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14 Jan 2020

Fantastic Beasts to go on display at Natural History Museum

London's Natural History Museum is set to a host an exhibition inspired by the creatures featured in JK Rowling's Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them series.

Opening in spring 2020, the exhibition, titled Fantastic Beasts: The Wonders of Nature, is described as one of the museums' most ambitious exhibitions to date and is the result of a three-way partnership between the Natural History Museum, the BBC and Warner Bros.

The exhibition, located in the Waterhouse Gallery, will bring visitors face-to-face with creatures from the natural and mythical worlds, as well as the wizarding world. It will feature digital installations and 'spellbinding' elements from the wizarding world alongside specimens and historic objects from the Natural History Museum's leading scientific collection.

Tigers and Galápagos marine iguanas will be showcased alongside specimens from the wizarding world, including an Erumpet horn and the dragon skull from Professor Lupin's classroom.

Visitors will be able to compare the camouflage tactics of a jaguar with the Demiguise, a magical herbivore that can make itself invisible, as well as the mating habits of the peacock spider with the Erumpet, a rhino-like creature. The giant oar fish, the world's longest bony fish, which is believed to have been the inspiration behind the mythical sea serpent, will also be on display.

In addition, visitors will learn about renowned magizoologist Newt Scamander, the protagonist of the Fantastic Beasts series, who dedicated his life to the study and protection of animals, as well as the real-world animals currently in need of help. Inspired by stories from real-life conservationists, as well as Newt's commitment to wildlife, the exhibition will aim to leave visitors with an understanding of the planet's biodiversity and how it can be protected.

"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 inspired generations," said Clare Matterson, executive director of Engagement at the 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."