What's in Store at the Official Harry Potter Exhibition in Chicago

The Official Harry Potter Exhibition at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry will be opening its doors to the general public in just a few more days, and some lucky fans who have memberships to the museum were invited to preview what's in store, including Lauren's friend Jen, who was kind enough to send in a delightful write-up for all to enjoy. Click on Read more...

The way they have it set up, tickets are purchased for a certain time, you get in line with the people at your time and are let in by group every eight minutes or so. If you're late you can go with the next group. There is no food, drink, bathrooms or photography. Once you leave the exhibit you can't go back in without buying tickets for a new time, and they're sold out for days to come.

The Exhibit is in a tent outside the old main entrance to the museum. I was happy about this because I couldn't think of where they'd put it inside and have proper space. I was going to die if it didn't seem like there was enough to see! The new entrance to the museum is underground at the bottom of the parking garage, and the Ford Anglia is on display. This was the only thing I could take pictures of since photography inside is strictly forbidden. I was going to try for pics with the camera in my phone, but security was everywhere and I'd have died if I'd been thrown out before I saw everything there was to see!

When we first got there we were waiting with the people who were in the time slot before us and someone told us we weren't starting for nine minutes and could walk around for a bit. I replied I'd waited in line for way longer than nine minutes for Harry Potter and I was happy to stand there.

When we finally entered, the first thing we saw at the bottom of a long tent like hallway was a room with the Sorting Hat sitting on a stool in front of a stained glass window. There was a lovely British lad in charge at that point, and he asked for a volunteer to be sorted, and a little guy of about eight was chosen. He hoped for Gryffindor and was sorted into Hufflepuff. The voice of the Sorting Hat and what it said was straight from Sorcerer's Stone, which was great. Then a girl of about 10 from my town of all places was chosen, and she was also sorted into Hufflepuff. Very cute and fun and everyone in the group was laughing and happy.

This account's really detailed - enjoy!

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