Woman visits ‘real life Narnia’ but some movie fans aren’t impressed

Narnia is a well-known children’s fantasy novel and film franchise, now one fan of the series gave a sneak peek at a real-life adaptation of the magical world but not everyone was impressed

The Chronicles of Narnia is a popular children’s fantasy novel and film series featuring magic, mythical beasts and talking animals created by the British author C.S. Lewis. Many will remember the first movie, featuring ‘the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, released in 2005 and some fans are only just learning that they can step into the world of Narnia in real life.

The Story Museum in Oxford celebrates stories through immersive exhibitions, gallery spaces and events. Neena Sinnie, a fan of the fantasy series, shared a clip on TikTok where she stepped into the infamous wardrobe that leads to Narnia. She wrote: “Went to Narnia and never wanted to leave,” and “my childhood dream”.

Others who are familiar with the books and movies will know that they mainly focus on the Pevensie siblings and a main antagonist is Jadis the White Witch.

The four Pevensie children, from London, are sent to live with Professor Digory Kirke in his country house to escape the bombs of the Second World War.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe features a majestic, large wooden piece in the professor’s home that serves as a hidden entrance to the magical world of Narnia and is discovered by Lucy Pevensie, the youngest of the siblings

She went into the large empty wardrobe during a game of hide and seek with her brothers and sisters before unexpectedly feeling tree branches and snow and stepping into a wintry forest.

Neena’s TikTok video shows her opening the piece of furniture to firstly unveil the winter coats inside, like in the movie, and then a lamp post placed in snow.

The short clip has garnered nearly 200 comments but not all Narnia fans were impressed by the museum’s adaptation of the wardrobe.

One viewer asked: “Just 2 jackets?” Someone responded to this comment: “Righttt where was the effort, then to top it off they put mirrors? This ain’t no Narnia [sic].”

A third TikTok user said: “Why is the closet so small? There’s only like three things.” A further commenter branded it “Narnia from Temu.”

However, a number of other viewers were pleased with how the museum brought the wardrobe and what is hidden behind it to life.

A Narnia fan shared: “This is literally how I pictured it when reading the book.” Someone else remarked: “Wow this is awesome.”

Another exclaimed: “Oh my God! I need to go.” The Narnia exhibition can be found in The Enchanted Library in The Story Museum and is included within an all day ticket for the Galleries, which costs £15.50 for adults and children five and above and £7.70 for children ages between one-four, according to the website.

The Story Museum has been approached for comment.