Created by the Natural History Museum in London with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment, the acclaimed exhibition Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature has opened at Melbourne Museum.
Combining science, nature and fantasy, this extraordinary exhibition demonstrates how the natural world has ignited myths, legends and incredible stories for generations, inspiring a new-found sense of admiration for the diversity of life on Earth.
Study the connection between animals that roam our planet and their fictional counterparts: the magical creatures from the fan-favourite film series Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter, and celebrate the real-world scientists who help us understand our planet’s extraordinary creatures so we can protect them for the future.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with London’s Natural History Museum once again to present Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature at Melbourne Museum,” said Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director at Museums Victoria.
“This exhibition is sure to invoke a sense of wonder and awe, as visitors will see science and fiction collide in this one-of-a-kind experience of the fantastic beasts and the precious wilderness around us. We hope this exhibition will inspire the inner environmentalist in everyone .”
Diverse specimens and artefacts from the world-leading scientific collections of London’s prestigious Natural History Museum will be on display alongside custom-made models from the Wizarding World, original artworks from Bloomsbury Publishing, and props from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series.
This exhibition has been developed to shine a light on beasts, both real and mythical, in all their fantastic forms. Upon entering, visitors will be guided through an enchanting museum gallery to discover how real animals may have inspired tales of mythical creatures, such as dragons, merpeople and unicorns.
Leaving this enchanted world behind, visitors will pass through a hut reminiscent of scientific field stations and enter the wilderness to discover the incredible behaviours both real and enchanted animals share.
And finally encountering some of the many animals facing similar threats to the magical creatures in the wizarding world. Throughout the exhibition, hear from real-world scientists and conservationists who are working to protect some of our planet’s most vulnerable creatures.
“We are delighted to see our enthralling Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature exhibition reaching audiences on the other side of the world, in Australia,” said Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum in London.
Visitors of all ages will undoubtedly enjoy exploring the fascinating links between animals of the natural world, mythical creatures, and the magical beasts from the wizarding world. I hope everyone will leave this spellbinding experience with a revived love of the wonders of nature, and a fierce determination to help protect it,” said Mr Gurr.
“Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature takes much-loved mythical worlds and creatures from books and films into the museum to help us learn about the environment, science and conservation,” said said Steve Dimopolous, Minister for Creative Industries.
“Exploring why the story of the natural world is the best and precious tale of all, this exhibition is another example of how Museums Victoria is bringing science to life in fun and creative ways.”
Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature
Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Exhibition: 19 May – 8 October 2023
Information and Bookings: www.museumsvictoria.com.au
Image: Installation view of Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature at Melbourne Museum – photo by Eugene Hyland