Hogwarts Express Exhibit Reveal at Leavesden

Mark Williams (Mr. Arthur Weasley) took the train into Warner Brother’s Leavesden Studio Tour, as he helped reveal the new Hogwarts Express Exhibit. The 20,000 square foot expansion includes the original Hogwarts Express Engine sitting in a replica of Platform 9 3/4. The “windows” of the Hogwarts Express will be playing film that show how some Hogwarts Express moments (such as the Dementor attack) were created in the Harry Potter films. The exhibit opens to the public on Thursday, March 19. Warner Brother’s posted on their Studio Tour Website:

Officially opening on Thursday 19th March, the new, must-see section has been redesigned and will be built by many of the crew members who worked on the most successful film series of all time. Every inch of the platform’s glass roof, yellow brick walls and luggage racks, designed by Production Designer Stuart Craig, will be painstakingly reassembled by a team led by Construction Manager Paul Hayes and dressed by Set Decorator Rosie Goodwin. Special Effects Supervisor John Richardson will rig the locomotive with special effects steam.

You’ll be able to:

• Pose with a luggage trolley on Platform 9 ¾ as it disappears through the station’s yellow brick wall and walk along the Hogwarts Express’ adjoining carriage

• Explore the interior carriage set that was used during filming (complete with ‘windows’ that demonstrate the process used to create iconic train scenes from the films such as the escape of Harry’s first Chocolate Frog and the Dementor attack)

• See a selection of prop luggage and find out which character owned which items by turning an interactive dial (characters include Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Luna Lovegood and more)

• Browse a wide range of goodies inspired by the Harry Potter films and, specifically, the Hogwarts Express in a train-themed souvenir shop which will be open on the platform

The London Evening Standard has posted pictures and videos of the exhibition’s reveal, including photos of Mark Williams interacting with the Platform and sitting on the train.