For one day only I made my way to ye old Sydney town to catch up with friends and explore the magical world of Harry Potter at the Powerhouse Museum exhibition.
Accompanying me was my dear friend and Harry Potter fanatic (you have no idea!), Michelle. It excited me to share this experience with her, although, unlike each of the film premiers Michelle did not dress as Harry Potter in support of the occasion.
After waiting in line for who knows how long, in between swarms of freckle-faced, runny nosed prepubescents, we were at last given entrance through the gates of Hogwarts, through the misty grounds and past the Hogwarts Express.
Interestingly, attending staff all had ‘English’ accents in what I assumed was an attempt to really bring the exhibition to life. A couple of them were quite good, if not somewhat annoying, where as others could only master the seemingly universal Disney accent = FAIL, although it gave Michelle and I something to giggle to and roll our eyes at.
Once finally past the attendees and free to roam the halls of Hogwarts we found joy in the amount of detail in the large number of props and sets that were on display throughout.
Costumes, wands, trinkets, horcruxes, snitches, witches hats and goblins were all showcased in glass boxes and in sets from each of the eight films, with a brief description of each piece provided on plaques.
Some interactivity was offered, but these areas were largely overrun with children and Michelle and I were somewhat disappointed no photography was allowed in the exhibition. Otherwise I definitely would have gotten a picture sitting in Dolores Umbridge’s pink themed office where the walls were lined with porcelain plates, each detailing pictures of different cats.
Somehow we’d run through the exhibition in just over half an hour, and when contemplating taking another look through we decided against it agreeing that once you’ve seen it – you’ve seen it!
The gift shop was almost as much fun as the exhibition. Although we had the opportunity to buy beautifully crafted replica wands (for $60 each), we agreed that everything was just a tad overpriced and Michelle suggested to just get a stick from the front garden and pretend that’s your wand instead!
It was a fun exhibition and great seeing certain probs etc. in real life, but not actually having the opportunity to hold probs, or enter sets detracted from the overall experience. When it comes down to it, if you’ve seen the films then really, you’ve seen the exhibition.
I am now looking forward to sharing my only gift shop purchase, a packet of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans ($5 … JK Rowling, aren’t you rich enough?), with my sister at Christmas. Mmm, earwax flavour … delish!
If only I could go too! Sounds like a lot of fun!
I got a pack of beans for 2 dollars at a store. Every flavor too.
WHAT? Even sausage flavour? Damn I feel ripped!
Hmm, would you say you were slightly disappointed then? I’m holding out to go down and see it next month and am so thoroughly excited, although the no-photography rule stinks. Interesting that you also ran through it in half hour. I know they estimate it takes half hour to go through, but I don’t want to believe them
Wish I could stay there all day haha. I’ve heard the gift shop is overpriced and that the wand replicas etc can be bought cheaper online from the Noble Collection and stuff (I think wand replicas are only 30 or 40 there?) and that the items to buy are the exclusive exhibition items. 
As for the Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, you should be able to get Jelly Belly ones from places like Woolworths and Sam’s Warehouse (I’ve seen sour ones here). Haven’t seen anywhere that sells all the proper gross and unusual flavours though. Think I’ll have to buy some there
(Aren’t you just dying to try some grass and dirt?) 
Um, I was mainly disappointed in the not being able to take photos and interact with sets a bit more. That would have made it more fun – like a Harry Potter world rather than just an exhibition. But overall I thought it was pretty good. If you’re a Harry Potter fan (which you obviously are) then you’ll have a blast!
I haven’t seen the beans anywhere else, but now that you’ve mentioned it I’d like to compare flavours with a different packet. Can’t wait for sausage flavour! haha.