Being a 'self-proclaimed' Number 1 PotterFan, this is one exhibition that I would not miss.
In the beginning of the journey into the Magical world of Harry Potter, we were lead to a room where a helper held a sorting hat and asked for volunteers. To my disappointment, the "sorting hat" does not really move like it did in the movie. Instead, the person holding the hat was the one moving it. Funny thing is, I think people would had noticed the helper's left hand was hiding inside the robe to "press a button" while asking the volunteer what House they would like to be sorted in. In my group, both volunteers chose Gryffindor, which obviously would be a very popular choice. Eudy and I were tempted (if chosen to volunteer) to choose the House of Slytherin. Haha!
We were then led to the Hogwarts Express (they really put the head of the train) and from there, we view all the clothes and figures made for the purpose of filming the Harry Potter Series. We could see the video image of the Fat Lady, the scene when she was so engrossed with trying to break the glass that she ignored the Gryffindors when they tried to enter their dormitory. It was really fascinating to see some of the portraits "moving", which I believe is to make the visitors feel like how Harry Potter felt when he entered Hogwarts for the first time.
Judging by the Set's costumes, you can really imagine how small they were when the Trio filmed the first few movies. Min was amazed by how petite those actors and actresses were, and how gigantic Robbie Coltrane (actor for Hagrid) was.
For experience, visitors were able to try pulling the squealing Mandrake out of the pot. Since I like those "hands-on" stuffs, I did enjoyed that section very much XD
Besides costumes, the most important prop of the magical world is the wands. Initially, I thought all wands in the film looked similar, with exception of the Elder wand. However, from this exhibition, I saw wands with cravings suited for the owners. For example, Luna Lovegood's wand had this dreamy-feel cravings and it really suited with her character. Since the cravings is only shown at the end of the wand (where the wielder holds it) I think it is really attentive of the prop makers to take note of those small little details. I also noticed Professor Snape's wand had cravings similar to that of the Chinese's, which I found that very interesting.
Models like the Dementors, Buckbeak, and even the Giant chess pieces from the first movie was shown on display. What was once only seen on screen could be seen in real life.
As we entered the Hall, Min and I were really lost for words. Even though the hall was not as big and wide as what was shown in the movies, the doors, the candles on the ceiling, those were what we dream about when we were around Harry Potter's age. Dresses worn for the Yule Ball by Cho Cheng and Hermonie were really very well designed. Min even exclaimed, "Omg, I've touched Hermonie's dress, worn by THE Emma Watson!!" LOL
After the Hall, we walked to the place where we could purchase with all our desire; the doom of our wallets.
I was planning to spend around $300 for this trip. Lucky I was able to control myself and buy only $156 worth of Harry Potter merchandise.
The shop really sells a lot of stuffs, which includes a wide range of wands wield by different characters in the film. Those wands are really very expensive ;A; We spend quite a while in the shop choosing the stuffs what we were dying to have.
What I brought:
Chocolate Frogs! (Without the Charms)
According to my friends, I just grabbed 6 packets and was ready to pay.
Even the cashiers were shocked that I purchased so many and asked if it is for gifts.
I replied, "No, I am collecting the cards." Hohoho
The chocolate is nice XD
A good old $6 per packet... OTL
The gold-plated Time Turner (as seen from HP3, used by Hermonie)
The reason I gave up buying the Marauder's Map and it was totally worth it!
This thing SPINS! I am damn happy with this.
A $120 well spent. I am a happy PotterFan.
Of course, there will be the All-flavour jellybeans for the brave-hearts. I, dare not take the risk. Both Eudy and Min tried it and I am safe to say, I was saved. LOL
Tickets could be purchased at S$20 (by showing your Singapore IC to prove that you are a Singapore resident) or S$24 for normal tourist at ArtScience Museum itself. Entry time is from 10am to 9pm everyday till 30th September.However, I do believe that only a real PotterFan would truly enjoy this exhibition.In comparison to the Titanic Exhibition, it does lack some things -'atmosphere' wise. If you are anticipating "something magical" to happen, then you would be disappointed.
To end this post, lets listen to the Harry Potter Theme Song played entirely via wine glass!
May Hogwarts live on forever in our hearts.
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