The HBO Max Experience at The Venue

A pop-up experience at The Venue in Picadilly Circus, boasting a series of interactive installations, celebrates the launch of HBO Max in the UK. This exhibition features memorabilia and recreations of rooms from properties like Sex and the City, Harry Potter and The Conjuring – to name but a few. Even before setting foot at The Venue, the journey begins at the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, where a familiar-looking sofa is perched on the steps, an ode to the Friends opening and the renowned Central Perk. Straight through the entryway, adorned with dark panelling and bright lights, is a room all about White Lotus, full of calm vibes and delicious mocktails. This is the first chance for a photo-op against the spa-themed backdrop.

Through a series of doors, one is transported into different sets from various iconic shows: from the throne seen in House of the Dragon to the infamous bathroom mirror in Euphoria. There’s also a big open space separating the three floors that display notable props and costumes, such as The Joker’s calling card and the terrifying Anabelle doll used in The Conjuring. This middle floor also hosts a TNT Sports section, which includes the Premier League and WFA Cup, and gives visitors a chance to act as a sports presenter, with a teleprompter included. On press day, this featured two football talents, Farah Williams and Martin Keown, standing as potential interviewees.

The final installation can be found down the stairs: Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, mist-filled with glowing crystals furnishing the middle of the grand space. Screen panels decorate all four walls, playing a clip from the latest Superman film to entrench guests within that very atmosphere. It’s perhaps one of the weaker displays on offer, but it still provides visual interest with the glow of the crystals contrasting strongly against the surrounding fog.

The HBO Max Experience is enjoyable for what it sets out to do. It’s a great showcase of the variety of media the streaming service offers. Even if not every single one of their films or series is referenced, a wide variety of genres are represented in this exhibition, from horror to superhero films, classics like Friends and Sex and the City, to their most popular running franchises like Euphoria and White Lotus. The latter two and their respective rooms are the standout sections of the experience, capturing the tone of their series while providing something fun and interactive. Immersive with plenty of opportunities to show off and take pictures, The HBO Max Experience is an intriguing glimpse into the world of this new streaming service.

Mae Trumata
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The HBO Max Experience is at The Venue from 24^th March 2026. For further information or to book, visit the exhibition’s website here.