The Museum of Science, Boston Extends its Run of Harry Potter™: The Exhibition

The Museum of Science, Boston is pleased to announce that it will extend its East Coast premiere run of Harry Potter: The Exhibition by one week. Due to its popularity, the exhibit, which was originally set to end its run on February 21, will now remain open until February 28, 2010.

Boston, MA (Vocus) January 26, 2010

The Museum of Science, Boston is pleased to announce that it will extend its East Coast premiere run of Harry Potter: The Exhibition by one week. Due to its popularity, the exhibit, which was originally set to end its run on February 21, will now remain open until February 28, 2010. To meet demand for tickets during February school vacation weeks in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the Museum will also offer special extended exhibit hours:

•     Saturday, February 13 through Saturday, February 20, Harry Potter: The Exhibition and Museum exhibit halls are open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
•     Sunday, February 21 through Thursday, February 25, hours are: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
•     Friday, February 26: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
•     Saturday, February 27 – Sunday, February 28: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The extended run will give New England fans their last chance to step inside the famous wizard's magical world before the exhibition moves to its next location, the Ontario Science Center in Toronto, Canada. The Museum of Science is the only New England location on the exhibit’s tour.

In partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur created the 10,000-square-foot exhibition to offer fans a first-hand look at more than 200 authentic artifacts displayed in settings inspired by the film sets—including the Great Hall, Hagrid's hut, the Gryffindor™ common room—and more. Visitors to Harry Potter: The Exhibition will see the amazing craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating the costumes and props for the beloved characters and iconic moments in the blockbuster film series.

"We're delighted to extend this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for New England Muggles to step inside Harry Potter's world. And for the many fans that have already sat in Hagrid's chair, scored a Quidditch point for their house, or marveled at seeing Buckbeak's feathers up close—now is their chance to relive this incredible experience with family and friends," said Ioannis Miaoulis, President and Director of the Museum of Science. "Harry Potter: The Exhibition is full of such remarkable artistry and detail, new visitors will be inspired by the creativity that went into bringing a magical world to life, and returning fans will enjoy catching elements that they may have missed the first time," he added.

“We are thrilled to respond to the demand of fans by offering an extended run of Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Museum of Science in Boston,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “The success of the exhibition is a testament to support from fans of all ages, and extending this magical experience is the perfect way to show our appreciation to the fans.”    

“This exhibition has offered thousands of Harry Potter fans a fascinating new way to experience the films,” said Eddie Newquist, President, Branded Entertainment, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. “We’re thrilled to extend the exhibition’s run, and it is our hope that every Harry Potter fan in the Boston area will have the opportunity to experience the magic before the exhibition leaves for Canada.”

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is open now and runs through Sunday, February 28, 2010 at the Museum of Science, Boston. The exhibition requires a time-entry ticket and will be open for guests during the Museum's regular Exhibit Hall hours: Saturday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Special extended hours will be offered during Massachusetts and New Hampshire school vacation weeks; see above for details. Tickets for the exhibition can be purchased on site at the Museum, through the Museum’s web site 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.

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 http://www.e-g.com and http://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.

TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling.
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