Nearly a month after construction barriers appeared around Hogwarts Castle without any warning to guests, Universal Islands of Adventure visitors are finally getting their first real look at what's been happening behind the scrim.
Slow Progress, Then a Big Reveal at Hogwarts Castle
Scaffolding, scrim, and construction walls went up around the iconic Hogsmeade structure in late March with no prior announcement from Universal Orlando Resort. The first sign of progress came about a week ago, when a portion of gray scrim peeled away from one section of the castle exterior. Unfortunately, the opening was too narrow to offer much more than a tease.
As of Sunday, April 26, the view has opened up considerably. Photos shared by X (formerly known as Twitter) user @bioreconstruct show that construction crews have stripped the scrim from most of the castle's main tower, exposing the scaffolding beneath.
Scrims removed from the refurbishment of the main tower of Hogwarts Castle. Scaffolding likely to be removed soon.
Scrims removed from the refurbishment of the main tower of Hogwarts Castle. Scaffolding likely to be removed soon. pic.twitter.com/rl0yjJ7Pn8
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 26, 2026
Familiar architectural details of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter landmark are visible again, including the castle's clock face:
The clock in Hogwarts Castle.
The clock in Hogwarts Castle. pic.twitter.com/ACbZ1VKiqP
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 26, 2026
Behind the scaffolding, the results of the repainting work are already visible on the base of the main tower and the roof of a shorter adjacent tower. The scaffolding itself is expected to come down soon.
Recently revealed repainted areas of Hogwarts Castle. Base of the main tower, and roof of the shorter tower just to the right.
Recently revealed repainted areas of Hogwarts Castle. Base of the main tower, and roof of the shorter tower just to the right. pic.twitter.com/G8NvEHgWn1
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 26, 2026
Scrim is still in place on the right side of Hogwarts Castle, where repainting work is ongoing. That section is expected to match the completed portions once the work wraps up.
Current view of the refurbishment of Hogwarts Castle. Scrims removed from the main tower, scaffolding likely to be removed soon. Repainting continues behind the scrim section at right, and in foreground.
Current view of the refurbishment of Hogwarts Castle. Scrims removed from the main tower, scaffolding likely to be removed soon.
Repainting continues behind the scrim section at right, and in foreground. pic.twitter.com/8wLUkD7zMd— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 26, 2026
Universal Orlando Resort has not released a construction timeline or an anticipated completion date.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey — the attraction housed inside the castle — has continued operating normally throughout the refurbishment.
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