Spot Harry Potter Props in Warner Bros. Studios

How the props department worked its magic

Handcrafting vs. 3D printing: Props like the Triwizard Cup were handcrafted, while others such as Spectrespecs were 3D printed for uniformity across takes. Both methods allowed the team to achieve high detail, durability and repeatable results for scenes involving stunts or multiple copies.
Real vs. fake materials: While some props used genuine materials, like real metal for goblets or glass for potion jars, others used fakes for practicality purposes. Food was often wax, and heavy-looking books were actually foam-filled to lighten actors’ load during long shoots.
Research behind authentic magical objects: Designers researched Victorian gadgets, Celtic symbols and antique weaponry to inspire magical object designs. The goal was to make props feel like plausible artefacts from a centuries-old wizarding world.

Where are the props kept?

Iconic props you’ll see at the studio

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The Marauder’s Map

Hand-inked and designed to fold like a real document, the Marauder’s Map shows every person at Hogwarts. Created by the Weasley twins in the films, its intricate design reflects magical cartography at its finest.

The Sword of Gryffindor

Crafted with ornate silver and inset rubies, this goblin-made sword appears to those worthy. Used by Harry and Neville in pivotal moments, the prop features detailed etching and a gleaming finish visible in close-up shots.

Time-Turner

Hermione’s delicate timepiece was fully functional, with moving rings and hourglass. It had to be practical for filming, worn during fast-paced scenes and built with lightweight materials for close, wearable use.

Advanced Potion-Making Book

Used in Half-Blood Prince, the prop book has handwritten notes, potion stains and folding corners. Two versions exist: a clean issue and Snape’s annotated copy filled with scribbles and tips.

Triwizard Cup

Made from resin and faux crystal, the Cup had glowing elements for its Portkey transformation. It plays a central role in Goblet of Fire during the graveyard duel with Voldemort.

Daily Prophet Newspapers

Each issue featured moving image illusions and unique headlines. Dozens were created, many printed with real stories and jokes for scenes where they might be glimpsed in detail.

Spectrespecs

Luna Lovegood’s quirky eyewear was designed with iridescent lenses and colourful detailing. Made using lightweight plastic and metallic foil, they captured her eccentric style and appeared throughout Half-Blood Prince.

Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Products

From Extendable Ears to Skiving Snackboxes, these props were hand-painted, branded with wild packaging and packed the joke shop with vibrant, practical magical merchandise.

Quidditch Equipment

Includes Quaffles, Bludgers and broomsticks with battle marks. Items were built to endure stunts, with foam and metal combinations for safe handling during high-speed scenes.

Special prop effects & illusions

Behind every magical movement was practical ingenuity. Props were frequently rigged to move, glow or react in-camera, creating more immersive performances for the actors.

Hogwarts potions classroom set on Harry Potter London tour.

Self-stirring cauldrons

Props in Potions class scenes often included cauldrons rigged with small motors underneath, allowing spoons to stir themselves without CGI. The motion was timed to match actors' wand movements for seamless realism.

Harry Potter props displayed in a themed exhibit in London.

Talking photo frames

Some portraits used hidden screens with pre-recorded footage, while others had mechanisms that moved the eyes. Both techniques gave the illusion of living artwork watching or interacting with characters.

Harry Potter Studio tour showcasing themed food and drink displays.

Fake food for the Great Hall feasts

Feasts used wax and resin replicas for food during long shoots. These had to look appetising on camera and be durable enough to withstand heat from lighting and multiple takes.

Special effects

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Visitor tips

Many hand-labelled potion jars can be found in Snape’s classroom display. Look closely, each label has unique ingredients written in period-accurate calligraphy.
The Marauder’s Map is displayed open, but staff sometimes rotate which section is shown. Ask if different folds are ever revealed on special days.
The Howler from Ron’s mother is on display in the Gryffindor Common Room case. Look for its curled edges and wax seal detail.
The Daily Prophet copies are stacked across multiple sets. Some are unique to that room’s events, so compare headlines between offices and the common room.
You can spot different versions of the Triwizard Cup throughout the Studio. One lights up, another is used for stunts. Ask staff which one you’re viewing.
The Sword of Gryffindor prop varies depending on the scene. Some versions are dulled, others sharp. Look for etching differences in the blade.

Frequently Asked Questions about Harry Potter Props at Warner Bros Studio

Are all the Harry Potter props on display originals from the films?

Most are originals used on set, though a few are duplicates or made later using the same moulds and materials.

Can I touch or handle any of the Harry Potter props during the tour?

Props are displayed behind glass or barriers, so you cannot touch them. This preserves their condition and prevents wear.

What was the most complex prop to make?

The Marauder’s Map took weeks to design and build. Its folds, inkwork and hidden layers required intricate craftsmanship and multiple prototypes.

Are props reused across different films in the series?

Yes. Many background items were reused with modifications. Books, potion jars and luggage appeared in multiple films with slight design changes.

Which prop has the most screen time?

Harry’s wand is one of the most featured props, appearing consistently across all eight films, often in close-up or action-heavy sequences.

Are there props exclusive to this Studio Tour?

Yes. Some props were never shown publicly before the Studio Tour opened. A few were even rescued from storage or rebuilt just for display.

Why do some props look slightly different from what I remember in the films?

You may be seeing alternate versions, such as hero vs stunt props, or early designs used in initial scenes.

Can I buy replicas of the props I see?

Yes. The Studio Shop sells licensed replicas including wands, Time-Turners, Marauder’s Maps and more. They are not originals but are crafted to resemble them closely.

Is photography allowed near the props?

Absolutely. You can take photos of almost all props, but flash is discouraged to preserve delicate materials.

Do the props ever rotate or change?

Yes. Some props are rotated seasonally or for special events like Dark Arts or Back to Hogwarts.

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