HBO and Linen Mill Studios have announced plans to open a Game of Thrones studio tour that will showcase authentic sets, costumes and props from all eight seasons of the popular TV show.
Located within Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Co. Down, the 110,000 square foot interactive experience is being designed and created by HBO Licensing & Retail in collaboration with the studio, which was used to film many of the show's scenes, and is scheduled to open to the public in the spring of 2020.
An Opportunity To The Work Of The Show's Crew In A Museum Setting
In a statement on Tourism NI's website, Jeff Peters, vice president, licensing & retail, HBO, said, "It is our sincere pleasure to announce the first attraction from the Game of Thrones Legacy project in Northern Ireland. Some of the most iconic scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed at Linen Mill Studios, and our fans will soon have an opportunity to visit and see the work of the show’s incredible crew in the museum setting it deserves."
"A Unique Insight Into The Making Of The Game of Thrones Series"
Linen Mills Studios managing director Andrew Webb also expressed his enthusiasm about the new tour, saying, "Linen Mill Studios is thrilled, in partnership with HBO, to have this opportunity to offer fans a unique insight into the making of the Game of Thrones series in the authentic setting of one of its foremost filming locations. We are committed to giving fans the opportunity to experience firsthand the most comprehensive selection of iconic elements from the show available anywhere in the world."
An "Exciting Announcement"
Meanwhile, Tourism NI CEO John McGrillen commented, "We very much welcome this exciting announcement. Game of Thrones has transformed Northern Ireland into a leading international screen tourism destination, bringing many more visitors and fans of the show to Northern Ireland to explore the stunning landscapes, coastlines and mountains showcased in the series.
"The new attraction will also allow visitors to see the authentic sets and costumes, and learn how Game of Thrones was made. The studio tour location at the Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, midway between Belfast and Dublin, can be easily reached by the 11 million people who visit the island of Ireland each year, as well as providing even more reasons for international tourists to visit. I commend both Linen Mill Studios in recognising the increasing opportunity in screen tourism here and HBO’s commitment to Northern Ireland as the 'home of thrones'. I have no doubt this investment will deliver a world-class visitor experience."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
