Harry Potter: A History of Magic

Exhibition Website

Oct 5 2018 - Jan 27 2019


Harry Potter: A History of Magic unveils rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from the British Library’s collection, capturing the traditions of folklore and magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories. 

Exploring the subjects studied at Hogwarts, the exhibition includes original drafts and drawings by J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter illustrator Jim Kay, going on display for the first time. As it travels from London to New York in October 2018, it will evolve to include U.S.-specific artifacts from New-York Historical’s collection and items from U.S. Harry Potter publisher Scholastic’s collection.


Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.       
Image:  Astronomical notes and sketches, Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebook © British Library Board


Whether or not you go, the offial companion publication, Harry Potter: A History of Magic features a treasure trove of magical artifacts, original drafts and drawings by J.K. Rowling, and additional material exclusive to the US run of this exhibition. Explore the extraordinary subjects of the Hogwarts curriculum – Potions & Alchemy, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, and more – and examine incredible historical artifacts, items from J.K. Rowling’s personal archive, and stunning original artwork from Harry Potter series artists Mary GrandPré, Jim Kay, and Brian Selznick.

This complete catalogue of the over 150 artifacts on display gives readers an up-close look at magical treasures from all over the world. Exclusive to the New York run are amazing artifacts from American institutions — including an original Audubon illustration, a narwhal’s tusk (or is it a unicorn’s horn?), an ancient Iranian astrolabe, and more — as well as never-before-seen original artwork by Mary GrandPré and early correspondence between J.K. Rowling and her American editor, Arthur Levine.  This is an essential volume for Harry Potter fans, history buffs, and bibliophiles, and a fascinating exploration of the history of the magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories.

Select Harry Potter: A History of Magic to learn more or to place this publication in your Amazon shopping cart.

  • Various Media
  • British
  • Contemporary
  • Fantasy / Comic
  • J.K. Rowling
  • Jim Kay
  • and others

Exhibition Venues & Dates