Game of Thrones Exhibit At PNE

Given my dislike for crowds and line-ups, I tend to shy away from places or events that would draw a ridiculous amount of people in one place. However, with the Game of Thrones exhibit coming to PNE this year, I had to make concessions. (yes, it can be done!)

The HBO exhibit has travelled all around the world, with stops in New York City, Mexico City, Austin, Rio, Oslo, Toronto, Belfast, before rounding up the tour with its final stop, Vancouver.

Being huge fans of the show, there was no question that Sean and I just had to see it. Because costumes (!) for me and the oculus rift (!) for Sean. Plus storyboards, props and the Iron Throne to sit on!

When we got in, we made a beeline to line up for the ‘Ascend the Wall‘ exhibition, since that would be the biggest and longest line-up. Donning on the oculus rift (after I made sure the staff had cleaned the headset before putting it on) and noise-canceling headphones, we were given instructions to hold on to the sides of the virtual reality booth and after a minute, we would be prompted with a touch, to turn around.

So what did we see?

That would be a first person view of being pulled backwards into the castle black winch elevator and journeying to the top of the Ice Wall. Then you were encouraged to look all around you, while a fan was being blasted at you, in order to simulate high winds. Upon turning around in the booth, you would then be met with a flaming arrow being shot at your chest. And then you’d see yourself fall off that wall and into oblivion.

It was neat, however, the graphics were not quite there in its believability. Although, I could see that being vastly improved when the oculus hits the market.

Having done that, we were able to enjoy the rest of the exhibit at our leisure. Displays featured costumes, crowns, jewellery, armour and weaponry such as crossbows, daggers, spears and swords. And all around us pictures from the show displayed a la Sears portrait studio.

And of course, sitting on the Iron Throne was an absolute must. I only wished that I could’ve dressed more formally – but it was probably the hottest day of the year – so comfort over a photo op. Also, with everyone lined up waiting for the throne, I couldn’t quite channel Cersei’s bitchy resting face.

Of course, Sean being Aean, had his own unique spin on sitting on the Iron Throne. My bet is that not even Tyrion Lannister would sit on the throne this way. Ha.