Jim Kay Brings “Potter” Magic to a Rail Platform… in Paris!

Yes, you read that right. Although Harry’s stories begin with wizarding children heading off to Hogwarts from King’s Cross station in London, for the next few months, some of the magic will be in Paris. According to French Harry Potter fansite Gazette du Sorcier, beautiful replications of Jim Kay’s art from the illustrated Harry Potter editions are now on display on Platform 24 of the Montparnasse train station in Paris.

The illustrations, which include our first look at the entirety of Diagon Alley, a view of Platform 9 3/4 with the Hogwarts Express, and Harry confronting the Basilisk, are beautifully reproduced in frescos and on the stairs of the platform. Kay’s gorgeous artwork comes from both Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and the newly released Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Full pieces such as Harry’s first look at the Hogwarts Express as well as smaller detail drawings such as the garden gnomes have been used in the exhibit. The exhibit is part of a promotion for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which was released in French earlier this month.

Visitors can see such illustrations as Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Albus Dumbledore, and a letter-carrying owl. With such a large size and with no pages to get in the way, this exhibit is a sure way to see the art in its full glory!

The 100-meter-long exhibit will be at the platform from October 12, 2016, to January 10, 2017.

Special thanks to Cory Faniel, editor of Gazette du Sorcier, for the information!

Are you in Paris, and have you caught site of this magical platform? Let us know in the comments!