The House of MinaLima in London is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan. This small boutique shop and gallery in the Soho neighborhood allows you to step into the Wizarding World through prints, illustrated books, and props from the Harry Potters movies. This shop and gallery are run by the graphic design duo who created the graphic art seen in the Harry Potter movies. It is a little slice of magic in Soho and one of the best Harry Potter things to do in London.
Yet this is not a typical shop. If you are anything like me, you will be totally and completely blown away by the House of MinaLima. While the House of MinaLima does sell their prints online and at other Harry Potter stores, such as the Harry Potter Store in NYC, there is nothing quite like visiting the House of MinaLima in London. It is magical.
Before You Go
🧙♂️ Book this incredible Georgian House Hotel to stay in the Harry Potter-themed Wizarding Chambers. You must select a Wizard Chamber room when booking!
🎟️ Best tours: This Harry Potter Studio Tour with Transportation and this Harry Potter Walking Tour
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Table of Contents
About the House of MinaLima
The House of MinaLima is a shop and gallery by the graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima. This duo created the graphic art and various props used throughout the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies. MinaLima is an integral part of the Wizarding World; thus, visiting this shop should be on every Potterhead’s bucket list.
This duo designed all the graphic elements of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. The level of involvement Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima have in the films and other Wizarding World endeavors makes many of the magical elements so consistent.
In 2009, they created their design studio, The House of MinaLima, where they create illustrations for books and continue commissioning pieces for the Wizarding World franchise.
Visiting the House of MinaLima in London
This section gives you a detailed overview of what to expect when visiting the House of MinaLima, walking you through each area of the shop. I wanted to give you all the information before your visit to ensure you don’t miss any magical part of this Harry Potter store/museum.
Arrival at the House of MinaLima
Upon arrival at the House of MinaLima, you will be immediately drawn in by the deep red facade and the window display featuring prints and illustrated books. Depending on how busy the store is, you may need to wait in line outside until you can enter. At this time, you can enjoy the wonderful window display in anticipation of what the rest of the House of MinaLima has to offer.
I visited the House of MinaLima in London twice and never had to wait long to enter. On the first visit, I was able to enter straight away. On my second visit, I did have to wait for approximately 5-10 minutes until I was granted entry. If you plan to visit the House of MinaLima during your visit to London, ensure that you have carved out enough time to wait in line and view the shop and gallery.
First Floor (Ground Floor) – Merchandise + Harry Potter Books
The first floor (ground floor for the non-American readers) is dedicated to the shop. Here you will find illustrated copies of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Currently, these are the only books of the Harry Potter series that MinaLima has illustrated. There are editions of these books available in other languages as well, you need to ask a staff member, and they will retrieve one for you.
The books are absolutely stunning and reasonably priced. They are additionally all signed by MinaLima. Save space in your luggage because you will be tempted to pick up copies of these books. In addition to Harry Potter books, there are also illustrated copies of classics such as Peter Pan, Alice and Wonderland, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
P.S. They do not carry the U.S. version of the book Harry Potter and the Sorcerous Stone. I asked…various times. But I still found it worth purchasing the U.K. edition of the book, as this illustrated book is a work of art. However, you can buy the U.S. version of the book at the Harry Potter Store in New York and online. However, it will not be a signed edition.
Other items available for purchase at the House of MinaLima include prints, notecards, journals, magnets, pins, and wallpaper. And if you desire the Black Family Tree Tapestry in your home, MinaLima has it as wallpaper. There is something available for everyone within the Wizarding World, even for those who prefer a bit of dark magic.
Art Prints at the House of MinaLima
There are so many prints to discover while at the House of MinaLima. The prints available for purchase can be found throughout the store, both on the first and the lower level. The prints range from magical moments from Harry Potter to graphic designs that were used in the films. They come in Standard Finish and Premium Finish. The Premium Finish is a higher price point, yet these prints are embellished with gold foil and signed by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima.
Keep in mind that these prints are limited. While they sell the prints online, they may not have what you want available. The Premium prints are limited to 250 copies, and the Standard prints are limited to 1000 copies. That means that each copy is likely to sell out eventually. The limited copies make purchasing a print from MinaLima even more desirable. While at the House of MinaLima in London, you may even find a print that is sold out online. If there is a print you love, buy it while in-store. If you can carry the print with you home, it will save a lot of money in shipping. Yet, MinaLima does ship worldwide if you need to send it home or order online.
Downstairs Gallery + Harry Potter Props
While the shop has plenty of items to browse, including many prints, the downstairs gallery is where the magic truly comes alive. The gallery at the House of MinaLima features additional prints available for purchase, Wizarding World design elements, and authentic props from the Harry Potter movies.
The Maurader’s Map covers the gallery floor, the Black Family Tree Tapestry wallpaper fills a wall, and Hogwarts letters flood out of a decorative fireplace. These magical elements make you feel like you have been transported to the Wizarding World. It is a shopping and gallery experience like none other.
What makes this gallery even more worthwhile to visit, in addition to the limited prints that hang from the walls, are the props from Harry Potter. The props are found in glass-topped wooden tables and display cabinets that blend in seamlessly with the design of the gallery. MinaLima designed these props, such as the Hogwarts Express Ticket, the Quibbler, and the Maurader’s Map. It’s incredible seeing these items displayed in a way that celebrates the designers who created these iconic pieces from the Wizarding World.
Top Reasons to Visit the House of MinaLima in London
If you need more persuading to visit the House of MinaLima, here are some of the top reasons to visit:
1. It’s a Free Harry Potter Exhibit
First and foremost, the House of MinaLima serves as a free Harry Potter museum. While this is a shop, it is also a gallery and houses props from the movies. You can check out prints throughout the store and some props designed by MinaLima. This is one of the few free Harry Potter things to do in London, so you should definitely take advantage of visiting.
If you’d like to further enhance your experience, you can purchase a gallery guidebook. Yet, I don’t think this is necessary to enjoy your visit. It does serve as a great souvenir of your visit though. The staff at the House of MinaLima are readily available to help answer any questions you may have.
2. See Props from the Movies
You do not need to go all the way to Leavesden to see props from Harry Potter. (Yet you 100% should go to Leavesden, that’s where the Harry Potter Studios Tour is, and it’s incredible)! Yet, you can see authentic props from Harry Potter at the House of MinaLima. It is really unique to see the props in this setting as they are specific props designed by MinaLima.
What makes seeing these props even more special? The design duo behind the House of MinaLima has its studio above the shop. As you are checking out the props and prints, it is quite possible that Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima are working on their next commissioned piece for the Wizarding World franchise.
3. Learn about the Making of Harry Potter
You can check out the short documentary about MinaLima’s role in the Harry Potter films. This documentary highlights one of the most iconic props in Harry Potter, the Hogwarts Acceptance Letter. This video explains a bit about the process and the importance of graphic art in creating the magic of Harry Potter. You can watch the video here.
4. Get Illustrated Copies of the Harry Potter Books
The illustrated copies of Harry Potter are a needed addition to your bookshelf. They are so stunning, with colorful illustrations and pop-up elements. They truly bring even more life to the stories. So far there are illustrated copies of The Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets available.
While you can purchase these books online, the copies at the House of MinaLima in London are signed additions. This is a great touch and makes purchasing your book on location even more special. Only the U.K. editions of the books are shelved. Yet, the book is available in other languages. Just ask an associate at the store, and they will get one for you. However, they do not have any of the U.S. editions available at this location.
5. Shop for Harry Potter Merchandise
The House of MinaLima has some of the best merchandise in the Wizarding World. Each item allows you to take a piece of the magic of Hogwarts and the Wizarding World home. Some of the top items include a Hogwarts Acceptance Letter, replicas of Notebooks used in Harry Potter, and the House of Black Tapestry wallpaper.
Other merchandise items include cards, pins, and other items with MinaLima designs.
6. View the Fine Art Prints
The prints are absolutely stunning! While you can see the prints available online, it is not the same as seeing them in person. These prints cover the walls around the store and are true works of art. These prints are limited to 250 copies of the Premium prints, and 1000 copies of the Standard prints. When you see the gold foil on the premium prints, you will surely be tempted to splurge on the premium.
Yet, even if you are not in the market for any prints, it is amazing to see the intricate designs of wizarding elements brought to life on paper.
FAQs About the House of MinaLima London
Here is some practical information about visiting the House of MinaLima in London.
Is the House of MinaLima Free?
The House of MinaLima is free to visit. You are free to visit the gallery and the shop at the House of Mina Lima. Books, prints, and other merchandise is available for purchase.
Where is the House of MinaLima in London?
The House of MinaLima is located in the Soho neighborhood of London, at 157 Wardour St, London W1F 8WQ, U.K.
It moved from its original location, on Greek Street, to the current Wardour Street address in 2020.
The House of MinaLima used to be at 26 Greek Street; it has since moved to 157 Wardour Street. It was moved in order to be in the same building as the MinaLima studio. As you browse the shop and gallery below, Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima may be working hard on their next design in the studio.
I have visited both locations and can attest that the new location holds just as much magic as the original, if not more.
P.S. There is also a House of MinaLima in Osaka, Japan, and one within the Harry Potter Store in New York City.
How to Get to the House of MinaLima in London
The best way to get to the House of MinaLima is by Tube. The nearest tube stations are Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus. Be sure to check directions on Google Maps for the best route.
If you plan to visit the House of MinaLima, try to combine your visit with other sites in and around the Soho neighborhood.
The House of MinaLima Hours
The House of MinaLima is open from 11 am to 6 pm daily. The last entrance is at 5:30 pm, and there is often a wait due to the limited amount of people allowed in the shop and gallery at one time. Plan your visit accordingly to ensure you will get in before the last entrance and have enough time to browse the shop and gallery.
How Long to Spend at this Free Harry Potter Museum in London
A typical visit to the House of MinaLima lasts around 30 to 45 minutes. I would gather that I spent somewhere in that timeframe during my visit (and I actually visited this House of MinaLima twice, so that time frame is henceforth doubled). While the shop and gallery aren’t very large, there is so much to see. The decor and incredible prints are presented in an eclectic manner that it is slightly a sensory overload, in the best possible way. I had to keep looking over the same areas to truly take everything in.
Most visitors will walk around on the ground level, doing a preliminary check of the prints and merchandise. Then you will head down to the gallery, where you will ogle at the props from Harry Potter. Then finally, you will make your final decisions on what you will be purchasing. If you’re a huge fan of Harry Potter, expect to spend longer in this store and gallery than a typical shopping experience.
Can I Take Photos at the House of MinaLima?
Yes! Not only are photos allowed at the House of MinaLima, but they are also encouraged. If you take photos be sure to use the hashtag #houseofminalima on Instagram.
Unfortunately, this epic staircase pictured below is from the original House of MinaLima location. I’m still pinching myself for not taking more photos at the current location.
Should I Visit the House of MinaLima London?
Any fan of Harry Potter should consider visiting the House of MinaLima while in London. While there is a section of The House of MinaLima in the Harry Potter Store in NYC, and you can order prints and merchandise online from the House of MinaLima website, it is not the same as visiting this flagship store.
The House of MinaLima in London is an unparalleled experience and one of the top Harry Potter things to do in London.
The House of MinaLima: Wrap-up
This wraps up the guide to visiting the House of MinaLima in London. Every Harry Potter fan should add visiting this shop and gallery to their must-do list! It is truly one of the most incredible shops. While most of the merchandise is available online, it is not the same as seeing it in person. Be sure to check out more Free Harry Potter things to do in London.
For more travel inspiration, check out these posts:
🧙♂️ 5 Free Harry Potter Things to do in London
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🎟️How to Get Last-Minute Tickets to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London
🚂 How to Get to the Harry Potter Studios from London
🪄Leadenhall Market Harry Potter Film Location | Entrance to the Leaky Cauldron
✨10+ Best Harry Potter Tours in London
For more UK travel, check out my UK section!
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