By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — Spider-Man may be grounded, but Harry Potter is on his way to Times Square.
Muggles will soon be given a sneak peek into the wizard world with a new exhibition set to open at the Times Square Visitor Center April 5.
The exhibit will feature hundreds of props and costumes from the blockbuster movie series, including Harry's original wand and glasses, the magical Marauder’s Map, the Sorcerer’s Stone and the Sword of Gryffindor. Also on display will be never-before-seen items from the final Potter movie installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 2."
Die-hard Harry Potter fan Hickson, 11, one of a gaggle of kids from the Bronx invited to a preview Thursday, was thrilled to see the original Monster Book of Monsters textbook, with its scary-looking teeth, up close.
"I felt it was going to eat me!" he said.
The kids also got to pass around an original Quaffle ball, which visitors will be able to play with in a Quidditch area. They’ll also be able to explore the inside of Hagrid’s hut, sit in his chair, walk through the Great Hall and pull their own Mandrakes.
"It’s an opportunity to really step into that world one last time," said Eddie Newquist, chief creative director for the exhibit, which he described as a tribute to the beloved series.
"You really feel like this is your trip to Hogwarts," he said.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition will run from April 5, 2011 through September 5, 2011 at Discovery Times Square, on 226 West 44th Street. Tickets are $25 for adults, $19.50 for kids and $22.50 for seniors.
