Major ‘Harry Potter’ Expansion Unveiled – But It’s Not at Epic Universe

Harry Potter fans are in for yet another magical adventure, and this time, it’s happening in the heart of Chicago.

While the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has long been a major draw at Universal theme parks, and Warner Bros. Studio Tours in London and Tokyo offer an inside look at the films, a brand-new shopping and dining experience is set to open its doors this spring in the Windy City.

Credit: Harry Potter Shop

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Gets a Magical Makeover

According to Block Club Chicago, a Harry Potter-themed store will officially open on April 10 in the Magnificent Mile shopping district, bringing a dose of wizardry to one of the city’s most iconic retail areas. The shop, located at 676 N. Michigan Ave., promises to be more than just another merchandise stop.

Warner Bros. Discovery Retail Experiences senior vice president Karl Durrant described the store as being “infused with nods to the city’s rich history and unique culture, giving fans a one-of-a-kind experience and unforgettable connection to the wizarding world.”

Credit: Harry Potter Shop

Unlike the Harry Potter New York store or the retail spots found inside Universal parks, this new location is taking its aesthetic inspiration directly from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005).

Guests can expect stained glass mermaid windows, suspended broomsticks floating overhead, and a maze-patterned floor modeled after the Triwizard Tournament. If that wasn’t immersive enough, the store’s centerpiece will be a Butterbeer Bar, where visitors can sip the famous butterscotch drink.

Butterbeer, Chocolate Frogs, and Exclusive Merchandise

Much like the Harry Potter New York store, the Chicago location will go beyond souvenirs and collectibles to offer an interactive food and drink experience. Fans will be able to indulge in Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, Chocolate Frogs, and specialty Chicago-themed butterscotch popcorn.

Credit: Universal

While it’s unclear if the store will feature any of the green screen experiences found in New York, it’s certain to be a major destination for Potterheads looking for exclusive merch. Expect wands, house robes, and rare collectibles that rival what’s found in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley at Universal.

The Second U.S. Harry Potter Store

The Chicago shop will mark the second dedicated Harry Potter store in the U.S., following the flagship location in New York City. The only other standalone store of its kind is located in London, but of course, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal theme parks in Japan and Beijing all offer Harry Potter shopping experiences.

Between the new shop in Chicago and the upcoming Fantastic Beasts/Ministry of Magic-themed expansion at Universal’s Epic Universe, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Harry Potter fans.

Will you be making a trip to Chicago to check out the new store?