Review: ‘Harry Potter: The Exhibition’ at Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre, Brunswick (2025)

Since its launch, the exhibition dedicated to the young boy wizard (based on the hit book and film series by JK Rowling), has been seen by over 3.3 million visitors worldwide, with sold-out shows in New York, Paris, Tokyo and Philadelphia. The Melbourne edition opened in early April 2025.

Due to popular demand, it was announced last month that Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick had been extended until 14 December 2025. As a long time Harry Potter fan, this was my third ever HP exhibition and by far the best.

Every visitor is given a wristband upon entry that, after filling out a short introduction survey, can be scanned throughout the exhibition to earn points for their house. Note, be sure to opt in to receive emails (different from marketing), as your results will be emailed to you afterwards.

From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re completely immersed into the world of Harry Potter. Wandering through intricately decorated classrooms and iconic locations like Hagrid’s Hut and the Great Hall, there’s something to look at in and around every corner.

Along the way you can brew potions, cast spells, read your fortune, pull mandrakes, banish boggarts, conjure a patronus, play quidditch and commemorate your journey with key photo opportunities.

You can tell that the design team took every care to expertly capture the look and feel of the movies through the use of wallpaper, patterned carpet, scenic lighting and video projections. The neutral colours in the herbology room is calming, while the division room is cosy. But it’s little details like tiny inscriptions on Dumbledore’s pensive bottles or the trinkets either side of the divination fireplace that make the space feel richer by design.

Lesser loved characters, like my personal favourite Gilderoy Lockhart, often get overlooked at exhibitions so it was a nice surprise to not only see costumes and props of the fraudulent wizard author, but others like Slughorn, Tonks, Fleur, Viktor Krum, Narcissa Malfoy, Cormac McLaggen and more also feature. Although, it does mean popular characters like Lupin, Hagrid, Sirius Black, McGonagall and Mad Eye Moody don’t.

Something genuinely unique from previous exhibitions I’ve seen is the inclusion of The Cursed Child and Fantastic Beasts. The latter was one of my favourite areas to explore, especially Jacob Kowalski’s sweet baked treats and the design concepts of the magical creatures like the Bowtruckle.

I also wasn’t expecting to take so much interest in intricate costume details, but I was fascinated, mainly those of Lucius Malfoy (and his snake jacket clasp), Lord Voldemort and of course, Lockhart (who, I didn’t realise has some kind of unidentified clear slime on his jacket).

Although I think there’s a pretty balanced mix of elements, if you’re not interested in reading the plethora of movie facts that line the exhibition walls or getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the film series was brought to life, this exhibition is probably not for you.

Depending on when you go too, you could find yourself spending a lot of time in lines for photo opportunities and interactive elements.

We arrived close to final entry on a wet Friday night and, apart from the two groups behind us, it was generally deserted. Although I felt rushed by those I was with and feared others catching up to us, we had the place mostly to ourselves which meant we didn’t have to wait/line-up for anything. But I can also see the missed appeal of being amongst an enthusiastic large crowd. I guess it’s just a matter of what you prefer.

If you’re looking to enhance your experience and its within budget, I highly recommend getting a VIP ticket. Not only does it come with a dedicated queue for entry, but also extra perks including a personal audio guide, souvenir tote bag, collector’s edition exhibition programme, lanyard and a butterbeer in a branded take home plastic cup (with a combined value of over $80). Non-VIPs can buy a butterbeer in the same take home cup for $17 or upgrade to a goblet cup for $26.

Additionally, those over 18 years of age should consider the after hours nights on November 24 or December 8 with some tickets including an alcoholic beverage of your choice (non-alcoholic options are available too). Extra drinks and food are available for purchase as well.

Also, if you’re a fellow lover of gift shops, this is one of the best. While the clothing pieces are a little pricey (although on par with other HP event merchandise), there’s some affordable gems like drinkware, magnets, keyrings and scrunchies. I ended up purchasing a raised Ravenclaw mug, but I especially liked the Bertie Botts notepad with pen, quaffle ball, pillowcases and tree decorations (which sadly didn’t come in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff designs). Those wanting a premium item should check out the exquisite jewellery pieces under glass near the registers.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a magical experience for all wizards young and old. Tickets are on sale now at melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com

4.5/5 STARS