Dust off your Hogwarts robe and shawl and live like a wizard for a day at Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, a new immersive art experience in Singapore.
Making my way to an event in the middle of a Monday during the festive rush felt like the worst idea, but all my worries vanished when I saw the giant poster at the entrance of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic. Held at Resorts World Sentosa for a limited time, the new attraction spanning over 40,000 sqft delves into the wizarding world unlike any other, with 10 artistic and immersive environments inspired by the popular franchise. This is more than just a studio tour as you get to live iconic moments by simply waving your wand at various spots. Here’s what awaits:
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic: A new limited-time attraction for Potterheads
You’re given a wand at the start, your handy partner-in-crime that’ll be with you throughout the experience. Look up at the ceiling for your Hogwarts letter brought to you by an owl – snap a photo to commemorate the moment and you’re off for your adventure. After a visual explanation and a quick playing around with your wand, you’re transported to the next room featuring the Knight Bus. What appears to be a stationary set piece comes alive with realistic projections, recreating the iconic scene. You bet there were plenty of gasps as the 10-year-old me took over. It’s just the beginning of this multi-sensory journey, and trust me, the experience only gets better.
Favourite rooms and things we wished we knew before going
Firstly, don’t just skate through the rooms. After you’ve snapped all your pics for the ‘gram, really take your time to explore every corner of the room (don’t forget to look up too!) for cool surprises. There’s no time limit anyway. And dress up for the occasion! Go all out with your witch hats, robes, scarves – anything that screams Halloween for Potterheads.
The number of videos going around would have given it away, but The Chamber of Secrets is my favourite. Quite apt as it’s one of the Singapore exclusives. I felt like I stepped right into the movie – you’re greeted by a grand stone statue of Salazar Slytherin surrounded by giant snack statues, and of course, the monstrous Basilisk slithering through the pipes. I was in awe of the attention to detail of the bold architecture and original soundscapes.
Another Singapore debut is The Trap Door, where we ‘accidentally’ stumbled upon Fluffy, the three-headed dog. We had to go through Devil’s Snare and retrieve a flying key from a room of hundreds before we found the sorcerer’s stone. Ah, if only they had us ‘play’ Wizard’s Chess. Take notes, crew!
Other faves include The Room of Requirement, probably the most immersive with plenty of hidden surprises including Horcruxes and The Mirror of Erised; Grimmauld Place, the ancestral home of the Black family (use your wand to interact with their family tree) and the glowing fireplace. I regret not taking my time to explore every part of the tree.
The Hall of Prophecy is a major photo op moment – a mirrored room filled with glowing orbs. Wave your wand around to find The Lost Prophecy. Then, channel your dark side at Knockturn Alley, where curious figures and hidden surprises await. Tip: You’ll need a couple of wands to summon the ominous Dark Mark in the sky. Finally, end your journey at the Pensieve, a breathtaking 360-degree experience with iconic movie scenes projected all around you. I didn’t want it to end.
Now for the setbacks…
As a die-hard fan of the franchise, my opinions can be a little biased (to the annoyance of my friends), so I’ve donned my objective glasses for a few nitpicks. While the Ministry of Magic and Newt’s Menagerie had their charm, they felt a tad underwhelming – though they do serve as good spots to rest and admire enchanting projections.
For the price, it would’ve been nice to see more immersive elements, like robes paired with wands to really get into character, or even a small token like a collectible or a complimentary cup of Butterbeer. Speaking of which, the Butterbeer Cafe at the end offers themed treats like cupcakes, macarons, and, of course, Butterbeer. And the wands, while undeniably cool, were occasionally finicky, requiring patience to trigger the sensors.
Before you leave, swing by the retail shop for merch galore, such as house-colour clothing (the Hufflepuff line is surprisingly chic), elegant glass wands, and adorable plushies. Prices felt reasonable overall except for the non-alcoholic Butterbeer, which was a whopping $17 a bottle. I settled for a cool Visions of Magic mug for $25.
The verdict: An absolute must-visit for the fans
I’d say it’s a great experience for fans, but with a little bit of fine-tuning, the experience will be one for the books. It’s a shame it’s only here for a limited time! If you’re a Potterhead or haven’t had the chance to visit the Wizarding World overseas, this is your sign to experience the magic right here.
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, from 22 November for a limited time, tickets are priced at $49/adult and $39/child (4-12 years old), open daily from 11.00am to 10.00pm, Forum, Level B1, Resorts World Sentosa,
