been offered before. Though "exhibition" isn't quite the right word so much as "experience." Beginning with a session with the Sorting Hat (I was sorted into Ravenclaw), the exhibition is laid out in stages, guiding you through the experience of a student attending Hogwarts, the famous wizard school. From the Gryffindor common room, through the Quidditch field, Hagrid's Hut, and even the Forbidden Forest, the exhibition is as thoughtfully laid out and created as the props and costumes themselves. With video screens showing clips from the movies creating atmosphere (and context for non-fans), it's a completely engrossing experience. (The exhibition also features an optional audio tour.) Besides the numerous costumes on display, props on display include the Marauder's Map, the Triwizard Cup, the Sorcerer's Stone, Qudditch equipment, and some of the mystical creatures that populate the Harry Potter universe such as Buckbeak the Hippogriff, Fawkes the phoenix, and even a Dementor.
One of the best things about the exhibition is that it allows an up-close look at the intricacies and details of the props and costumes. Take for Lucious Malfoy's costume from The Chamber of Secrets. Small details like the snake's head belt buckles and serpent-shaped cloak buttons add a new dimension to the character. It also underscores the work and effort that goes into creating a universe (any universe, not just the Harry Potter one) for film. The smallest detail on costumes and props can now be seen up close, even props never fully seen on film, like comic books, literature, and t-shirts. You don't have to be a fan of the series to appreciate the craftsmanship. Eddie Newquist, President of the Creative Studio of Exhibitgroup/Giltspur which worked with the MSI and Warner Bros. on the exhibition, said, "We felt inspired by how much detail and how much work these artisans and craftspeople put into bringing this world to life."
Newquist said preliminary talks with Warner Bros. about the exhibition began three years ago with heavy production beginning two years ago. The Museum of Science and Industry isn’t just the world premiere of the exhibition, it’s also the lone Midwest date on the tour. “It’s an amazing museum, one of the best in the world, so it was natural for us to have conversations,” Newquist said.
On how they decided which props and costumes to use, Newquist said, “That was a tough decision. The films are in active production right now. We sat down in many planning sessions and talked about what we would like to see in an exhibition like this from a fan’s perspective and from our own perspective.” Because the films are still in production - there are several costumes and props from the as-yet-released Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie (due this summer) - Newquist said, “Doing flashbacks, they weren’t sure which elements they could release and which they couldn’t.” He also confirmed once filming on the final movie begins, there could be props and costumes that are swapped out, though he also said that as the exhibition tours over the next five years, it will be ever-evolving. “It will change and will be modified to highlight new elements in the film series.”
Another advantage of the ticket price is that admission to the Museum is included in the price and throughout the exhibit’s stay, science demonstrations related to the exhibit will take place in the museum rotunda each day. Anne Rashford, the Museum’s director of temporary exhibits, said, “During the run, we’re going to have hands-on science demonstrations. There’s ‘The Magic of Chemistry’ and we’ll have an experiment where we’ll be dissecting owl pellets so you get the better understanding of where the owl has been and what they’ve eaten.” Another experiment, Rashford says, will involve tasting jelly beans of different flavors - a la the Potterverse’s Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans - to, “get a better understanding of how smell and taste work together.”
For those planning on attending, Museum reps stress the importance of buying tickets ahead of time. Tickets can be bought on the Museum’s website for all future dates and times. Each ticket is for a timed entry and while there will be plenty of chances to get in, the possibility of sell outs loom, particularly during the summer. And, again, admission to the Museum is included in the ticket for the exhibition and with timed entries, there’s no waiting in line; just arrive at the exhibition entrance at the time indicated on your ticket and you’ll be escorted right in. The exhibit runs during the Museum's hours and the MSI is offering extended night hours just for the Potter exhibition. Museum Hours are Monday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and from May 22 through September 7, the Museum has Summer Hours, which are Monday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The Harry Potter Exhibition, Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, April 30 - September 27, 2009
During Regular Museum Hours: $26 for adults, $25 for seniors, $19 for children ages 3-11
Exhibition Extended Evening Hours (From Museum close until 9 p.m., every night) & Museum Free Days (June 1-5, June 19): $18 for adults and seniors, $15 for children ages 3-11
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What the hell does this have to do with Science? "Craftsmanship" is great and all, but science education in this country is appalling. Basic scientific literary among adults is just wretched (see the climate change denial mob or creationists) and we're showing up some, admittedly spiffy, renaissance faire outfits?
Why not a "Mythbusters" exhibit? The kids I work with ADORE that show. Or a "Life After People" display?
This is a toy commercial/movie trailer in exhibition form.
Most of the special exhibits I've ever been to at any science museum anywhere are, in my opinion, colossal wastes of time and money. They seem to be little more than an amusing way to spend a couple of hours with your kids.
And only amusing if you happen to go at a time when the attendance is low. Nothing is worse than going to an exhibit and it's so crowded that you cannot see anything, or in the case of 'hands on', you can't use it because of too many people, or parts or broken or used up.
OK, although I had an identical first impression, I'll give a shot at justifying this.
On the one hand, this exhibit will attract kids to the museum that normally would not make the trip outside of a school field trip- maybe while they're there, they'll be exposed to some actual Science and/or Industry. That Industry part is what probably makes this kosher- the American film industry is one of our last profitable concerns, for the film companies if not necessarily for the workers.
Second, get a kid to read a book of their own volition, and they're much more likely to embrace reading, and therefore learning. The Potter books may not be the height of literature, but if kids read them and enjoy them, they'll be more likely to pick up another book, and another and another. I know this exhibit is about the films, but if it gets the kids excited and reading, that's a win.
Good points, but I disagree.
I work in education, specifically dealing with young adults and preteens. They are naturally curious and often bothered by how infomation is soup ladelled to them in these kind of exhibits. Like "HEY WE'RE DRESSING UP LEARNIN'!" They like hands on, practical things. Do an exhibition on film-making, let them, I dunno, MAKE FILMS. They want to participate, do, explore and be part of the action. Filing past Hagrid's costume in a huge crush of humanity isn't going to inspire learning more about the craft of film-making or costumers. These exhibits ("Star Wars") are about the boredom killing business. The irony being, they're really boring the audience they are meant to inspire.
Second, this isn't about the books at all, this is about the movies. The books aren't that bad really (well, after the third one she was in dire need of a proper editor, 600+ pages of Harry Potter as a spotty 16 year old is a war crime) but this exhibit isn't about those books. It's about films.
It's a haunted house in a museum. A fine thing, but presenting it as educational, scientific or "inspiring is disingenuous.
I was there on May 1st and I have tickets to go again May 29th with a different group of people. I really enjoyed the experience.
First, let me say that there wasn't a huge crowd allowed into the exhibit all at the same time. I got to take my time and see everything without rubbing elbows with everyone else. They let in about 20 people every 7 or 8 minutes so there was a nice flow to the traffic.
Secondly, it was about the industry. The headphones ($5.00) are interviews and comments with people from all aspects of production. I found out about how Buckbeak was created. I learned about the fabrics tested and then chosen for various costumes. I heard about the decision to continually deepen the color of pink that Dolores Umbridge wore to match her darkening demeanor.
I was very interested to note that most of the visitors were adults. As a matter of fact, the group that I am taking back with me are all EDUCATORS who are celebrating the end of the school year with a little lighthearted trip to the Windy City and one their finest museums.
Lighten up! This a great set of literature which I think will eventually be recognized in the same way that C.S. Lewis, and other Inkling authors gained fame.