The Museum Of Science And Industry Extends Its Run Of “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” - World Premiere Run In Chicago Extended Nearly Three Weeks To September 27, 2009
(February 25, 2009 – Chicago, IL) - The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is pleased to announce that it will extend its world premiere run of “Harry Potter: The Exhibition,” which opens on April 30, 2009, by nearly three weeks in response to fan feedback and the demand for tickets. The exhibit, which was originally set to end its run on September 7, will now close on September 27, 2009. The extended run will enable more fans the opportunity to enjoy the experience in Chicago before it moves to its next location, which is still to be announced. The Museum of Science and Industry will be the only Midwest location on the exhibit’s U.S. tour.
“We have experienced unparalleled interest in ‘Harry Potter: The Exhibition’ thus far, with a great volume of calls to our call center, hits on our Web site and advance ticket sales,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum. “We are incredibly excited to bring this world premiere exhibit to Chicago and this extension of its run will allow more guests in Chicago, and fans around the country, the opportunity to experience the magic of Harry Potter.”
In a 10,000-square-foot exhibit space, “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” will offer fans a first-hand look inside the boy-wizard’s magical world and the opportunity to experience the amazing craftsmanship of more than 200 authentic costumes and props from the Harry Potter™ films. These artifacts will be displayed in settings inspired by the film sets—including the Great Hall, Hagrid's hut and the Gryffindor common room.
“We are pleased to see that fans have embraced ‘Harry Potter: The Exhibition’ in such a phenomenal way,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “It’s great the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry has been able to respond by extending the run of the exhibition, even before it opens, to give all Harry Potter fans an opportunity to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Guests will be able to enjoy some of their favorite props and costumes from the Harry Potter films as they tour through the exhibit space, including iconic items such as Harry’s original wand and eyeglasses, Gryffindor school uniforms, as well as some of the elaborate costumes worn at the Yule Ball. They will also be able take a tour through Hagrid’s hut, enter a Quidditch area to toss a “Quaffle,” and may even encounter a few creatures like Buckbeak or a giant Acromantula spider along the way.
The exhibition, which requires an additional timed-entry ticket, will open for guests during regular Museum hours, as well as each evening until 9:00 p.m. during the Chicago run. Tickets for the exhibition, previously only available at www.msichicago.org, can now be purchased on site at the Museum, through the Museum’s Web site or by calling (773) 684-1414. Guests can now also give the gift of “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” to friends and family with gift cards for exhibit tickets, which are available on site at the Museum.
Combination admission into the Museum and “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” during the day is $26 for adults; $25 for seniors and $19 for children ages 3-11. After the Museum closes, evening hour tickets are $18 for adults and seniors and $15 for children ages 3-11.
In partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur created the exhibition. After its run at the Museum of Science and Industry, the exhibition will be displayed in other major cultural and entertainment venues, museums and institutions in the U.S. and internationally.
About the Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry's mission is to inspire the inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating and compelling experiences that are real and educational. Located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, the Museum is open every day of the year except December 25. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit the Museum's Web site at www.msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.
About Exhibitgroup/Giltspur
Exhibitgroup/Giltspur (EG) is an award-winning experiential marketing agency known for creating meaningful and memorable connections between leading companies and their customers. By producing powerful brand experiences through exhibits, events, mobile marketing tours, permanent installations, and temporary retail environments, EG helps clients accelerate the sales process, deepen brand loyalty and consistently deliver superior results. The company also creates branded entertainment experiences that surprise and delight audiences worldwide. Backed by the financial strength of its parent company, Viad Corp (NYSE: VVI), EG employs nearly 600 professionals in 28 client care centers throughout the world. For more information about EG, please visit
www.e-g.com.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling. # # #