It’s been over a quarter of a century since The Boy Who Lived first graced our bookshelves, and London’s love for Harry Potter still knows no bounds. One place that’s particularly potty for Potter is House of MinaLima. This spellbinding spot in the heart of Soho showcases the graphic art from the oh-so magical movies. And the very best thing about it? It’s run by none other than the people who helped bring the on-screen wizarding world to life.
Back in 2002, graphic designers, Miraphora Mina & Eduardo Lima, accepted the pretty dreamy job of helping to design the wonderful world of Harry Potter for the now-legendary film franchise. The dynamic duo worked on the graphics for all eight Potter films, as well as the ongoing Fantastic Beasts series. Once their work on the Potter movies was done – instead of taking a well-earned break from the wizarding world – they opened House of MinaLima, a gallery, store, and absolute treasure trove of twinkling, Potter-y gems.
House of MinaLima originally opened on Soho’s Greek Street, but moved to its current location on Wardour Street in 2020. It’s no Diagon Alley, but I suppose it will have to do. The store is the perfect place for Potterheads to come and geek out on the plethora of prints, books, and other Potter-themed objects. Stuffed full-to-the-brim with graphic art from the wizarding world; there are new and exciting things around every corner.
Inside House of MinaLima
Visitors can keep up to date on all the magical goings-on with old copies of The Daily Prophet, or swot up on their O.W.L.s by picking up a Hogwarts textbook (just don’t come crying to us when you discover they’re in fact just notebooks and won’t be able to teach you a thing).
A wander through House of MinaLima will take you past designs for Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, artwork from the Fantastic Beasts series, and (potentially the most important thing) actual letters from Hogwarts. It surely can’t just be me that’s been dreaming of receiving one since the day that they first got their hands on a copy of the Philosopher’s Stone, right?
With four floors packed full of graphic art, authentic film props, and a shop selling a whole host of magical niknaks; House of MinaLima has everything an aspiring witch or wizard could possibly want or need.
So, grab your wand and a handful of Floo powder and head on over the House of MinaLima for a truly spellbinding day out.