Spellbound: New Harry Potter interactive experience sets up temporary home in Tour & Taxis

Multimedia attraction Harry Potter: Visions of Magic opens its doors to visitors from 26 July for an immersive journey into the famous world of wizardry. 

The interactive experience occupies a purpose-built pop-up home at Tour & Taxis in Brussels, the second destination for the cutting-edge spectacle following a sell-out show in Cologne.

At the entrance of the 3,000m2 space, visitors are equipped with magic wands that cast spells via interactive screens. They are then invited to board a Magigobus that transports them to the Ministry of Magic, the governing body of Britain’s magical community created by author JK Rowling.

It is the first of an array of mesmerising scenes recreating some of the best-known locations from the Fantastic Beasts films as well as the Harry Potter fantasy series.

Within these darkened worlds, breathtaking decor, original soundscapes and multi-sensory installations are designed to entertain and thrill all ages.

From the slanting beds in a dormitory at the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to a black-mirrored space filled exuberantly with illuminated crystal orbs, audiences are treated to some of the most familiar and enigmatic scenes.

They include the Request Room, Newt's Menagerie and the mist-filled Knockturn Alley, where Borgin and Burkes antique shop is one of the atmospheric stores in the eerie London shopping district.

Meanwhile, a menagerie of magical creatures from Fantastic Beasts sees naughty nifflers running havoc in colourful and captivating screenings filling enveloping curved walls.

There are hosts on hand to help visitors unravel some of the magic exhibits on display.

The ultimate adventure is a showdown between young wizard Harry and his archenemy Lord Voldemort, a dramatic encounter which marks the end of the visitor’s journey.

An extensive souvenir shop rounds off the experience, a reminder of the global success of the Harry Potter franchise.

The multimedia show comes courtesy of Warner Bros, Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and Neon, a group specialised in immersive experiences.

Its executive vice president of partnerships and growth Milan Rokic said Brussels was a natural choice to stage the new contemporary artistic show. “It’s a pleasure to be here with a brand new interactive experience inspired by this magical world.”

Brussels mayor Philippe Close thanked local partners Exhibition Hub and Explorado Group while underlining the importance of staging it at the former industrial site of Tour & Taxis.

“We have already hosted an exhibition on the theme of Harry Potter a few years ago, which had more than 300,000 entries. We are convinced that the public will respond again,” he added.

While the dazzling decor and spellbinding special effects will surely delight avid Harry Potter fans, this is a sensory visual experience that conjures up some of the series’ most memorable scenes rather than explore its storylines and characters.

For Muggles, or non-magical beings, the smoke and soundscapes come at a cost that might just be beyond the waving of a magical wand.

Admission prices for the one-hour experience start at €20.50 for children four to 13; €26.50 for ages 14 and up (€32.50 for adults at weekends). Discounts are available for family and group tickets, as well as seniors and students. All tickets are valid for a specific time slot. The interactive wand experience is recommended for ages 12 and above.

Harry Potter: Visions of Magic
Until at least 3 November
Tour & Taxis
Avenue du Port 86C
Brussels

Photos: Courtesy Warner Bros Entertainment/JKR; Sarah Crew