Gringotts Wizarding Bank | Goblins, Vaults & Filmmaking Magic

The Gringotts set recreates the magical banking hub with jaw-dropping detail—from marble columns and goblin desks to the eerie depths of Lestrange’s vault. You can walk through the full banking hall, then follow the trail of broken treasures and burnt walls to the ruined vaults destroyed by a dragon.

An overview of Gringotts Wizarding Bank at the Warner Bros Studio

The gleaming banking hall is lined with towering marble pillars, three crystal chandeliers, and intricately carved desks where goblin tellers once scrutinized wizarding wealth.
Each goblin mannequin was built with lifelike prosthetics based on casts worn by actors, then placed behind ornate brass stations with ledgers, coins, and paperwork.
Lestrange’s vault lies deep beneath the bank, surrounded by rock walls, crumpled treasures, and the cursed multiplication enchantment that nearly traps Harry and his friends.
The entire set was built to scale, allowing a real walkthrough. You can move from the grand hall into darker, scorched tunnels where lighting and sound mimic Gringotts’ destruction.
Props from multiple films are combined here, including Griphook’s sword, vault door mechanisms, and damage caused by the Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon escape in Deathly Hallows Part 2.

The filmmaking magic behind Gringotts Wizarding Bank

Goblins made with prosthetics: Each goblin was sculpted using actor facial casts, then hand-painted and fitted with expressive silicone features. Their look comes from hours of makeup and fine detailing in the creature effects department.
Banking hall built on a tilt: To create a dynamic visual feel, the floor and desk angles are subtly tilted. This gives the illusion of height and drama, especially when viewed from the entrance or during a pan shot.
Vault effects with mechanical rigging: The multiplying treasure effect in Lestrange’s vault used custom rigs that pushed props upwards and outwards as soon as pressure was applied, requiring perfect timing during each take.
Lighting to mimic dragon fire: Flashing lights and subtle warm strobes simulate the dragon’s fire. Combined with blackened surfaces and sound effects, it helps recreate the chaos of the escape in a physical, immersive way.
Custom props for the vault: Many of the treasure props were created from lightweight foam, painted gold or silver, and engraved with magical symbols. A few are real metal but hollow, to avoid weight issues during filming.

Moments from the films recreated here

Harry’s first visit to Gringotts

In Philosopher’s Stone, Harry steps into Gringotts with Hagrid, meeting goblin tellers and glimpsing the thrilling vault cart ride. While some scenes were filmed at Australia House, the vault interiors were recreated at the Studio for later films.

Break-in and Lestrange vault heist

In Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Hermione, disguised as Bellatrix, leads the trio into Gringotts to infiltrate Lestrange’s vault. The Studio set captures the tension with goblin-staffed counters, security-heavy interiors, and the start of their descent into the underground vaults.

Cursed treasure and dragon escape

Still in Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the trio battles a treasure curse inside the vault as gold multiplies uncontrollably. Their wild escape on a chained dragon smashes through the marble bank, filmed using the Studio’s practical sets mixed with CGI.

What to know before entering the Gringotts Wizarding Bank?

The marble floors are glossy and reflective, so wear shoes with grip if you're sensitive to visual texture or glare.
Flash photography is discouraged in this area to preserve lighting effects on chandeliers and stone walls.
The vault section is darker with moving lights. Those with light sensitivity may prefer viewing from the entrance area.
The goblin figures are highly realistic. Younger visitors might find them a little intense, especially when viewed up close.
You can view the chandeliers better by stepping toward the far end of the hall and looking back toward the entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gringotts Wizarding Bank

Is the Gringotts Bank set used in actual filming?

Yes, this full-scale set was used in Deathly Hallows Part 2 and rebuilt at Leavesden to include both the hall and the vault in one walkthrough experience.

Can visitors touch any of the vault props or treasure piles?

No, the props are behind barriers and not interactive. However, you can get very close for detailed views and excellent photo opportunities.

Do the goblin mannequins move or interact?

They do not move, but their placement and styling reflect precise details from film scenes. Lighting and sound help create the feeling of a working bank.

How were the chandeliers made for the banking hall?

Each chandelier was handmade with hundreds of strands of beads and crystals. The internal lighting was added to reflect and enhance the gold and marble textures below.

Was this set also used for Griphook's office?

Griphook’s office was shot separately, but his desk area and props were adapted into this set for continuity. His sword and papers are part of the display.

Are goblin prosthetics available in the Studio Tour shop?

No full prosthetics, but the shop sells themed items like Gringotts coins, goblin figurines, and notebooks inspired by the banking hall.

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