Harry Potter is a franchise and global phenomenon that has been loved by generations. Over the years, we’ve loved the books, the films, the touring exhibitions and experiences, studio tours, and even the stage theatrical productions. In its latest offering, we have an interactive art experience – Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, located at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore.
I first fell in love with Harry Potter through reading the books as a kid. I distinctly remember when reading the Sorting Hat’s song and the descriptions of each Hogwarts house, that after some careful consideration, I found that I identified with and chose Ravenclaw.
When the films were gradually released, I was wowed by how Hogwarts looked – exactly how I imagined they would be. I also loved how our favourite characters; Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and yes, even Draco Malfoy, grew up alongside me. They may be characters, but they felt familiar, close and real, like lifelong family friends.
It’s been years since the books were completed and the films concluded, but the love for Harry Potter and his friends remains strong. If you’ve ever wanted to experience and feel what it would be like to be part of the Wizarding World, then Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is a dream come true.
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is bookable via session times starting from 11am to 10pm (with last admissions from 9pm) from Monday to Sunday. If you love taking your time to take it all in and soak up the scenery, I highly recommend entering the experience during an earlier session. Also, there are no bathrooms during the exhibition, so make sure you go beforehand. Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is an advised minimum of 45 minutes; however, I ended up spending a good 2 and a half hours in it!
Once you get your ticket scanned, you walk through an entrance scattered with Harry Potter content including multiple envelopes of Harry’s acceptance letter and even Hedwig flying up above you. Before stepping into the exhibition space, every attendee collects an interactive wand to use throughout the experience. Next, staff will take your photo which you can collect after, but I’ll get into that later.
Before heading into the Wizarding World, one must jump onto the Knight Bus! But not before a brief tutorial on how to use your wand and activate things around you. It felt like were at a private magic lesson, which was really cool. Once in the Knight Bus, the visuals make it look like that the vehicle is moving! Just like the movies, there are also beds on the bus, and they even vibrate while you’re sitting on them in transit!
After the ride, you arrive at Grimmauld Place, the ancestral home of Sirius Black’s family. In Grimmauld Place, there are multiple things to wave your wand at and it’s fascinating to discover, whether it be discovering the Black family tree on the walls, turning on a light fixture or setting alight a fireplace with green flames. If you found this fascinating, well, your journey has just begun.
Next stop, the Ministries of Magic, which shows both the more known UK one and MACUSA/Magical Congress of the United States of America from the Fantastic Beasts film series. This rooms acts more of a transition room, with staircases (which sadly do not change) and two red telephone booths that conjure a little bit of magic when you dial the right numbers to receive a very important telephone call.
While Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix isn’t exactly my favourite film of the franchise, the Hall of Prophecy was by far my favourite room of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic. The way all the crystal balls adorned the entire room to create the illusion of a massive hall was so clever. I was in awe by how mesmerising and impressive it all was. I was even more fascinated when the crystal balls no longer reacted to my wand and started acting up on their own (and for good reason!).
Big tip, it’s best to not to leave this room too quickly or you’ll miss out on the surprise. Honestly, I’m pretty sure I spent almost an hour in this room alone.
The next room was equally as magical. Patrons are gathered until it is time to open the Chamber of Secrets. Just like the movies, there’s a special snake adorned door. Unlike the movies, you thankfully don’t need to speak Parseltongue to unlock it! Once the fascinating mechanic takes its course and the chamber is opened, walking through the door is like an out of body experience, because your first sight is that of the giant snake statues and massive face of Salazar Slytherin! The room is intimately lit in shades of green, just like you’re in the depths of a dungeon or sewer.
Newt’s Menagerie is entirely dedicated to the magical creatures of the Fantastic Beasts film series and all your favourites are there including bowtruckles and nifflers! These magical beasts are mostly seen as animated sketches with fun facts about them appearing that you can conjure with your wand. Other visuals look like moving pictures from a story book and they’re gorgeous!
Knockturn Alley is creepy in the best way possible. Dark, with uninviting looking stores and wanted posters of Harry Potter on the walls, it wasn’t surprising to also find The Dark Mark in the sky up above you, summoned with just with the flick of the wrist and your wand. Normally, this something only Death Eaters dare to conjure.
The Room of Requirement was next on the list and the smartly muted tones only helped to make the items you find look more magical and vibrant. It was delightful uncovering the hidden treasures of the room, but especially when finding Rowena Ravenclaw’s Lost Diadem. I also loved the addition of the red Chinese lanterns. Not something that I recall from the films, but considering that this interactive experience is in its Asian premiere in Singapore, I thought it was a really nice touch.
After a brief walk through The Trap Door which included flying keys and the Mirror of Erised, the final room of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is The Pensieve. Admittedly, I did not recognise it at first as usually The Pensieve is like a sink or drinking fountain. You look down on it. Instead, here at Harry Potter Visions of Magic, it’s giant, circular, facing you like a screen and completely captivating.
If you wait in the room for a while, you’ll notice the room transform into Hogwarts, followed with a lovely fireworks display and if you look carefully, you’ll find all four of the Hogwarts house mascots in them. You’ll also witness the final duel between Voldemort and Harry which is a brilliantly dramatic and spectacular sight. The music only helped to enhance the atmosphere of the experience, but in this specific room especially.
When exiting the exhibition, you actually go back through the Ministries of Magic via another route where you land upon the gift shop, but not before giving back your wand. I know this sounds sad that you don’t actually get to keep it. However, if you have your heart set on your own wand to take home, there are plenty available to obtain in the store.
Remember that photo at the beginning of the experience? In the shop after the exhibit, you’ll also be able to collect your photo in multiple ways. I opted to have mine printed with the Hogwarts and firework design, along with smaller versions I could easily turn into a magnet and keychain. But I also chose to have digital copies which happens to give every other version that you could initially choose to print from, which is great. The magnets now proudly live on my fridge.
There’s plenty of merchandise available to satisfy every house as well, including house scarves. I ended up getting myself a tiny niffler, a Ravenclaw bird mascot plushie, and some magnets. Although admittedly, the best thing to take back home to Australia with me were the memories and photos I took while wandering this fantastic interactive art experience.
If you want a great shot, just wait a while. You won’t be waiting long as people move freely throughout this exhibit. I also found that many attendees moved a lot faster than I did as I was gleefully soaking up every moment of this blissful experience.
If you’re a foodie, there is a Harry Potter themed café available that you can buy snacks and drinks from. It is the perfect conclusion to the magical experience. Although, I must confess, I did not try any of the food and drinks as I was after something more filling by the end of my journey. The themed sweets looked very cute though!
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is glorious. I felt like I had jumped straight into iconic world of magic from my favourite film franchise. Every moment I spent in each room was pure magic, awe inspiring, ignited joy and is what dreams are made of. Whether you are a local or are visiting Singapore, regardless if you go with friends, on a date, with family, or even fly solo, Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is a must-see experience for all.
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, proudly presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and NEON, is currently on at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore until June 30th.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://harrypottervisionsofmagic.com/sg
https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/events/harry-potter-visions-of-magic
