The Hidden Secrets of the Wizarding World: The Mina Lima Exhibition

Mina Lima Exhibition

This weekend I visited the House of Mina Lima Exhibition in Soho. I went with a group of friends / fans of the books. I decided not to go too over the top and wear a costume or anything so I just went for a witchy dress, my Ravenclaw hoody and Head Girl badge… So not that much at all…

Head girl Ravenclaw badge

The Mina Lima Exhibition

For those not familiar, Mina Lima is the graphic arts company responsible for the graphics within the Wizarding World. So that’s the book covers, the potion bottles, the icon signage… all the little details that helped to make the Harry Potter movies a true reflection of the world created by JK Rowling.

You, like me, may not realise the amount that these affect the overall tone of the movies and realise just how many graphics there were! The Harry Potter saga is full of amazing props over the course of the 8 films. The Mina Lima Exhibition filled two floors and with the release of the Fantastic Beasts movie, I also got to experience an entire 3rd floor of related print artwork.

 Grindelwald Harry Potter Newspaper
Newt Scamander Poster from Fantastic Beasts and where to find them
Newt and I had a moment
 

 

The house itself

The place looked as if the whole thing had been created separately and then mortared together. There were creaky floorboards, slanted stairs and ceilings; the whole thing was reminiscent of a creaky abandoned house, filled with iconic imagery and props.

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes

The Daily Prophet. Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. HoneyDukes Sweets.
Hogwarts Acceptance Letters. Ministry Propaganda Posters.
Howlers. House Crests. The Quibbler! All these magical quirks that make Harry Potter completely different from all the other fandoms and have brought the world to life were inside.

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes Indoor Fireworks
Harry Potter Potion Vials, Mina Lima Exhibition
Harry Potter Acceptance Letters Fireplace

Quibbler Harry Potter Mina Lima Exhibition

Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima (whose names sound like they’re straight out of a Hogwarts alumni directory!) have been honoured as eponymous characters in the Harry Potter World.
And that’s for good reason! Their attention to detail is astonishing and although I wouldn’t consider myself a graphic arts enthusiast I can definitely appreciate the amount of effort that goes into creating things like this.

The shop was absolutely wonderful. In the end, I just had to buy some badges and postcards. Later, I regretted not buying myself a print so I splashed out on a Ravenclaw one.

Ravenclaw House Crest Print
Represent!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
We also passed the entrance to this… One day…

Mina Lima Exhibition Goodies

It was wonderful to be encapsulated by this world that I’ve grown up in once more.

Have you ever visited the Mina Lima Exhibition? What makes the Harry Potter movies magical for you?

Until next time
Amy

7 Comments

  1. Sma
    8th January 2017

    This looks amazing I want to gooo ???? Love the photos! ???? Xx

    1. Amy_Ether
      8th January 2017

      Thanks for your comment! And get in there quick! It may be closing in February 🙁

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  5. Heather
    27th November 2018

    It looks absolutely lovely! That headgirl pin looks gorgeous, was that on display or is that something you bought? I really need to get myself to at least one Harry Potter exhibit at some point.

    1. Amy_Ether
      27th November 2018

      The pin was from WB studio tour – and I just had to have it, of course!

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