The magical world of Harry Potter has invaded San Diego’s Balboa Park! An incredible, epic display has materialized just in time for Halloween, courtesy of the House of England at the International Cottages!
Check out all these awesome Harry Potter props inside and outside the House of England cottage!
Is that Sirius Black in dog form?A friendly witch welcomes everybody to the House of England cottage before Halloween.The four houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry have banners hanging.The Sorting Hat is ready to sort you!Ready for class to begin?Nagini is on the loose near the Monster Book of Monsters!Watch out! Voldemort likes unicorn blood.It’s a mandrake root! Are your earplugs in?Thank goodness, this Cornish Pixie isn’t loose!Get some dark magic artifacts at Borgin and Burkes.Looks like the Goblet of Fire and tiny Patronuses.Get your Essence of Bat Wings! Full Strength!Hedwig has brought a letter.Must be Snape’s class. Pick your poison!We must be in the Owlery on the top of Hogwarts Castle’s West Tower.Dark wizards are on the loose!Ready for a game of Quidditch?Perhaps you’d like to battle these chess pieces. They don’t seem terribly large.Books can contain so much magic! (Uh, oh–tell Ron that Scabbers is loose.)Fawkes, Dumbledore’s phoenix, is ready to help Harry.Gigantic spiders! Are we in the Forbidden Forest? No, just outside, in the rear of the House of England cottage in Balboa Park.Can you see this Thestral?WATCH OUT! It’s a Death Eater!!!
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Are you a fan of Harry Potter and the Wizarding World “Potterverse” characters, as they were portrayed in the popular movies? Enjoy these cool cosplay photos taken today in San Diego outside Comic-Con 2024.
Comic-Con’s fun Harry Potter cosplay group has returned!
I spotted the witches and wizards on MLK Promenade, not far from Children’s Park. They would afterward walk through the Comic-Con crowds, casting their magic wherever they turned.
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If you’d like to view my coverage of Comic-Con so far, which includes hundreds of cool photographs, click here!
An iconic prop: the famous phaser used by William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek television show.
A very special exhibit is on display during San Diego Comic-Con week. You’ll find it at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park. Famous one-of-a-kind movie and television props, original artwork and collectibles can be viewed before they are auctioned off this coming Sunday, July 28, 2024!
Comic-Con Museum Presents: TCM | Julien’s Auctions 2024 Spotlight Series: Harry Potter and Other Heroes will excite fans of the Harry Potter movies, Batman movies, and X-Men movies. In addition, two historic, one-of-a-kind objects in the museum gallery will delight those who love the original Star Trek television series!
Visitors to the museum will see a whole roomful of props and artwork, all of which could belong to you at the end of this week! (The auction of the Star Trek props, including William Shatner’s phaser and communicator, will be held separately later this year.)
To learn more, check out the Comic-Con Museum’s website by clicking here! It explains: Highlights of the auction include an array of iconic costumes, production material, and beyond from various productions of the Harry Potter film franchise; Marvel’s greatest superheroes and their most high-octane pieces will hit the auction block featuring original storyboard illustrations by storyboard artist Gabriel Hardman from the X-Men blockbuster X2; and from DC Comics’ Batman Begins, items wielded by Christian Bale, such as a stunt grapple gun prop and batarang prop. Plus, Other Surprises Crash the Party!
I took a few photos of the exhibit for you to enjoy. Head up to Balboa Park and see everything for yourself before the online auction in the museum’s auditorium on Sunday!
The Comic-Con Museum in San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park.An original Hogwarts invitation envelope from the production of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.An original knight’s head prop from the production of the chess game scene in the film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.Marker ink on card drawing on Batman by artist Bob Kane, the character’s co-creator. The Superman drawing is signed by co-creator Joe Shuster.An original grapple gun prop used by Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman in the Christopher Nolan film Batman Begins.Original production storyboard from X2: X-Men United, by artist Gabriel Hardman.
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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
If you’d like to view my coverage of Comic-Con so far, which includes hundreds of cool photographs, click here!
A magical army of witches and wizards has invaded San Diego.
Those attending Comic-Con 2023 should be advised that a powerful group of witches and wizards has descended upon San Diego. They arrived this morning, most likely from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
I was able to capture these photos before they could flick their wands and Expelliarmus my camera.
Comic-Con attendees heading for the San Diego Convention Center were surprised to encounter several witches, wizards, and Dobby the house-elf.Professor Trelawney must have peered into her crystal ball and seen the Grim.Did Hagrid ditch his motorcycle and ride the San Diego Trolley instead? It’s really not all that different from the Hogwarts Express.Professor Sprout might have a friendly smile, but she’s a witch. Are deadly mandrakes nearby? Those two nearby Dumbledores seem unconcerned.There are two Mad-Eye Moody’s! Which one is the imposter? Is Polyjuice Potion in that flask?
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I’m covering Comic-Con again this year. To see all my current and past blog posts concerning Comic-Con, click here and scroll down!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Powerful witches and wizards have travelled from the world of Harry Potter to San Diego for Comic-Con 2022!
I saw the magical procession this morning and was astonished to discover so many J. K. Rowling characters present.
This awesome cosplay group has had their Comic-Con procession across from the San Diego Convention Center numerous times in the past. This year it appeared bigger and more amazing than ever!
How many characters do you recognize?
I see Snape and Dumbledore (two of them!) and McGonagall and Hagrid and Trelawney and Sprout and Tonks and Lupin and Fleur Delacour and Newt Scamander and Grindelwald and even a nascent Voldemort in the arms of that ratty Peter Pettigrew!
And Hermione! And Harry Potter himself!
And many others!
Enjoy some photos of this really great cosplay!
If you’d like to view my coverage of Comic-Con so far, which includes hundreds of cool photographs, click here!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
It appears Hogwarts isn’t the only school with a dangerous Whomping Willow. Because our own San Diego City College seems to have one of its own!
I was walking up Park Boulevard this morning, on my way from downtown San Diego to the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park, when I spied the fantastically twisted tree. A few of its gnarled. outstretched limbs had slammed against the nearby grass, sadly crushing goodness knows what.
I avoided the walking path that passes directly next to it, just to be safe.
That is a Whomping Willow, isn’t it?
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Plaque outside the San Diego County Law Library, dedicated October 7, 1958. The building was renovated in 2011 with technological updates and multi-use spaces.
Today I enjoyed guided tours of three notable downtown buildings. That’s because this is the weekend of the annual Open House event organized by the San Diego Architectural Foundation!
I’ve walked past the San Diego Law Library at Front Street and C Street numerous times over the years. The front of the building with its polished black granite and glass windows is attractive, but the effect is overshadowed by nearby buildings and a bit lost in the urban clutter. I always assumed the facility was for lawyers and people in the legal profession, so it never occurred to me to venture inside. When I stepped through the front door, I had no idea what to expect.
What I found was an inviting, spacious, light-filled law research library that is open free to the public!
During the tour I saw many functional spaces, including a reading room, a computer center, the jam-packed stacks, and a high tech meeting room–all designed to give the public access to vital legal information. For those who can’t make it downtown, educational programming and legal assistance are often beamed from a meeting room into far-flung San Diego County libraries.
Most of the spaces I saw are enlivened by displays of artwork. As you’ll see, at the end of the tour I was led through a surprising, magical door!
According to the Open House San Diego website: “When it was built in 1958, the county’s public law library was a state-of-the-art resource for people needing legal assistance. Over 50 years later, the building was completely renovated to bring back its original clean sight lines and mid-century modern design aesthetic. The building boasts an iconic floating staircase, black Escondido granite facings, floor-to-ceiling west-facing windows, white Carrara marble floors, a buried peek-a-boo time capsule, and one-of-a-kind spaces including a permanent hand-painted labyrinth and a Hogwarts-inspired lounge.”
Here are a few random photos that provide an idea of what you’ll find when you visit the San Diego Law Library. I was told anybody can use the library commons seating area, even if it’s simply to converse with friends or relax and read something you brought. They do ask that the limited computers are used exclusively for law related research.
A look at the comfy commons area, where anyone can lounge (and perhaps play chess) near the library’s large front windows.
One display includes artwork concerning the Law Library’s Topic of the Year: Tribal Law.
The San Diego Law Library offers many sources of information, including their new Federal Indian Law and Tribal Law research guide.
Colorful art near the ceiling as I walk up some beautiful stairs.
Looking down at the commons lounge area and the adjacent computer center.
Even this upstairs hallway is like an art gallery.
Modern meeting rooms offer Wi-Fi and other technological capabilities.
What’s that I see on the break room door? Are those flying books? Does this doorway lead to Platform 9 3/4?
The amazing break room offers those who work at the San Diego Law Library a welcoming retreat. It looks like a student common room in the Harry Potter series!
The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry can be seen from a window inside the break room of the San Diego Law Library!
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Knights in armor engage in mock battle during the House of England’s lawn program.
The House of England in Balboa Park hosted a really great lawn program today!
As I lingered on the grass at the center of the International Cottages, I saw historical costumes, several mock knight battles, a Beatles tribute band, and even a parade of Welsh Corgis! I also stepped into the House of England’s cottage to check out a bunch of cultural displays!
These photos show what I experienced…
The annual House of England lawn program drew a good crowd to the International Cottages in Balboa Park.
A member of the group Swords of Chivalry removes her steel helmet after some mock medieval combat.
Other members of Swords of Chivalry have donned historical armor during the House of England’s lawn program.
Kids had fun learning about the Age of Chivalry, a time long ago that now seems like pure fantasy.
Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter welcome visitors to the House of England’s cottage. Join us for a cup of tea.
The House of England’s small cottage is full of interesting photos, artwork and cultural displays.
One wall features the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom. A nearby poster traces The Royal Lineage.
A Briton’s Creed, Big Ben,Winston Churchill and more!
I soon spotted a bunch of Harry Potter stuff. It’s the Sorting Hat from Hogwarts!
One chart shows how the name Luna has become increasingly popular due to the Harry Potter books and films.
It’s all of the Doctors from the popular Doctor Who series!
A large display in the cottage is devoted to the British royal family, and Princess Diana in particular.
An article about striving to keep Diana’s legacy alive by eliminating landmines around the world. (Click image to enlarge for easy reading.)
Look at all the fun, unique teapots!
Back outside, the House of England had a food tent up. Delectable treats for sale included Hagrid’s Dragon Eggs!
All sorts of tents along the grass. Many contained information about English culture and history.
Some attending the cool event wore historical costumes.
A parade featuring dozens of cute Corgis caught everyone’s attention.
Some guys rode penny-farthings to Balboa Park’s wonderful House of England event.
Four gentlemen and their high wheels.
This elegant lady had a table that concerned the show Victoria on PBS.
Images from 19th century England.
Claudia Previn Stasny, daughter of André Previn, sang The Star Spangled Banner and God Save the Queen to begin the program of afternoon entertainment.
A happy group of Welsh Corgis hangs out by the stage.
The Baja Bugs, a great Beatles tribute band, rocks the House of England’s lawn program.
I think I see Ringo at the drums!
Battling knights entertain an outdoor audience at the House of England’s lawn program in Balboa Park!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Professor Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore cosplay at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
I missed the Harry Potter cosplay meetup today at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, but I did manage to photograph many of the characters when I happened to see them walking about the Gaslamp Quarter!
Of course, wouldn’t you know, the one character I didn’t find was Harry himself.
Hermione Granger cosplay.
Newt Scamander cosplay.
Knight Bus conductor and Hogwarts Express conductor cosplay.
Molly Weasley cosplay.
Bellatrix Lestrange cosplay.
Dolores Umbridge cosplay.
Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy cosplay.
Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody cosplay.
Rubeus Hagrid cosplay along with “Mad-Eye” Moody at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Here comes another big dose of 2017 Comic-Con insanity! Check out all these photos of great, inventive cosplay! And other cool stuff! And I had a sighting of a big TV star, too!
A happy Star Wars family heads down Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp during 2017 Comic-Con.
This member of the Fantastic Four seems embarrassed. Probably due to their last movie.
I’m not sure what this dog’s super power is.
Lots of leathery costumes. I see Flash and Deadpool.
Now that is one wicked Venom cosplay!
She-Hulk and Raven cosplay during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!
An awesome Dumbledore cosplay!
Walking around Comic-Con is like voyaging through a crazy, wacky, wonderful dream.
A tiny alien gives me the thumbs up near the Donut Bar.
A steampunk Ghostbuster shows me his very cool proton pack.
Donate blood during Comic-Con at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel and you’ll get this cool shirt!
A friendly Harry Potter says hello.
Even Flash can’t remove his eyes from that spellbinding phone.
This might be my favorite cosplay. Opera Bugs Bunny! What’s Opera, Doc?
Members of the Montrose Magpies Quidditch team!
I was told this is a cosplay of Spartan Mandalorian.
Must be out of web fluid. Because Spiderman’s hanging at the end of the line.
A similar sight everywhere. People don’t talk to each other like they used to. Perhaps escapism can go too far?
Cosplay from Dragonball Z.
A morning session of Ninjago yoga (Ninjoga) at Comic-Con!
Princess Leia sets up a cut-out of Bernie Sanders.
Meet Mr. Nice guy!
Cosplay of a Star Wars Jawa.
This must be Captain A-mario.
Lightsabers and minions…
Bare-chested Outlander guys were getting lots of attention near the Omni.
This guy is raising awareness about the charitable organization Oxfam. They are providing help for refugees during the current crisis. Refugees are real people in a real world.
Actor Grant Gustin, who plays the superhero Flash on CW looks down on the Comic-Con crowd from a Hard Rock Hotel balcony.
Three large Alien eggs on display. I didn’t hang around because I noticed one was opening.
A good old-fashioned Stormtrooper.
And a very inventive Star Wars speeder!
Hi Gumby and Pokey!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
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