Harry Potter Star Matthew Lewis Comes To Boston for Harry Potter: The Exhibit

Harry Potter Star Matthew Lewis is First Cast Member to Tour the Exhibit

International Touring Exhibition to Open in Boston October 25, 2009
BOSTON, Mass (October 23, 2009) /PRNewswire/ — Last night, Boston celebrated in style with a gala reception to honor the arrival of Harry Potter: The Exhibition to the Museum of Science. Beginning Sunday, October 25, Harry Potter fans will get the chance to step inside the famous wizard's magical world when the exhibition opens to the public. Visitors will be able to experience dramatic displays inspired by the Hogwarts™ film sets and see the amazing craftsmanship behind authentic costumes and props from the films. The exhibition will run through February 21, 2010.

Eager to host the East Coast premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition since the announcement last July, the city of Boston celebrated the exhibit's arrival with a "Very Important Muggle" preview reception last night at the Museum of Science. More than one thousand guests attended the soirée to catch a first glimpse of the 200+ authentic artifacts displayed in film-inspired settings, including the Great Hall, Hagrid's hut, and the Forbidden Forest. Actor Matthew Lewis, who plays Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series, was the first cast member to tour the exhibition. Additionally, Lewis presented his character's wand for installation in the Gryffindor™ common room area.

"The Museum is excited to offer its visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in an exhibit that bridges both cultures and generations," said Ioannis Miaoulis, president of the Museum of Science, Boston. "We are confident that this exhibition will attract visitors of all ages – some of whom may have never visited a science center. It is our hope that the exhibit will lead visitors to experience the excitement of discovery that's at the heart of all that we do at the Museum of Science."

"Harry Potter has captured the imagination of fans around the world and we are thrilled to bring the exhibition to Boston to all of the fans who have eagerly awaited its arrival," said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "The Museum of Science is the ideal venue and the level of excitement surrounding the grand opening is truly remarkable."

"We are honored to bring Harry Potter: The Exhibition to one of the greatest museums on the East Coast," said Eddie Newquist, President, Branded Entertainment, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. "The Museum, located in the hub of innovation, inspiration, and education, is a natural place for the exhibit."

The Museum of Science is the only New England venue to host the exhibition and the second venue worldwide. In partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur created the 10,000-square-foot exhibition, which includes artifacts and costumes from the films.

Tickets can be purchased at the Museum, mos.org, or by calling 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY). Combination admission into the Museum and Harry Potter: The Exhibition is $26 for adults; $24 for seniors (60 and over); $23 for children (ages 3-11) and $5 for Museum of Science members. Harry Potter: The Exhibition will run in Boston through February 21, 2010.

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About the Museum of Science, Boston
The Museum takes a hands-on approach to science, engineering and technology, attracting about 1.5 million visitors a year via its programs and 700 interactive exhibits. Founded in 1830, the Museum was first to embrace all the sciences under one roof. Highlights include the Thomson Theater of Electricity, Charles Hayden Planetarium, Mugar Omni Theater, Gordon Current Science & Technology Center, 3-D Digital Cinema and Butterfly Garden. The Museum is the first science and technology center to be approved as a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Reaching 25,000 teens a year worldwide via the Intel Computer Clubhouse®, the Museum also leads a multi-museum, $20 million National Science Foundation-funded nanotechnology education initiative. The Museum's "Science Is an Activity" exhibit plan has been awarded many NSF grants and influenced science centers worldwide. Its National Center for Technological Literacy® aims to enhance knowledge of engineering and technology for people of all ages and inspire the next generation of engineers, inventors, and scientists. The Museum is ranked #3 by Parents Magazine in its list of the country's "Ten Best Science Centers." For more information visit mos.org.

About Exhibitgroup/Giltspur
Exhibitgroup/Giltspur (EG) is an award-winning experiential marketing agency known for creating meaningful and memorable brand experiences. Through exhibits, events, mobile marketing tours, permanent installations and retail environments, EG helps clients accelerate the sales process, deepen brand loyalty and consistently deliver superior results. The company also creates branded entertainment experiences that surprise and delight audiences worldwide. EG recently joined with sister company GES, one of the largest exhibition services contractors, to provide clients with unmatched program solutions. Backed by the financial strength of their parent company, Viad Corp (NYSE: VVI), EG and GES employ approximately 3,500 professionals in 58 client care centers throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.e-g.com and www.ges.com.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.



PRESS CONTACTS:


Museum of Science
Sofiya Cabalquinto
Manager, Media Relations
617-589-0251
scabalquinto@mos.org
EG
Gina McDuffie
SVP, Marketing
424-634-1885
gmcduffie@e-g.com
Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Rita Cooper
Director, Worldwide Public Relations
818-954-3821
rita.cooper@warnerbros.com
TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling.
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