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See the secrets of Middle Earth

EXPERIENCE the fantastic world of Middle-earth with the international blockbuster The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum this summer, until end-March.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes of the hugely successful film trilogy.

You can see costumes, jewellery, weapons, props and film footage, as well as discover the secrets behind the trilogy's award-winning special effects.

Developed over two years by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in conjunction with New Line Cinema, the producers of the film trilogy, this extraordinary exhibition has attracted record crowds in New Zealand, London, Singapore and Boston, and is now at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum - the only Australian venue.

The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition explores both the thematic and technological aspects of the films.

Visitors are transported to the world of Middle-earth where they are met by the films' main characters including Frodo and his hobbit companions, the wizards and other magical creatures, the Black Riders, and the monstrous creations of evil, all dressed in the actual costumes used in the films.

Visitors can experience the film trilogy's cutting-edge technology and special effects through interactive demonstrations. Discover how the filmmakers made actors appear hobbit or wizard-sized using an ingenious mix of trick photography, forced perspective sets and props made at different scales.

Find out for yourself by being photographed hobbit-sized in a set from the film. Or see the life-like prosthetics which transformed the actors into character, including hobbit hands and feet and gruesome orc masks.

See an extraordinary array of costumes including Arwen's riding outfit, Galadriel's stunning dress and Gandalf's robes plus weaponry and armour belonging to King Theoden, Gandalf, Frodo and Aragorn. There are also exclusive interviews with the cast, crew and director Peter Jackson.

The exhibition culminates in an immersive encounter with The One Ring. In the middle of a dark, atmospheric space is the central icon of the films, and visitors will see and hear faces and voices of the story's main characters urging Frodo to use or destroy The One Ring or return it to its master.

* Tickets are available through the museum's website at www.powerhousemuseum.com