Brand-New ‘Harry Potter’ Experience Opens in Chicago After Franchise Blocked From Universal Park
A new chapter of the Wizarding World has arrived – and it’s in downtown Chicago.
The long-anticipated Harry Potter Shop has officially opened its doors at 676 N. Michigan Avenue, transforming a stretch of the Magnificent Mile into a destination for fans of the beloved franchise. Following previous openings in London and New York, this marks the third official Harry Potter store in the world (obviously excluding those in the parks), and the second in the United States.
What to Expect From Chicago’s ‘Harry Potter’ Store
While news of the Chicago location first broke last year, the final reveal offers more than just shelves of merchandise. Inspired in part by the Goblet of Fire, the shop immerses visitors in a richly themed environment, complete with floating broomsticks, a glowing Golden Egg, and a dramatic Goblet centerpiece.
Near the entrance, a stained-glass window featuring the mermaid from the Prefects’ Bathroom gently flickers to life, setting the tone for an experience that leans heavily into the theatrical.
The store spans multiple themed areas designed to feel like distinct corners of the Wizarding World. Guests can walk across a maze-patterned floor echoing the Triwizard Tournament, browse the Room of Wands to view character replicas and shop in a Honeydukes-style candy section filled with classic treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.
There’s even a dedicated section for MinaLima prints, including an exclusive design created just for the Chicago location.
One of the store’s biggest draws is its Butterbeer Bar, which serves chilled Butterbeer, Butterbeer ice cream, and exclusive Chicago-style butterscotch popcorn. Designed with nods to the city’s speakeasy culture, the bar adds a distinctly local flavor to the otherwise British-born universe. The blend of global branding with regional flair is seen throughout the store, from Chicago-exclusive items like mugs and spirit jerseys to the skyline-themed merchandise.
Customization is also a key feature. Fans can personalize Hogwarts acceptance letters, add embroidery to their house robes, or choose engraved wands for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. While the product offerings include the usual mix of apparel, accessories, and collectibles, the attention to detail in the displays and theming makes the retail space feel more like an interactive exhibit than a typical store.
The shop’s opening drew crowds of fans—many in costume—lining up along the avenue, signaling a strong appetite for Harry Potter attractions beyond the screen. It also arrives at a time when foot traffic along the Magnificent Mile is slowly rebounding, providing a boost to Chicago’s struggling retail corridor.
More than just another merchandise outlet, the Harry Potter Shop Chicago offers a curated, immersive experience for fans and newcomers alike. Whether it becomes a long-term anchor for the Magnificent Mile remains to be seen, but for now, it’s casting a strong spell over Michigan Avenue.
Universal Ditches ‘Harry Potter’ For UK Theme Park Lineup
The store’s opening comes days after the news that Universal will build its first European theme park in Bedfordshire, UK, aiming for a 2031 opening.
While the park will reportedly feature attractions based on popular franchises like Jurassic World and Minions, it will notably exclude Harry Potter-themed experiences. This omission is likely due to licensing agreements and the proximity of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, located just 40 minutes away in Leavesden.
Despite Universal’s successful incorporation of Harry Potter attractions in its U.S. parks, the situation in the UK differs. The existing Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden (which also has an alternative version in Tokyo, with another on the way in Shanghai) offers an extensive Harry Potter experience, including authentic sets and props from the films. Introducing similar attractions at the new Universal park could potentially conflict with Warner Bros.’ interests and existing agreements.
As a result, Universal’s UK theme park will focus on other franchises, with the BBC claiming that James Bond, Paddington, Back to the Future, and Lord of the Rings are all on the roster. While fans may be disappointed by the absence of Harry Potter attractions, the park aims to provide a diverse range of experiences that celebrate various aspects of British and global pop culture.
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