Fantastic Exhibits and Where to Find Them: Natural History Museum to Open “Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature” Exhibition

by · January 8, 2020

The Natural History Museum, Warner Bros., and the BBC Studios Natural History Unit have teamed up to create a new exhibition to showcase amazing creatures from both the Muggle and wizarding worlds that will open in spring 2020.

Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature will present magical creatures alongside the real-world animals that may have inspired J.K. Rowling’s creations. Visitors to the London museum will be able to explore which animals and magical creatures have similar qualities, such as a jaguar and a Demiguise, both of which have incredible camouflaging skills. The exhibition will also shine a light on some of the creatures that are thought to have inspired mythical beasts throughout the centuries.

 

 

By combining real and fictional creatures, Clare Matterson CBE, Executive Director of Engagement for the Natural History Museum, is hoping to encourage and inspire people to take an interest in the natural world and how to protect it:

Bringing characters from the wizarding world together with some of the most fantastic creatures from the natural world will produce a captivating experience that will show how the natural world has inspired legends and stories that have enthralled generations.

A spectacular celebration of science and nature packed full of surprises and mesmeric experiences, it will be impossible to leave without wanting to learn more about the wonders of our planet and how we can all better protect it.

Visitors will also be able to view props from the Wizarding World films, such as an Erumpent horn and a dragon skull from Professor Lupin’s classroom. They will also learn about Magizoologist Newt Scamander, and how he and Muggle scientists work to understand animals and protect them and their environments.

Accompanying the exhibition is a one-off documentary titled Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History narrated by Stephen Fry (narrator of the Harry Potter audiobooks for British listeners). This documentary will explore the connections between mythical creatures and the animals that may have inspired their creation. It will also take viewers behind the scenes of the Natural History Museum and at Warner Bros. in an attempt to uncover secrets behind real and fictional beasts.

Speaking about Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History, Fry is excited to show viewers that real-world animals are just as fascinating as magical creatures:

I could not be more delighted to be a part of this magnificent opportunity for us Muggles to show the wizarding world that the fantastic beasts in our world are more than a match for theirs. Joining forces with the combined powers of the fabulous BBC, its legendary Natural History Unit and the magical Natural History Museum, we hope to be able to bring you closer than you’ve ever been to some of the most spectacular and extraordinary creatures ever seen.

While there is no air date yet for the documentary, the exhibition, Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature, is set to open in spring 2020 at the Natural History Museum. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, January 16 and can be purchased through the Natural History Museum website.

Wizarding World Gold subscribers can get priority access to tickets starting January 14. Subscribers who purchase tickets on January 14 will also receive a 10% discount on ticket prices.

After seven months in London, the exhibition will set off on an international tour, the locations and dates of which are yet to be announced.