With the epic series complete, the Warner Brothers Studio in Leavesden has opened their doors to the public, revealing things the camera doesn’t show with never-seen-before exhibits, sets, costumes, visual effects and props. Leavesden studios has been the home of the Harry Potter films for over a decade and every single film was shot here.

One of the tour’s biggest exhibits is the Hogwarts Castle Model which offers a total 360-degree view of the incredible, hand sculpted 1:24 scale construction. It is the crown jewel of the Harry Potter Art Department and was originally built for the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone.

Below you will find some pictures of this astonishing castle along with additional information about the work and detail of this monumental model. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
– It took 86 artists and crew members to construct the first version which was then rebuilt and altered many times over for the next seven films
– The work was so extensive that if one was to add all the man hours that have gone into building and reworking the model, it would come to over 74 years!
– The model was used for aerial photography, and was digitally scanned for CGI scenes
– The model, which sits at nearly 50 feet in diameter, has over 2,500 fibre optic lights that simulate lanterns and torches and even gave the illusion of students passing through hallways in the films
– To show off the lighting to full effect a day-to-night cycle will take place every four minutes so you can experience its full beauty
– All the doors are hinged, real plants are used for landscaping and miniature birds are housed in the Owlery
– To make the model appear even more realistic, artists rebuilt miniature versions of the courtyards from Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral, where scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were shot
– Bafta award-winning production designer Stuart Craig designed and built the castle with the rest of his team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London provides an amazing new opportunity to explore the magic of the Harry Potter films – the most successful film series of all time. This unique walking tour takes you behind-the-scenes and showcases a huge array of beautiful sets, costumes and props. It also reveals some closely guarded secrets, including facts about the special effects and animatronics that made these films so hugely popular all over the world.

Here are just some of the things you can expect to see and do:

– Step inside and discover the actual Great Hall
– Explore Dumbledore’s office and discover never-before-seen treasures
– Step onto the famous cobbles of Diagon Alley, featuring the shop fronts of Ollivanders wand shop, Flourish and Blotts, the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and Eeylops Owl Emporium
– See iconic props from the films, including Harry’s Nimbus 2000 and Hagrid’s motorcycle
– Learn how creatures were brought to life with green screen effects, animatronics and life-sized models
– Rediscover other memorable sets from the film series, including the Gryffindor common room, the boys’ dormitory, Hagrid’s hut, Potion’s classroom and Professor Umbridge’s office at the Ministry of Magic
 
To learn more visit: http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk