You probably know that my love for all things magical knows no bounds, and in no way is this any different when it comes to Harry Potter. My favourite all time book series, has always had a special place in my heart and when it came to seeing them on the big screen I was overwhelmed.
You probably all know about the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, but what you may not know about is the House of Minalima; a new, pop up attraction in Greek Street, Soho that contains all the work of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima (who's names sound like they may well be from the wizarding community themselves!) who were responsible for a lot of the incredible design work you spotted when you watch the Harry Potter films.
I had a free half hour before the Blogosphere Cover Reveal, so I decided to pop in.
I didn't realise until I got there that it was actually in the same building where the Cadbury Creme Egg Cafe was held; the four floor, higgledy-piggledy pink building that is hard to miss.
I was expecting to show up and there be a queue out the door for this amazing exhibition, but I literally walked straight in and found myself to be the only person in the entire building! Obviously, it was time to fangirl all over everything while the staff members looked at me like I was insane.
The first floor hosts some of Minalima's gorgeous artwork (non-Potter related), including their alphabet pictures.
Afterwards, you climb the stairs that I'm pretty sure will only allow you to pass if you swear that you're up to no good.
The entire building is scattered with Hogwarts letters, presumably from where the owls have been attempting to deliver mine for the last ten years.
I was honestly overwhelmed as soon as I saw that they had props that were used in the actual movies. I was melting over them like a nutter, holding back excited squeals.
And if you're wondering if that's the real Marauder's Map, yep, it totally is.
There is also a huge, floor size version of the Marauder's Map which you can stand on and feel like a boss.
The walls are covered from head to toe in concept art, original designs and artefacts from the movies.
The final floor is smothered in the newspaper clippings from the Daily Prophet, as well as criminal posters for the most-wanted in the wizarding world.
The work was honestly so beautiful, I had to take a moment to reflect on the fact that two people had worked to design all of these incredible things and bring magic to life.
I totally touched everything by the way, even though I'm pretty sure I wasn't allowed. #rebel
I did wonder if I took the Platform 9 and 3/4 ticket if I'd finally be allowed to go to Hogwarts *single tear*
After spending a great deal of time wandering about the building, it was soon time to go. They have a gift shop, by the way, which is extremely dangerous for me. I ended up leaving with a copy of Peter Pan illustrated by Minalima and it is honestly the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life. I may have to pop back to get something else next time I'm up there though!
So, if you find yourself up and about around Soho, and you're a fan of the Harry Potter series, I highly recommend popping into the House of Minalima. I honestly couldn't believe that it was empty, I was expecting it to be packed! It's only just recently opened however, and is located right by the theatre where Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is being shown, so I expect once the play opens it's going to gain a lot of popularity! So get over there while it's still relatively unknown!
The House of Minalima is open until February 2017 and is completely free to get in! It's such a fantastic opportunity to gain a little insight into the world of the Harry Potter films, especially if you haven't had the chance to go to the Studio Tour or theme park in Florida. It's open everyday from 12pm-7pm.
Let me know if you're as much of a Harry Potter fanatic as I am, and if you'll be popping in to the House!
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