Game of Thrones: The Exhibition Preview

Last year Game of Thrones: The Exhibition was stunning at the TIFF Lightbox. This year the exhibition is at the Design Exchange. It’s even bigger, with more support from production, even more costumes, props and interactive elements this show is going on the road hitting stops around the world beginning with Toronto. This international tour, with stops in New York City, Sao Paolo, Amsterdam and Belfast, seems especially appropriate for a show with so many shooting locations around the world.

Jess and I got a chance to preview the Exhibition on Friday and well… let’s just say it was hard to get us to leave.

When guests enter they will pledge their allegiance to the house of their choosing before having their portrait taken on the Iron Throne (and you’ll pick up your hard copy with the house sigil on your way out!). Staff will be keeping track of how many people pledge to each house, HBO/TMN Communications Manager, Scott Campbell, is placing his bets on the House of Targaryen coming out on top in Toronto.

The Exhibition is not just just the costumes, though many of Michele Clapton’s brilliant designs are on display. There is a focus on the entire creative team who together, create the intricate world of Westoros that comes to life for us in the TV series. The intricate detail that goes into each piece is overwhelming up close, so much does come across on screen and even more goes unnoticed until you get a chance to see them up close.

As you walk through the Exhibition you will mostly be seeing the world house by house with each section filled with costumes, props, sketches, maps, family trees and more. You’ll see the Starks, Lannisters and Baratheons early on moving through to the Targaryens, but really focused on Daenerys and her surroundings in the Red Waste and Qarth, the North, and the Greyjoys are last, as Campbell says, “they can’t get no respect”.

There is weapons chest showcasing the work of the shows weapons master, Tommy Dunne. It brings the houses and realms together featuring pieces belonging to characters from all around the realm and includes Dothraki blades alongside Arya’s wooden practice sword and needle.

Sneak peeks from season 3 include Mance Rayder’s costume, the whip of the south and the model of Drogan (used by the CGI artists to create the creatures we see on screen). There may be some other little bits from season 3 hiding in the exhibition, see if you can spot them!

One very neat feature of the exhibition is the inclusion of fan art! Aware of the creativity and talent in the Game of Thrones fan community, fans were asked to submit their art on Tumblr and a number of pieces are on display!

Last, but certainly not least is the interactive Battle of Blackwater game! This is a highlight saved for the end of the tour. You’ll have a chance to grab a bow, and armed with flaming arrows attempt to sinkStannis Baratheon’s attacking fleet by igniting the fire water. Jess and I both took a few turns on this one, fingers crossed for an at home version in the near future!

Toronto tickets have sold out – but don’t let that deter you. There will be rush tickets available at the doors so if you really want to see the Exhibition (and you do!) head down to the Design Exchange and check it out.