Harry Potter(TM): The Exhibition to cast a spell on The Ontario Science
Centre

    
    International Touring Exhibition to Make Canadian Premiere April 9, 2010
             Tickets On Sale Now at www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca
    

TORONTO , Dec. 8 /CNW/ - This spring, Harry Potter fans across Canada will have the chance to step inside the famous wizard's magical world when Harry Potter: The Exhibition opens at the Ontario Science Centre, its first venue outside the United States , on April 9, 2010 . Visitors will experience dramatic environments inspired by the Harry Potter film sets and see the amazing craftsmanship behind more than 200 authentic costumes and film props. Tickets are now available online at www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca, by calling 416-696-1000, or by visiting the box office.

The Ontario Science Centre is the first and only Canadian venue to host Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which made its highly successful global debut at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry in April 2009 . The exhibition is currently on display at the Museum of Science, Boston .

Exhibitgroup/Giltspur created the 1,300 square metre (14,000 square foot) exhibition in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Harry Potter: The Exhibition offers fans a firsthand view of authentic artifacts displayed in detailed settings inspired by the film sets, including the Great Hall, Hagrid's hut, the Gryffindor(TM) common room, and more. The exhibition will also include costumes and props from the upcoming installments of the Harry Potter film series, once production of these films has been completed.

The latest Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, was released on Blu-ray and DVD today. The final film in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is currently in production. The film will be released in two parts - Part 1 in November 2010 and Part 2 in July 2011 .

"The Harry Potter books have introduced millions of children to the enjoyment of reading and the film adaptations have enthralled fans, stimulating their creativity and imaginations," said Lesley Lewis , CEO, Ontario Science Centre. "Harry Potter: The Exhibition is an ideal fit with our Science Centre mission and I'm confident that Harry Potter fans will be delighted by the opportunity to immerse themselves in this exhibition."

"We are thrilled to be opening Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Canada to give fans the opportunity to experience all of the incredible components of this magical world brought to life," said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "The Ontario Science Centre is a wonderful venue that will showcase perfectly Harry's world for fans of all ages to enjoy."

"We are delighted with the reception the exhibition has received in Chicago and Boston and we are honoured to make the Ontario Science Centre the first stop on its international tour," said Eddie Newquist , President, Branded Entertainment, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. "Fans young and old from around the world have given us tremendous positive feedback, and we are hopeful that all the Harry Potter fans in the Toronto area and beyond will have a chance to visit this one-of-a-kind exhibition."

"The Ontario Science Centre is excited to offer our visitors the opportunity to step into a world that has captured the imagination of both children and adults for over a decade. This exhibition will add a new dimension to our exciting and inspiring programming," said Dr. Hooley McLaughlin , Director, Visitor Experience, Ontario Science Centre. "We're confident that Harry Potter: The Exhibition will draw local and tourist visitors of all ages."

Harry Potter: The Exhibition opens Friday April 9, 2010 , and will run through Sunday August 22, 2010 at the Ontario Science Centre. The exhibition is a timed entry experience and will be open for visitors during the Science Centre's extended regular hours: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily up to June 25 , and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from June 26 to the last date of the exhibition. Tickets are now available online at www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca, by calling 416-696-1000, or by visiting the box office.

Admission to Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which includes general admission to the Science Centre's exhibition halls, is $27.50 for adults; $23.50 for seniors and youth (ages 65+ and 13-17); $20.00 for children (ages 4-12); and for Ontario Science Centre members admission is $14 for adults; $12 for seniors and youth; and $10 for children.

    
    About the Ontario Science Centre
    --------------------------------
    

The Ontario Science Centre opened on September 26, 1969 , pioneering the concept of an interactive science museum. Since then, over 44 million visitors have passed through its doors. It is a model for over 1,000 science centres around the world that have been built since its inception. The Ontario Science Centre uses science as the lens to inspire and actively engage people in new ways of seeing, understanding and thinking about themselves and the world around them. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Please visit us at www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca

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

TM & (C) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights (C) J.K. Rowling. (s09)

For further information: Media Contacts: Ontario Science Centre, Christine Crosbie, Media Relations Officer, [phone], [email protected]; EG, Gina McDuffie, SVP, Marketing, [phone], [email protected]; Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Rita Cooper, Director, Worldwide Public Relations, [phone], [email protected]; Ellen Flowers, Media Relations Officer, [phone], [email protected], (For images and B-roll please contact Christine Crosbie)