Natural History Museum, Fantastic Beasts Release Exhibit

The Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature exhibit, a partnership between the Natural History Museum, the BBC and Warner Bros., shines a light on beasts, both natural and mythical.

Opening in spring 2020 at London’s Natural History Museum, the exhibition will showcase creatures from the natural, mythical worlds and the Wizarding World. 

“Bringing characters from the wizarding world together with some of the most fantastic creatures from the natural world will produce a captivating experience that will show how the natural world has inspired legends and stories that have enthralled generations,” says Clare Matterson, executive direction engagement, Natural History Museum. “A spectacular celebration of science and nature packed full of surprises and mesmeric experiences, it will be impossible to leave without wanting to learn more about the wonders of our planet and how we can all better protect it.”

For the first time, visitors will see a tiger and a Galápagos marine iguana alongside wizarding world specimens including an Erumpent horn and the dragon skull from Professor Lupin's classroom. They will learn about the character of Magizoologist Newt Scamander, who made his first appearance in “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

Footage from the BBC Natural History Unit’s extensive archive content, alongside scenes from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, will show how closely real-world animals, mythological creatures and Wizarding World beasts are intertwined.

“It is hugely exciting to be working with the Natural History Museum and the BBC Natural History Unit, such iconic British institutions, on a project which has such a great purpose at its heart,” says Josh Berger, president and managing director, Warner Bros. Entertainment U.K. and president, Harry Potter Global Franchise Development. “I hope both fans of the Wizarding World and the natural world will enjoy the exhibition and documentary immensely.”