Photo: New York Historical Society
On Friday, the New York Historical Society in New York City opened theshow in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the U.S. publication ofHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.First launched in England, the exhibit is the British Library’s most successful ever. Now it’s time for its American debut, with the show scheduled to run from Oct. 5, 2018 until Jan. 27, 2019.
New York Historical Society
“[The exhibition] explores traditions of folklore and magic, which are at the heart of theHarry Potterstories,” associate curator of exhibitions Cristian Petru Panaite tells PEOPLE. “We’re using the treasures of the British Library, the 20 items that J.K. Rowling loaned to the show (including manuscripts and drawings), as well as artifacts and objects from our collection and local collections.”
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“For the ardent Harry Potter fans, this is obviously a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the original materials from J.K. Rowling’s collection and to delve deeper into the international traditions of folklore and magic that inspired her stories,” Panaite explains. “It’s like going back to school when you visit this exhibition because there’s so much to learn.”
The exhibition is organized around the subjects learned at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From a real-life bezoar stone and the tombstone of Nicolas Flamel (the medieval alchemist who inspired the eponymous character in Rowling’s first book) in Potions, to the first written record of the incantation “abracadabra” in Charms, history lovers and fans alike will learn about the history of magic as it ties to theHarry Potterworld.
“If you’re interested in alchemy, the roots of chemistry, there is the 1570s Ripley scroll,” he adds. “If you’re interested in astronomy, you get to see a page from a Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebook.”
If that isn’t magical enough, there will also be events like trivia nights, writing classes, book clubs and open mics. A talk between illustrators Mary GrandPré and Brian Selznick is scheduled for Oct. 25. The narrator of all seven books, Jim Dale, will make an appearance on Jan. 9.
Tweeted Pottermore, the officialHarry Potterwebsite: “TheHarry Potter: A History of Magicexhibition has grabbed a Portkey across the pond.”
Visitherefor ticket information.
source: people.com
