WB Studio Tour Gets Dark Arts Addition

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London has long been a mecca for Potter fans, and now it’s about to get… a bit more sinister. The Tour has announced that they will be adding in a whole new feature to the tour dedicated to the Dark Arts, the first addition to the tour since it’s opening in March of 2012. So we’re expecting new sets and props, but what does that entail specifically? Read on:

The current Malfoy Manor fireplace will be expanded to showcase the full set which became the headquarters of Lord Voldemort’s followers, the Death Eaters, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. Visitors will be able to peer into the drawing room that features ornate chandeliers, an imposing fireplace and the long, grand table around which Bellatrix Lestrange, the Malfoy family, the Death Eaters and Voldemort sat. The mannequin of captured Muggle Studies teacher Charity Burbage will be suspended above the set, while a life-like model of Voldemort’s loyal 20-foot snake Nagini will sit on the mahogany table, which will be framed by the costumes of the rat-like Peter Pettigrew and Potions master Severus Snape.

This set was one of my favorite pieces in the films, and I can’t even imagine how stunning it will be to be able to walk through it! The new addition will also modify the set of Dolores Umbridge’s office. While previously dedicated to her vomit-inducing sensibilities, it will now include Remus Lupin’s costumes, magical projector, and gramophone from Prisoner of Azkaban. Definitely an improvement, if you ask me.

Sarah Roots, Vice President of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, commented: “The Dark Arts feature will be our first new permanent addition since opening in March 2012 and we’re looking forward to unveiling it just in time for Hallowe’en. It will showcase the darkest parts of the films and include some props and costumes that have never been on public display before.”

The new addition is set to launch on the 14th of October, but that’s not all! To celebrate the launch, the Great Hall, one of the most stunning sets on the tour, will be modified from the 17th of October to the 3rd of November to feature a section of the Halloween Feast from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. How exciting is that? The Studio Tour is also modifying other parts of the tour, including dimming the lights in Diagon Alley and filling it with ominous music, as well as having Death Eaters on patrol! Witches and wizards taking the tour will have the option to brush up on their dueling techniques by taking part in an interactive wand combat lesson.

So while the new sets are permanent fixtures, this celebration will be limited to just those 2 weeks between October 17th and November 3rd. If you can get out the tour by then, you simply must! The rest of us will be jealous.