The stated mission of the Ontario Science Centre is: To delight, inform and challenge visitors through engaging and thought-provoking experiences in science and technology.  Today at the Ontario Science Centre something magical is happening that is sure to delight and engage many visitors.  Harry Potter the Exhibition is opening.

My family are long time Harry Potter fans.  My husband acquired our first Harry Potter book on a trip to England.  I had heard of this book on a public radio station talk show.  I could not remember the name.  Something to do with a boy witch or warlock or something.  "It's really popular but it's not here yet." I told him. "They said grownups are even reading it on the trains on the way to work with brown paper over the cover". Fortunately he had enough clues that he came home with the right book: "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone".

I read that book out loud to my young son each evening cuddled in his bed.  It was a special book.  My husband became fascinated and took turns reading aloud as well. There were sad parts and scary parts and joyful parts.  As the years went on my son eventually started reading a page or 2 to his father and I.  And finally when the 4th book came out insisted it was faster to read it silently on his own.  By the time the last Harry Potter book came out we had to buy 3 copies at a time so we could all read the story at once, devouring it as quickly as we could... trying to keep up with each other.

I was really nervous when the first movie came out.  No movie is really ever as good as the book, but after viewing the first movie I have to say it came darn close to being as good as the book.  Especially the sets.  I remember seeing the movie with my son, husband and my own parents.  My Mom and Dad decided to read the books as well and had enjoyed them.  What I remember most is how the movie really made me feel like I was there.   The Gryffindor common room was exactly as I had imagined it when I read the description to my son all those years ago. I remember leaning over to my mother and saying "Wow! It is just as I imagined it!" "Exactly." she whispered back.

So what about Harry Potter the Exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre?  Is it as good as the book?  Is it as good as the movie? In a word... Yes!

More than three years in the making, Harry Potter: The Exhibition made it's world premier in Chicago, then traveled to Boston before arriving in Toronto, a short ride from us in Mississauga.  It took 18, 53-foot tractor trailers to transport the entire exhibition to the Ontario Science Centre.  There are over 400 authentic costumes and props from six Harry Potter films featured as well as few newly created hands on activities.

When they arrive visitors to the exhibition are brought into an area and sorted into the 4 Hogwarts Houses, before moving into a short pre-show featuring a montage of the Harry Potter film series.  It was a little shocking to see how young the characters were.  One tends forget how time marches on. Then you walk past a large replica of Hogwarts express and through the magical picture gallery and into the exhibition.

The exhibition has 28 themed vignettes with over 30 display cases.  Highlights include everything from costumes and wands to Harry Potter's Nimbus 2000 and the Philosopher's Stone. My favorite was the costumes.  When you watch the movies you just don't see all the detail involved in each one.  Up close it is amazing to see how clever each one is.  How I'd love to get a hold of one of Professor McGonagall's Gown for Halloween! 

Mississauga Kids who visit the exhibit will get a chance to be sorted into their Hogwarts house, pull up a mandrake, and practice their Quidditch skills with a Quaffle, and sit in Hagid's big leather chair! The exhibit is going to be at the Ontario Science Centre through August 22, 2010.  I recommend waiting till next month to attend.  The museum will be setting up some science themed displays that will integrate well with the Harry Potter magic theme in the coming weeks.  If you wait a few weeks you'll miss the rush and get to see those too.

Oh! I wanted to make sure I mentioned that the cafeteria has basically had a small upgrade in food. The do still have the burgers and fries and Pizza, but they have also introduced some healthy choices like stirfry, quiche and other delectable fare.  They also have fresh baked pastries and STARBUCKS! Great for a little pickup partway through your visit.


While I was there I did get to meet James and Oliver Phelps who play Fred and George Weasley.  To read more about that experience visit: Anne's Blog!