BBC has announced a new documentary, A History of Magic, which is based off The British Library’s exhibition opening next month. This documentary features  an interview with J.K. Rowling where she discusses items she has personally donated to the exhibit. Harry Potter: A History of Magic opens to the public on October 20th at The British Library. The exhibit will also be making it’s way to New York in October 2018, making a stop at the New-York Historical Society.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic will unveil rare books, manuscripts and magical objects from the British Library’s collection, capturing the traditions of folklore and magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories. Exploring the subjects studied at Hogwarts, the exhibition will include original drafts and drawings by J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter illustrator Jim Kay – all on display for the first time.

And as it travels from London to New York, the exhibition will evolve to include US-specific artefacts and items from the collection of US Harry Potter publisher Scholastic.

BBC has released the following information on the documentary which will air on BBC Two. An air date has not yet been revealed.

It’s 20 years since J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first cast its spell on readers across the globe, thanks to the charm, warmth and imagination of its wizarding world. But Rowling’s fantastical creation wasn’t entirely make-believe…

To mark the 20th anniversary of her book, the BBC presents an enchanting new documentary, uncovering the real life traditions of magic at the heart of Harry Potter.

A thrilling journey through legends, belief and folklore, this film goes behind the scenes with the British Library as they search to tell that story through objects in their collection, in an ambitious new exhibition: Harry Potter: A History Of Magic. J.K. Rowling, who is lending unseen manuscripts, drawings and drafts from her private archives (which will sit alongside treasures from the British Library, as well as original drafts and drawings from Jim Kay) talks about some of the personal items she has lent to the exhibition and gives new insight into her writing, looking at some of the objects from the exhibition that have fired her imagination.

Readings from famous fans playfully recreates some of the best loved spells, potions and magical moments from the books, and, as we follow the process of the exhibition, we discover modern magic’s counterparts (from real life wandmakers to Quidditch enthusiasts). In doing so we discover an unexpected relationship between magic, belief and science: from the Anglo-Saxon spells that cure MRSA; to the so-called witches who pioneered contemporary medicine; to the ancient stargazers who first mapped the wonders of the night sky.

It was commissioned for BBC Two by Patrick Holland, Controller, BBC Two and Mark Bell, Head of Commissioning BBC Arts, and the Executive Producer is Janet Lee. The Producer/Director is Jude Ho for BBC Studios.

James and Oliver Phelps will be attending the opening of Harry Potter: The Exhibition in the Netherlands on February 11th. They made the announcement over on Facebook (and their Instagram accounts) earlier today. Make sure to order your tickets to see the exhibition, at CineMec Utrecht, now at the Official website!

More information, translated from the website, may be read below:

Harry Potter ™ fans in Netherlands finally get the chance to step inside the famous wizard world of Harry Potter Harry Potter ™: The Exhibition! Since its world premiere in Chicago, the unique exhibition has more than 4 million visitors welcomed in, inter alia, Boston, Toronto, Seattle, New York, Sydney, Singapore, Tokyo, Paris, Shanghai and Brussels. And from February is Harry Potter: The Exhibition last seen in Netherlands: In addition CineMec in Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a 1400m2 experiential exhibition, where visitors as they come to be immersed in the world of Harry Potter.

Visitors walk through sensational sceneries realized based on the real Harry Potter film sets and witness the craftsmanship that lies behind the thousands of authentic props, costumes and magical creatures that were used in the iconic film series.

After an appropriate welcome some elect even placed in their proper department by Hogwarts sorting hat. Then the visitors start their journey along different favorite scenes from the Harry Potter movies. The exhibition includes scenes of the most popular locations from the movies, including the common room and dormitory of Gryffindor tower, classrooms such as Potions and Herbology and the Forbidden Forest.

Besides the beautiful scenery and displays there are also several interactive elements. In the Quidditch area visitors can toss a Quaffle.

In the classroom Herbology draw aspiring magicians their own Mandrake and can sit in Hagrid’s hut in his giant chair.

During this unique exhibition, you get closer to the special wizarding world than ever! Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a must see for young and old!

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is headed to Paris in April of 2015. From April 4 – September 6, 2015 fans can see props and more from the films at the La Cité du Cinéma. A rough translation of the press release from WB France may be read below:

Christmas comes a little early this year! If you are among the millions of fans that the judgment of the Harry Potter saga was orphaned and dream to plunge in the heart of fabulous world created by JK Rowling, get ready to be amazed by the exhibition to be devoted to it. Majestic, playful and exotic, it will be held at the Cité du Cinéma de Paris, April 4 had 6 September 2015. If it still takes a little wait before the doors opened, there is however no time losing to book your admission ticket. Tomorrow at 10 am, visit www.ticketmaster.fr and with the usual distributors (Fnac, Auchan …) to relive the adventures of the famous wizard and discover the backstage of octalogie to global success.

Whether you are a fan of the first hour or simply curious Muggle to discover the world of Harry Potter, this exhibition is for you! Hosting the first French event dedicated entirely to the survivor, the City Cinema is about to enchant its visitors with area of 2,000m², which allow the public to soak up the magic of their heroes by browsing two film sets redeveloped colors the saga.

The program of festivities: introduction to the art of potions, Quidditch and visit full of surprises between the iconic setting of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) and the following album, in the way like 9¾ , the Hogwarts Express, Hagrid‘s hut or dormitories Gryffindor. Open your eyes over your journey, round glasses Harry the Marauder’s Map and Nimbus 2000 are a must not to be missed.

By stage in the capital, this traveling exhibition invites viewers to better understand the scenes of the films that have transcended the cinema, bringing together an impressive panel of costumes, accessories and authentic decor elements. So that the immersion is complete, the techniques and skills used so that the magic operates will be explained in detail to visitors.

Having attracted over 3 million visitors worldwide, stopping in Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Seattle, New York, Sydney, Singapore, Tokyo and Cologne, Harry Potter: The Exhibition will take up residence in the City of Light to spring. “The audience will be captivated by the size of the collection,” says Karen McTier (Executive Vice President WarnerBros Consumer Products.) Confident: “We are pleased to offer a unique Harry Potter experience more.”

An ideal experience for young and old, to live with family or friends and, above all, giving free rein to his imagination. To best prepare your arrival, some practical information are required:

– The exhibition will be open from 10:30 am to 19h Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 20h on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and during school holidays. Nocturnes until 21:30 every first Friday of the month.

– The input is from slots and must be booked in advance, the last access will take place 90 minutes before the closing of the exhibition, the rates of 19.99 € for adults / € 15.99 for children (4-14 years) / 65 € for families (max. 2 adults and 2 children).

– Audio guides available, limited to a day.The perfect gift for a magical Christmas!

And do not forget the scenes of Harry Potter also visited throughout the year in the UK, thanks to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. The theme park dedicated to the famous wizard welcomes you with plenty of entertainment for young and old and a new attraction: the Dark Arts section. Enjoy now the promotional rate of 17h and 18h niche for you in the adventure and visit ‘Hogwarts in the snow.’

Practical info and reservations here: http://mywb.fr/ZULLMa

Thanks to SnitchSeeker for the tip.

Oliver and James Phelps attended a press conference in Germany today to announce that Harry Potter: The Exhibition will be stopping at The Odysseum in Cologne-Kalk, Germany starting on October 3, 2014.  ODYSSEUM will be the exhibition’s second stop on its European tour following a stop in Norrköping, Sweden, at Nya Parken.

“Harry Potter: The Exhibition has mesmerized audiences worldwide and we are truly excited to bring this immersive experience to Germany,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Guests will be captivated by the depth of the collection and we are thrilled to present the Harry Potter experience to even more fans around the world.”

“After successful stops in the United States, Australia, Asia and Canada, we are very proud to welcome Harry Potter: The Exhibition to the ODYSSEUM. We’re thrilled that we can be a part of the Harry Potter experience, which will make the eyes of young and old fans shine with this fantastic exhibition!“ expressed Andreas Waschk, CEO of AWC AG and general manager Science Center Services GmbH.

“We are delighted to partner with ODYSSEUM to bring the magic of Harry Potter to Germany,” says Robin Stapley, Vice President, Design and Creative, GES. “Harry Potter: The Exhibition has enjoyed world class recognition at its landmark venues around the world and continues to thrill fans with its thousands of props and costumes.”

We have been sent a few photos of James and Oliver, courtesy of the museum, which can be seen below. Click the thumbnails to enlarge.

The exhibition will be open during the ODYSSEUM’s regular opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays from 9 am to 7 pm, Fridays to Sundays, Bank Holidays and School Holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia from 10 am to 8 pm. Tickets to the exhibition are on sale now exclusively at www.rtl.de/tickets.

The Celebration of Harry Potter mini-site has been updated with new details on the weekends events such as timing and what to expect. Evanna Lynch, James & Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams and Matthew Lewis will be in attendance at the event as well as some of the crew members from the Potter films. See the new information below:

Harry Potter™ Tribute
Friday, January 24 at 7:30pm
Universal Studios® – Music Plaza Stage
On January 24th, the celebration’s festivities officially kick off with a special Friday evening event starring several of the cast members of the Harry Potter™ film series and award-winning illustrator Kazu Kibuishi, who recently reimagined the Harry Potter™ book covers. You’ll enjoy film clips, Q&A sessions with the cast members, and a first glimpse at exclusive new details about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™, opening Summer 2014.

My Life on the Harry Potter™ Film Set: Talent Q&A’s
Saturday, January 25 at 10:00am & 2:00pm
Sunday, January 26 at 3:30pm
Universal’s Islands of Adventure® – Toon Lagoon® Amphitheater
Enjoy a fascinating and entertaining panel discussion featuring some of your favorite actors from the Harry Potter™ films. Learn what it’s like to work on a major motion picture and be part of film history.

Duelling Demonstrations & Wand Combat Masterclass with Paul Harris
Saturday, January 25 at 3:30pm
Sunday, January 26 at 11:30am
Universal’s Islands of Adventure® – Toon Lagoon® Amphitheater
Discover the art of duelling and delve into the world of wand combat as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter™ presents a spellbinding masterclass with the world’s only Wand Combat Choreographer Paul Harris. Paul choreographed the epic battle scenes in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and will be on hand to teach you the technique behind wielding a wand – with the help of a special guest.

Graphic Design for the Harry Potter™ Films with MinaLima
Sunday, January 26 at 11:30am
Universal’s Islands of Adventure® – Toon Lagoon® Amphitheater
Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, from the graphic design studio MinaLima will share insights into their role as Graphic Prop Designers, and how their paths crossed at the WB film studios to work for ten years on the Harry Potter™ movies. They will discuss and show some of the iconic props they created for the Harry Potter™ films including the Marauder’s Map, the Daily Prophet™ and The Quibbler, amongst others.

Bringing the Harry Potter™ Films to the Theme Park – Set and Prop Design
Sunday, January 26 at 10:00am
Universal’s Islands of Adventure® – Toon Lagoon® Amphitheater
Harry Potter™ film and theme park Set Designer Alan Gilmore and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Prop Master Eric Baker present a look at how ideas move from the books to the silver screen, and then become real life theme park experiences.

Go Behind the Scenes of Pottermore.com™ from J.K. Rowling
Saturday, January 25 at 11:30am
Universal’s Islands of Adventure® – Toon Lagoon® Amphitheater
Pottermore’s Creative Director gives an exclusive insight into the creation of Moment artwork for Pottermore.com, and a look at the next installment of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Plus, get ready for an exclusive reveal as he shares his favorite upcoming new entry from J.K. Rowling.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Friday, January 24 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 from 9:00am to 7:00pm
Universal Studios® – Soundstage 33
Costumes
Get an up-close look at the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic costumes that have appeared throughout the Harry Potter™ film series. The costumes on display are provided by Harry Potter™: The Exhibition, currently on tour in Edmonton, Canada.

The Sorting Hat™ Experience
Are you a Gryffindor™, or a Slytherin™? A Hufflepuff™? Perhaps a Ravenclaw™? At the beginning of each school year The Sorting Hat™ sorts new Hogwarts™ students into their house, and you’ll have the opportunity to get sorted in a Great Hall setting…sponsored by Harry Potter™: The Exhibition.

Don’t miss Harry Potter: The Exhibition before it closes in just three weeks! The blockbuster exhibition, which returned to New York City by popular demand after its successful 2011 run, will be open at Discovery Times Square through April 7, 2013.

The 14,000-square-foot experiential exhibition showcases the amazing craftsmanship behind authentic costumes and props from the films, offering fans a firsthand view of hundreds of artifacts displayed in settings inspired by the film sets – including the Great Hall, Hagrid’s hut, the Gryffindor™ common room, and more.

In addition to the artifacts from the first seven Harry Potter films displayed during the exhibition’s initial visit to New York, artifacts from the series finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 2, are now part of the exhibition – including a vignette dedicated to the epic battle of Hogwarts™.

Tickets are available for one last chance to step inside the famous wizard’s magical world for $19.50 (child 4-12), $25 (adult) and $22.50 (senior 65 and over) and can be purchased online at DiscoveryTS.com, at the Discovery Times Square box office (226 West 44^th Street) or by calling (866) 987-9692.