The Magic Comes to Life Near Budapest: Harry Potter: The Exhibition Arrives in Szentendre
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the halls of Hogwarts, sipping a frothy Butterbeer, or hearing the Sorting Hat call your name, 2026 is the year your wizarding wish comes true. Beginning February 6, 2026, the Harry Potter™: The Exhibition will open its doors in Szentendre, just outside Budapest, bringing a touch of Hogwarts magic to the scenic banks of the Danube. This spectacular, globally acclaimed exhibition has already enchanted over four million fans around the world — and now, for the first time ever, it’s casting its spell on Hungary.
Where the Wizarding World Meets the Danube
Hosted at the Green Event Hall in Szentendre, this internationally touring exhibition invites visitors to journey through the unforgettable settings of the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ films. Each gallery is a doorway into favorite moments from the screen, brought to life through cutting-edge multimedia and immersive design. From the moving staircases of Hogwarts Castle to the spellbinding shadows of the Forbidden Forest, every step draws guests deeper into J.K. Rowling’s magical universe.
Fans can marvel at authentic costumes, props, and enchanting film sets, exploring places like Hagrid’s Hut, the Great Hall, and the eerie yet mesmerizing Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. The showcase blends the familiar and the unexpected — a dynamic mix of nostalgia, cinematic innovation, and technology that turns fantasy into near reality.
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A Personalized Magical Journey
Unlike a traditional exhibition, each visit to Harry Potter™: The Exhibition is tailored to the individual. Before arrival, guests can select their Hogwarts House, and the system adapts interactive moments accordingly — allowing Gryffindors, Slytherins, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs alike to experience their own version of magic. You might even see your name appear on the Marauder’s Map, or discover a hidden message aligned with your chosen house’s traits.
The exhibition’s Hogwarts Classrooms section lets you brew potions, plant mandrakes, or try your hand at casting a Patronus charm in an interactive dark arts defense encounter. The From Page to Screen Gallery presents an original first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone secured inside a Gringotts-inspired vault, connecting visitors to the origins of the story itself.
A Feast for the Senses — and for Collectors
Every sense is engaged as you stroll through the halls of Hogwarts recreated in full cinematic grandeur. But the experience doesn’t end there. At the on-site shop, visitors can indulge in exclusive memorabilia and themed treats, from chocolate frogs and collectible wands to shimmering House accessories. And yes — authentic Butterbeer will be on tap, ready to toast your magical day out.
Many souvenirs, including limited-edition exhibition items, will be available only at the Szentendre location, making it an essential stop for collectors and superfans alike.
The Ideal Day Trip for Visitors to Budapest
Just 20 minutes from central Budapest, Szentendre is a charming riverside town known for its cobblestone streets, colorful Baroque houses, and art galleries. Combining a visit to the Harry Potter exhibition with a stroll through Szentendre’s historic quarter makes for a perfect day trip from the capital. After your magical experience, you can explore cozy cafés, local museums, or take a scenic walk along the Danube promenade.
For international travelers, tickets went on sale from November 14, 2025, with early access for registered fans beginning November 12. The exhibition will run until May 1, 2026, offering plenty of time to experience the wonder — whether you plan a winter weekend getaway or a spring holiday in Hungary.
A Global Phenomenon Lands in Hungary
Created by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Imagine Exhibitions, Eventim Live, and Green Exhibition Kft., this traveling event has already wowed audiences from Philadelphia to Paris. As Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine, put it, “The exhibition brings the magic, adventures, and wonders of the wizarding world to life like never before — and what better home than in Hungary, where the mythical Hungarian Horntail dragon was born?”
With its mesmerizing design, interactive storytelling, and cinematic craftsmanship, the Szentendre edition promises to be one of Europe’s most unforgettable pop culture experiences in 2026.
Step Into the Magic
As winter fades and the first warmth of spring touches the Danube, there will be a special kind of energy in Szentendre — a shimmer in the air, a whisper of enchantment inviting visitors to believe once again. Whether you’re a lifelong Potterhead or simply curious about this worldwide phenomenon, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition offers the chance to rediscover the wonder that started with a boy, a scar, and a letter from Hogwarts.
So polish your wands, put on your house colors, and make your way to Szentendre — because this year, the magic isn’t hidden behind Platform 9¾. It’s right here in Hungary, waiting just beyond the city of Budapest.
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