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masterofmystery · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2012, 09:28 PM

The magnificent model of Hogwarts castle was revealed for the first time ever today. This hand sculpted 1:24 scale construction will be the grand finale of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter which opens on 31st March. Photos of the set with production designer Stuart Craig can be viewed here.

The Hogwarts castle model is the jewel of the Art Department and was built for the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™. It took 86 artists and crew members to construct the first version which was then rebuilt and altered many times over for the next seven films.

The work was so extensive that if one was to add all the man hours that have gone into building and reworking the model, it would come to over 74 years. The model, which sits at nearly 50 feet in diameter, has over 2,500 fibre optic lights that simulate lanterns and torches and even gave the illusion of students passing through hallways in the films. To show off the lighting to full effect a day-to-night cycle will take place every 4 minutes so visitors to the Tour can experience its full beauty.

An amazing amount of detail went into the making of the model: all the doors are hinged, real plants are used for landscaping and miniature birds are housed in the Owlery. To make the model appear even more realistic, artists rebuilt miniature versions of courtyards from Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral, where scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ were shot.

oh its Erik ok · 03-01-2012, 09:44 PM

i love the time lapse video, its awesome

Expecto-Penguin · 03-01-2012, 10:08 PM

the video is awesome and i love the music they added with it to give it a dramatic effect! I wish i could go see this :[. it is amazing the artwork they produced in these movies. I can't explain my reaction into words.