I Found My Haven at House of MinaLima

Since Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (a sequel of Harry Potter in which I regard as a grotesque fanfiction) theater show is ultimately sold out for the rest of this year, why not experience Harry Potter at London in another way which will cost you less?

This particular place has been in my bucket list since it was initially launched on last year, and this UK trip made me finally accomplish it in just one year span. God, I couldn't be more grateful for it.

Source: Londonist.com

House of MinaLima is an exhibition venue created by MinaLima (a graphic design team found by the duo Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima) which is known for its graphic arts for numerous films, with Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts being their most prominent ones.

Just a little tidbit, their works influenced me a lot you might find myself using them as references for some of my artworks. :}

This special little house is located just right behind the theater where they play Harry Potter and The Cursed Child at Soho, London. It's a pretty easy find, since all you have to do is walk down the Greek street where the theater backstage is, and there you go, House of MinaLima.

This is an actual quote from myself the very first time I saw the House of MinaLima:

"Everything is so well-decorated, and well-detailed. I'll do everything to be able to live here." 

In which my mum replied:

"Sweetie, you can't live in an exhibition venue."

Source: Londonist.com

House of MinaLima starts with the ground floor functioned as a shop (re: heaven) where you can find any items made by MinaLima, which I skipped for the last (just because) on the day of my visit.

You can also find their catalogue on their website.

MinaLima's works can be found mostly in the form of art prints (which can be super expensive due to its authenticity), books (in which I usually prefer to buy), postcards, tees, and some many other stationeries and merchandises. It's up to you when it comes to buying their merchandises or not. In my case, I just can't help but grabbing everything (despite of running out of money).

Source: Londonist.com 

The second floor of the House of MinaLima is the newspaper prints floor. I mean, every newspaper featured in every Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. 

The third floor are considered as the wackiest, because hey, The Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes related prints are here. It's also the most breathtaking one, as I finally saw the majestic Black Family family tree, or every single potion labels they ever made in Harry Potter universe.

I was almost thinking of stealing one of the prints (just a smidge, you know. They wouldn't realise *oops*), but then, I consider myself too worthless to even touch it. :(

The staircase to the attic is somehow what describe the entire franchise exuberantly: magical.

I mean look at these wall decors?! I would love to fill my entire room with them!

I was considerably lucky to witness a special addition they had on the graphic arts of MinaLima's recent Wizarding World project, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

They even nailed Wizarding World's 1920s graphic arts.

Lastly, their very last room for display: The Library room, with the chimney in reference to the very first Harry Potter film. Featuring the letter that starts it all.

Source: Londonist.com

My visit to this amazing place ended up with myself buying loads (a hyperbole of two) of MinaLima books which currently can never be retrieved in Indonesia. I picked up their latest version of Villeneuve's 'Beauty and The Beast' (joining the hype of the latest Disney live action version of it) and the ultimate 'A Compendium of Collective Nouns'.

Later that evening, I spent some of the spare time reading the books while picnic-ing with mum at the Green Park. I think this is what ideal life should be. Reading books at the park and nobody batted their eyes on you. #justintrovertthings ;_;

How wonderful life could be. 

And what a happy book sniffing Sunday.

Some tips on visiting House of MinaLima

1. Consider visiting on non-busy weekdays, such as Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. Avoid weekends to avoid crowds and hassle that you will might be allotted a timed entry.
2. The venue opens everyday at 12 PM until 7 PM. Make sure to grab some lunch beforehand!
3. The nearest tube stations are Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road, and Piccadilly Circus. Most buses heading to Piccadilly Circus will stop a few minutes walk from the House of MinaLima.
4. The house is a pretty old and cramped atmospheric building, so mind your head and be careful when climbing the stairs. Unfortunately, they can't provide access for wheelchairs and buggy.
5. And... No toilets in the building. Make sure to take care of your business before heading in.
6. You are very welcome to take as many pictures as possible, as long you don't damage the artworks or display. They also encourage you to put #houseofminalima hashtag in your social media posts.
7. Check out House of MinaLima's social medias (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) for updates and the artists' visits! Too bad, I was visiting on a Sunday I don't even have the chance to meet them. Maybe next time? ;)
8. Lastly, take your time to enjoy the view and every little detail in it. I spent nearly 2 and a half hours to explore the 3 stories exhibition, and I swear, I just want to come back soon. :(