I did not discover the Harry Potter books first. I went to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Captivated by the story, I wanted to learn more, and the rest is history. The books have become fixed tenants in my library. Waiting for the next book in the series was a very special experience which every fan will remember for life. We also remember that slightly forlorn feeling, mingled with excitement, when the last, seventh book came out. But hey, there were still a couple of Harry Potter movies left to make. Anticipated, discussed and debated, they too came to an end.

In-between all these daily occupations of a Harry Potter fan, another significant development took place. Harry Potter: The Exhibition made its debut in the US in spring 2009. I remember how excited many of us were, and also rueful that not everyone could make a flying visit to the States. But sometimes magic just needs a bit of waiting, and a bit of patience.

After touring the US, Canada and Australia, the exhibition has finally made its way to Europe. With Sweden and Germany already ticked off the list, the exhibition’s current location is in Paris, France. A glorious 1,400 square meters of Harry Potter film artifacts and costumes from all eight movies await fans at the Cité du Cinéma.

I was fortunate to be able to go and can confirm: it’s amazing! Without giving too much away, to be able to see what has become so familiar through the big screen IRL was another absorbing Harry Potter experience. A combination of dimmed lighting around the brightly illuminated exhibits, careful arrangement and the magical soundtrack from the film playing in the background (ah, those opening bars at the beginning of Sorcerer’s Stone) all create a goosebump-inducing atmosphere.

Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus!

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Wondering how to get to the location (an occasional concern of mine) will not be an issue, because as soon as you get out of the subway, you see this sign.

“Dear Mr. Potter, We are pleased to inform you…”

“Aren’t you two ever going to read Hogwarts: A History?”

“The moment they start trying to move into each other’s pots, we’ll know they’re fully mature,” she told Harry.”

“Yes, yes, we know about the Quidditch.”