All aboard the Knight Bus, direction London and into the magical world of Harry Potter. Meander through the halls of the Ministry of Magic, uncover the dark magic behind Dragon Alley’s facades and experience all the fantasy that the Harry Potter books and movies! Canada gets to finally experience some of the magic that is usually relegated to filming locations in England and Universal Studios. But here lies our own interactive adventure, where wizards get to wave wands to make creatures appear, and follow the tracks of “the boy who lived” through 10 interactive rooms. Tucked away in Place Bonaventure, though you wouldn’t notice thanks to the tall dark alleyways and sound affects straight out of England and Hogwarts, is the first interactive exhibition of its kind in Montreal.
The staff is very keen and in character, equipped with sorcerous voices and magical wands. An issue that hopefully will be resolved is that it is difficult to find where the wands are to be used, and staff could be less shy in helping wizards find them. Decor felt cheap at times, with the same objects around the room which could have differed to make the experience feel more real. Some of the rooms are more interesting and interactive than others, but there is something for everyone. The experience is definitely catered to fans, with special details to reenact the movies and feel like you are joining Harry in the final battle against “He Who Shall Not Be Named” (Voldemort – no one said anything about writing his name).
They even have Newt Scamander’s menagerie (my personal favourite), complete with some of his special friends in honour of the wonderful “Fantastic Creatures and Were to Find Them” series.
Harry Potter Visions of Magic is at Place Bonaventure (800 de la Gauchetiere Ouest) from Monday to Sunday 10 a..m. to 10 p.m. and lasts until June 29. Tickets HERE.
