Quote:Fictional Harry Potter animals to be displayed at Natural History Museum

• [/url]
  
• 
  
• 
  

Save

[img=620x0]https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2020/01/07/TELEMMGLPICT000220645482_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqaRL1kC4G7DT9ZsZm6Pe3PehAFAI_f6ud569StXyOKH0.jpeg?imwidth=450[/img]Natural History Museum scientists carrying invented Erumpent horn, a Warner Brothers film prop CREDIT: JEFF SPICER/GETTY

•  [url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/craig-simpson/]Craig Simpson
  

8 JANUARY 2020 • 12:01AM
Follow 
The Natural History Museum will display invented Harry Potter artefacts next to real biological wonders for an exhibition in partnership with Warner Brothers.
In a first for the institution, fake fauna will be placed alongside treasures of the natural world, with concocted specimens inspired by JK Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts franchise put on display.
Warner Brothers, the American company which adapted Rowling’s books for the screen, has partnered with the London museum for a ticketed exhibition pairing fact with fiction, and display film props like scientific discoveries. 
The BBC is also involved in the project which features Erumpent horns and dragon skulls next to real animal remains, and has co-produced a documentary blending natural history with Harry Potter lore.
Adults and children visiting the Natural History Museum for the spectacle this year will learn about fictional character Newt Scamander, and glean a conservationist message from his protection of magical beasts, while being informed about their real-life parallels.

Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature opens in the spring of 2020, and has been billed as a “spectacular celebration of science”.
Clare Matterson, director of engagement at the Natural History Museum, said: “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.”
Real specimens in the exhibition will include the remains of an oarfish, the world's longest bony fish.
The London museum will “not disclose any sensitive commercial arrangements” with Warner Brothers, but made clear the company is a creative partner in the project, and is not a sponsor.  
The studio has worked with the BBC on Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History, a documentary merging the real and imaginary and narrated by Stephen Fry, which has made use of behind-the-scenes access at the museum.
Charlotte Moore, BBC Director of Content, said: “The BBC is world-renowned for its amazing natural history programming and it is a delight to bring the natural world and Wizarding World together on BBC One.”