Earlier this week Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood held a press preview for their newest addition: From J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World: The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Exhibit. We posted the official video footage and photos from the event yesterday, but today we have our own footage as well as a few more photographs (view in our gallery.)

The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Exhibit is officially open for business today, December 9th. In case you needed any more reason to visit the exhibit, our correspondent Helena attended the event and wrote up a little review.

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At the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood press preview of the Fantastic Beasts exhibit they revealed props and costumes from the set. The adventure began by being driven down to the lot where a marquee displayed the exhibit title. The room was filled with old fashioned trinkets, luggage, and globes. Inside appetizers were served by caterers dressed in the classic 1920’s attire. In addition, bread carts were scattered around and looked so perfect that it was hard to tell if they were props or edible food. The carts themselves looked straight out of Jacob Kowalski’s bakery! The drinks that were served were rightfully called Polyjuice Potion and were complete with a few cubes of dry ice to add a magical effect.

After a short delay, Dan Fogler (our favorite no-maj Jacob Kowalski) came out and revealed that he loved the exhibit. Despite being a no-maj he was able to get sorted. He revealed that he was a Gryffindor, which came as a surprise since he feels more like a Hufflepuff. Shortly after, the wonderful Bonnie Wright who played Ginny Weasley came out. Her original wand was flown in from London and the two were reunited once more. With a flick of her wand she opened the exhibit.

The exhibit itself was different from what I was expecting. It is one long room that is divided between Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. Upon entering the exhibit you are immediately greeted by the Dursley’s fireplace and letters for Harry. Directly to the left was the Fantastic Beasts section. Newt’s costume is the first thing you see when you walk in to the area. Fantastic Beasts’ concept art covers the wall behind him. The detailing in these photos was phenomenal and breathtaking. In the corner lies Kowalski’s Bakery Pastries and all of his adventure inspired creations. In another corner is Jacob’s costume complete with a set of his broken apartment. On the bed lies Newt’s suitcase, closed to ensure no other beasts come out while on the adjacent nightstand is Jacob’s case, open to reveal all his wonderful pastries. Lastly, in the other corner, is Newt’s collection. In a somewhat disorganized fashion a slew of items Newt would have in his suitcase or pockets were displayed. These items included his wand, journal, and a few Occamy eggs.

Continuing on we see Tina’s belongings such as her wand, the tea pot that was used to capture the Occamy, some magazines, and books. If you turn around you are greeted by MACUSA and Grave’s costume. His wand, badge, a flyer for “Witches Live Among Us”, and the hallows symbol Graves gives to Credence are displayed in a shadow box. A giant Magical Congress of the United States seal lays on the floor. Throughout all of this, concept art is displayed along the walls.

This leads into the Harry Potter section. Your eye is immediately drawn to the giant display of the Great Hall. All of the Hogwarts Professor’s costumes are displayed on a platform and a single stool with the Sorting Hat is also displayed. The most interesting part of this room is Hagrid. Never before has the exhibit included Hagrid’s costume and it was wonderful to see his lovely figure towering over everyone. Slightly from the center of the room is Quidditch gear and spirit gear to delight fans of all houses. In addition Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s costumes are displayed right next the the professors.

Continuing on through the exhibit is one of Aragog’s children. Not being a fan of spiders myself, it produced a scream out of me. The detailing in it was amazing and everyone who passed by it took a step back in fear it would lunge out at anyone who got too close. Past this concept figures of Fluffy, the basilisk, Buckbeak, and Professor Lupin in werewolf form were dispalyed. Further down there was more concept art from the Harry Potter films.

All in all the Fantastic Beasts Exhibit was fantastic and is a must see. The detailing in all of the costumes is amazing. The best part about this exhibit is that everything is so open. Warner Bros. did an amazing job in making you feel like you were on set. I would highly suggest stopping by and saying hi to all of your favorite characters. Plus, while you’re there, you might as well stop to get sorted by the legendary Sorting Hat.