The Wizarding World has officially arrived in Denver.
After enchanting millions of fans around the globe, Harry Potter: The Exhibition has opened on South Broadway, inviting visitors to step inside Hogwarts classrooms, cast spells, brew potions and come face-to-face with real props and costumes from the beloved films.
Whether you have been waiting for your Hogwarts letter for decades or want to introduce your kiddos to the magic, here’s everything you need to know before you go, from the best times to visit and where to grab Butterbeer (and a real cocktail) afterward.
What is “Harry Potter: the Exhibition”?
Developed by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Imagine and Eventim Live, the self-guided exhibition—which also has locations in Prague, Sydney and Brussels—invites fans to take in moments from the beloved “Harry Potter” films, “Fantastic Beasts” and the Tony Award-winning Broadway production “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
The exhibit’s over 20 thoughtfully designed galleries are packed with original costumes, authentic props and interactive experiences that make you feel like you’ve stepped into the story.
Along the way, you can brew a potion in the classroom, pot a mandrake in the Herbology greenhouse, test your courage against a Boggart in Defense Against the Dark Arts and read the future in Divination.
“This exhibition celebrates the extended world of Harry Potter like no other touring exhibition has done before,” says Tom Zaller, president and chief executive officer of Imagine Exhibitions. “With its family-friendly environment and great appreciation for storytelling and adventure, Denver is the perfect place for fans and families of all ages to experience the magic of the wizarding world. We can’t wait to share it with visitors from near and far.”
Not-to-Miss Experiences
Dress up in your robes and Hogwarts House colors for all the Instagram-worthy photo-ops. Snap a picture inside the cupboard under the stairs where Harry spent his childhood or in Hagrid’s oversized chair.
Don’t leave without stopping by the gift shop, where you’ll find exclusive merchandise created just for the exhibition, from apparel and jewelry to Chocolate Frogs and Butterbeer.
Earn points for your Hogwarts house via interactive digital wands and touchscreens as you move through the exhibition.
“We have something in store for everyone here in Denver, and the initial reactions have been amazing,” says Zaller. “We have poured our heart and soul into this exhibition, and I am honored and proud to bring it to the Mile High City and share the magic with millions of Coloradans and visitors alike.”
Know Before You Go
- Tickets start at $28 for adults and $20 for children (plus taxes and fees).
- Add an audio guide to your ticket to listen to exclusive commentary and behind-the-scenes stories about the exhibition and all things Harry Potter. A link to the guide will be provided once you arrive, so be sure to bring your smartphone and headphones.
- Plan to spend 60 to 90 minutes exploring, though devoted Potterheads could easily linger for two hours.
- For lighter crowds, book a weekday ticket (Monday through Thursday) right when the exhibition opens or after 3 p.m. If you’re hoping to take your time at the interactive stations without weaving through families, consider an evening visit—especially on Thursday or Friday, when the exhibition stays open until 9 p.m.
- Not sure what Hogwarts House you belong to? Participate in the official sorting ceremony on the Harry Potter website before you come to the exhibit.
- Besides what’s available at the gift shop, the exhibition doesn’t sell food or drinks. But there are plenty of bars and restaurants on South Broadway to pop into before or after. Grab cocktails at Pretty Neat, The L or Roxy on Broadway, or settle in for dinner at neighborhood favorites like BurnDown, Blue Bonnet Restaurant or Postino Broadway.
