By Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media & DPP Communications (see videos and a photo gallery below)

I have never been a big Harry Potter fan despite its massive popularity around the world. I felt the books and movies were pretty much for children. Stories of magic, wizardry and good vs. evil reminded me of the Curanderas (healers) and Brujas (witches) of Mexican folklore.

Like the Harry Potter mystique, they too practice similar rituals to obtain the desired outcome. Spells and medicinal cures (limpias, a cleansing) mixed in with physic and black magic are common among both entities. Susto (literally, scare) and mal de ojo, (bad eye) are among the most common Mexican mystic afflictions from which many may suffer. The symptoms are physical and psychological in nature. In terms of bruja and curanderismo, magic is directly related to the supernatural realm. What is reality and which is fantasy?

After reviewing the recent play “Harry Potter & The Cursed Child” at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and now viewing the Harry Potter exhibit which opened in Denver on June 26, 2026, I have to admit, that I have become quite fascinated with the various elements that make up the Harry Potter series so endearing to so many people of all ages and how it compares to that of other cultures.

This exhibit at 417 South Broadway is very impressive and bring a unique insight to all things Harry Potter. It’s a great way to catch up on all the nostalgia that have made Harry Potter so successful. The exhibit can easily take up to two hours to view all it has to offer. There are several chambers, hallways, dual octogen rooms, the Great Dining Hall, the Forbidden Forest, interactive displays and so much more. You can even play the game of Quidditch, minus the flying brooms of course.

Upon entry, guests are escorted into an octagon room where maps of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Scottish Highlands are displayed. After a few moments of studying the layout, the room comes alive with various video displays emanating from all the walls where the maps once were present. It reminded me of a Universal Studios attraction.

So the adventure begins in this intriguing exhibit. There is so much to experience. Interactive is an overworked adjective these days. But that is what this exhibit offers. Many of the displays involve two-way communication and active user participation.

You can look into a crystal ball and see the future or guests can experience the beautifully crafted environments that honor many of the unforgettable moments fans and audiences have loved for over the past 25 years, getting an up-close look at everything from authentic props to original costumes as they journey through innovative, awe-inspiring, and magical galleries using best-in-class immersive design.

“We have something in store for everyone here in Denver, and the initial reactions have been amazing,” said Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions. “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.”

Harry Potter: The Exhibition takes visitors of all ages on a journey through the extended world of Harry Potter, celebrating some of the most iconic moments from the beloved Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Guests will explore Hogwarts Classrooms filled with authentic props, original costumes and popular creatures from the Warner Brothers Studios. Interacting with magical lessons and games through digital touchscreens to reveal behind-the-scenes secrets about iconic classroom moments. 

They can brew potions in the Potions Classroom, read the future in Divination, pot a mandrake in the Herbology Greenhouse, and use their digital wand to defeat a Boggart in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Along the way, special Moments of Magic will appear offering delightful surprises unique to the experience. The oversized chair in Hagrid’s Hut is perfect for photos as is the cupboard under the stairs from Harry’s childhood on Privet Drive. In addition, vignettes from Fantastic Beasts and costumes from Harry Potter and The Cursed Child are exhibited, making Harry Potter: The Exhibition the most comprehensive touring exhibition ever presented about the extended world of Harry Potter, perfect for both longtime fans and those just starting to experience the magic.

Exhibition merchandise is available in the retail shop for guests to celebrate their fandom. Visitors can choose from a range of products such as apparel, jewelry, and edible treats, including Chocolate Frogs and Butterbeer.

An audio guide which is downloaded to your phone is available for an additional cost. Gain access to over 90 minutes of behind-the-scenes information, in-depth stories, and extended exhibition content to listen too during or after your tour of the exhibit. Available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Italian, German, Polish, Hungarian, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Fans are encouraged to follow Harry Potter: The Exhibition on Facebook, and Instagram. 

#HarryPotterExhibition 

Ticket information

Adult tickets start at $28 plus tax and fees.

Child tickets start at $20 plus tax and fees.

Tickets are available for purchase at https://harrypotterexhibition.com/locations/denver/ 

Photos by Latin Life Denver Media