A phoenix rising from the ashes in a 13th century bestiary. [Photo courtesy of British Library]

An extraordinary exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book opens at the British Library Thursday.

The exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic, combines centuries-old British Library treasures. It includes original material from Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury and J.K. Rowling's own archives going on display for the first time.

It unveils rare books, manuscripts and magical objects from the British Library's collection, capturing the traditions of folklore and magic from across the world, which are at the heart of the Harry Potter stories.

Based on the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the exhibition is designed into several parts.

Among a total of 150 exhibit items, annotated sketch of Hogwarts School by J.K. Rowling, her handwritten list of the teachers and subjects at Hogwarts, as well as the original artwork by Jim Kay for the illustrated Harry Potter editions, are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the show which will last till February.

The British Library said the exhibition has already sold over 30,000 tickets ahead of opening.

Curator Alexander Lock told Xinhua that J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, visited the exhibition several days earlier this week and enjoyed it.

US fans will also be able to enjoy Harry Potter: A History of Magic at the New-York Historical Society in October 2018.