Warner Bros. Studio Tour London features the dark arts
This October, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will unveil a new section devoted to the Dark Arts, encompassing Horcruxes and other sinister wizarding artefacts, in what is the Studio Tour’s first permanent addition since opening.
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.
Officially launching on Tuesday 14th October, the new section will also include a variety of never-before-seen artefacts and props from Borgin and Burkes, the Knockturn Alley shop Harry accidentally stumbles into in Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets. Visitors will be able to see these weird and wonderful props up close, including the mysterious Hand of Glory, the Vanishing Cabinet and the sarcophagus that hid Harry during a deleted scene from the second film.
A section of Dolores Umbridge’s Ministry of Magic office, including her garish kitten plates, perfectly putrid pink costumes and desk, will be on show as well as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Remus Lupin’s costumes, magical projector and gramophone.
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.”
To celebrate the launch of the new permanent additions, the Studio Tour will also offer extra Dark Arts activities throughout the October half-term. From Friday 17th October – Monday 3rd November, a section of the Hallowe’en feast from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be on display in Hogwarts’ Great Hall.
For these two weeks only, visitors will be able to walk down a darker Diagon Alley as the lights are dimmed, the music becomes more foreboding and the wizarding shopping street set is patrolled by Death Eaters. Those who choose to take part in an interactive wand combat lesson can practise their duelling techniques.
The new permanent Dark Arts section will be launched with a two-week event highlighting the Dark Arts from Friday 17 October – Monday 3 November and all extra activities are included in the ticket price.
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