Tips and What to Expect at The Harry Potter Exhibition - New York City

If you are a Potterhead who wants to read every single word, absorb every sight and sound, take a million photos, and examine every product in the gift shop, we recommend at least three hours for the full experience. By the way, the store has WAY more tempting merchandise than what is offered online. You also do not need experience tickets to go to the store - there is a separate entrance for those just wanting to shop.

The Harry Potter Exhibition covers the Harry Potter movie franchise, as well as a bit of the Fantastic Beasts franchise. A lot of the experience is focused on wardrobe, sets, and props from the movies. There are a few spots for the books and Broadway musical (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).

After checking in and managing some mischief, the tour is self-guided. Check out scenes from the experience below.

There are a few interactive exhibits. PRO TIP: Swipe your bracelet and gaze down into the crystal ball - your fortune may be hard to read so use your phone to snap a photo/take a video and bring the words better into focus before it disappears. Don’t miss your prophecy - you only get to do this experience once.

Get ready to go back to Hogwarts with classes such as Potions and Herbology.

I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but for almost every interactive exhibit you participate in, apparently, you earn House Points. I only share this one because I hate losing the House Cup - come on, Ravenclaw!

The instructions post-purchase make it seem fairly strict on attending during your allotted window, but we had a party member who was running extremely behind (we’re talking hours). While there was no customer service number available to call, when we explained our situation to the staff, they immediately said it would be no problem at all, and we could enter whenever we wanted. I suspect this is due to the initial craze dying down a bit. They were so accomodating. So if you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t panic, but do try to be on time!

The crowds definitely seem to pick up after 12 p.m. on the weekends, so I would head in before 11 a.m. to be able to stretch out.

P.S.: Let us know if you spot the printed typo on the tour - yes, my Ravenclaw eagle eyes spotted one indeed.