Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to unveil new permanent feature devoted to the Dark Arts

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is set to open its first, new permanent feature since opening in 2012. The new section, which will open next month, will be devoted entirely to the Dark Arts, encompassing Horcruxes, among other sinister wizarding artifacts.

The Malfoy Manor fireplace that currently resides at the Studio Tour will soon be expanded to include the full set, which served as the headquarters for Lord Voldemort and his followers in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. In addition, a mannequin of the captured Muggle Studies professor Charity Burbage will be suspended above the set, while a life-like model of Voldemort’s trusted snake Nagini will sit on the mahogany table.

The new section will be open to the public October 14 and include several props from the famous Dark Arts shop located in Knockturn Alley, Borgin and Burkes. Items from Dolores Umbridge’s office will be on display, as well as props and costumes used by Harry’s third Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin.

Sarah Roots, Vice President of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, commented,

The Dark Arts feature will be our first new permanent addition since opening in March 2012, and we’re looking forward to unveiling it just in time for Halloween. It will showcase the darkest parts of the films and include some props and costumes that have never been on public display before.

In celebration of the launch of the new permanent additions, the Studio Tour will be hosting a number of special Dark Arts activities throughout the October half-term. From October 17 to Monday, November 3, a section of the Halloween feast from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be on display in the Great Hall. During these two weeks, guests will be able to walk down a darker Diagon Alley with dimmed lights and Death Eater patrols.

You can read the full press release below.

[toggle title=”Warner Bros. Studio Tour London announces new permanent section devoted to the Dark Arts” state=”close” ]WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON TO UNVEIL FIRST, NEW PERMANENT FEATURE DEVOTED TO THE DARK ARTS

This October, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will unveil a new section devoted to the Dark Arts, encompassing Horcruxes and other sinister wizarding artefacts, in what is the Studio Tour’s first permanent addition since opening.

The current Malfoy Manor fireplace will be expanded to showcase the full set which became the headquarters of Lord Voldemort’s followers, the Death Eaters, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. Visitors will be able to peer into the drawing room that features ornate chandeliers, an imposing fireplace and the long, grand table around which Bellatrix Lestrange, the Malfoy family, the Death Eaters and Voldemort sat around.

The mannequin of captured Muggle Studies teacher Charity Burbage will be suspended above the set, while a life-like model of Voldemort’s loyal 20-foot snake Nagini will sit on the mahogany table, which will be framed by the costumes of the rat-like Peter Pettigrew and Potions master Severus Snape.

Officially launching on Tuesday 14th October, the new section will also include a variety of never-before-seen artefacts and props from Borgin and Burkes, the Knockturn Alley shop Harry accidentally stumbles into in Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets. Visitors will be able to see these weird and wonderful props up close, including the mysterious Hand of Glory, the Vanishing Cabinet and the sarcophagus that hid Harry during a deleted scene from the second film.

A section of Dolores Umbridge’s Ministry of Magic office, including her garish kitten plates, perfectly putrid pink costumes and desk, will be on show as well as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Remus Lupin’s costumes, magical projector and gramophone.

Sarah Roots, Vice President of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, commented: “The Dark Arts feature will be our first new permanent addition since opening in March 2012 and we’re looking forward to unveiling it just in time for Hallowe’en. It will showcase the darkest parts of the films and include some props and costumes that have never been on public display before.”

To celebrate the launch of the new permanent additions, the Studio Tour will also offer extra Dark Arts activities throughout the October half-term. From Friday 17th October – Monday 3rd November, a section of the Hallowe’en feast from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be on display in Hogwarts’ Great Hall. For these two weeks only, visitors will be able to walk down a darker Diagon Alley as the lights are dimmed, the music becomes more foreboding and the wizarding shopping street set is patrolled by Death Eaters. Those who choose to take part in an interactive wand combat lesson can practise their duelling techniques.

The new permanent Dark Arts section will be launched with a two-week event highlighting the Dark Arts from Friday 17th October – Monday 3rd November and all extra activities are included in the ticket price.[/toggle]

Will you be visiting the Studio Tour to view the new Dark Arts section? Let us know your thoughts!