Harry Potter Exhibition Returns to Brussels Expo on July 16
A major traveling exhibition featuring original costumes, props, and interactive installations from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films will open at Brussels Expo on July 16, 2026. “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” returns to the Belgian capital a decade after its record-breaking 2016 run, offering fans an immersive journey through the wizarding world.
The exhibition will be housed in Palace 2 (Paleis 2) on the Heizel plateau, the same venue that hosted the 2016 edition. According to VRT NWS, the exhibition features authentic film objects and interactive installations designed to immerse visitors in the magical universe created by J.K. Rowling.
A Decade-Long Return to Brussels
The 2026 edition marks the exhibition’s return to Brussels after the original 2016 run attracted over 275,000 visitors and was extended with a winter edition through January 2017. Since its debut in Chicago, the traveling exhibition has welcomed more than 4.6 million visitors across major cities including Boston, Toronto, New York, Sydney, Singapore, Tokyo, Paris, and Shanghai, as reported by Gracia Live.
Organized by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Imagine, and Eventim Live, the exhibition spans approximately 1,400 square meters and brings together elements from the eight Harry Potter films, the Fantastic Beasts series, and the Tony Award-winning stage production “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
Iconic Sets and Interactive Experiences
Visitors will walk through meticulously recreated sets including the Great Hall, Hagrid’s Hut, the Forbidden Forest, Gringotts vault, and various Hogwarts classrooms. The exhibition features original film costumes worn by the main characters alongside thousands of authentic props.
Interactive elements allow visitors to brew potions in Potions class, repot a Mandrake in Herbology, and defeat a Boggart with a digital wand in Defense Against the Dark Arts. The Marauder’s Map comes to life with visitors’ names appearing on the display, while the Sorting Hat offers guests the chance to be sorted into their Hogwarts houses. Stained glass house emblems, specially designed for this exhibition, add a distinctive visual touch.
Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine, said the exhibition “brings original props and costumes from the films together in iconic sets and immerses visitors in the magical world of Harry Potter like no traveling exhibition has ever done before.” He added that after the success of the 2016 edition, “Brussels is the perfect place for fans and families of all ages to experience the magic of the wizarding world.”
Ticket Information
General ticket sales begin on July 7, 2026, with prices starting at €12.50 for children and €22.80 for adults, according to TAGMAG. Visitors who pre-register can access an exclusive presale starting July 6. Tickets are available through the official exhibition website at brussels.harrypotterexhibition.com.
Cultural Significance
The exhibition’s return underscores the enduring appeal of the Harry Potter franchise, which continues to captivate audiences more than 25 years after the first film. Brussels has proven to be a receptive market for wizarding world experiences — a separate immersive exhibition, “Harry Potter: Visions of Magic,” has been operating at Tour & Taxis in the city, highlighting strong demand for Harry Potter-themed attractions in the Belgian capital.
The exhibition is expected to draw both local visitors and international tourists during the summer season, contributing to Brussels’ position as a cultural destination. No closing date has been announced for the 2026 edition.
What to Watch For
As the July 16 opening approaches, fans can expect further details on special events, potential celebrity appearances, and any new additions to the exhibition that distinguish it from the 2016 edition. The exhibition’s museum shop will offer exclusive Harry Potter merchandise for visitors looking to take home a piece of the magic.