Universal Orlando Resort is currently undergoing a major refurbishment of Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure, with recent photos shared by photographer @bioreconstruct on X showing significant progress in the themed painting work. The project, which began in March 2026, involves applying base coats and detailed artificial weathering to restore the castle’s authentic, aged appearance.
The latest updates reveal scaffolding and scrim being removed from certain sections, exposing textured stonework that matches the castle’s original design. In one area, a pale gray base coat has been applied, while nearby sections feature a pale yellow primer under the Hogwarts crest, indicating varied treatment across different architectural elements. Artificial weathering techniques, including subtle green tones, are being used to simulate natural aging and environmental wear.
Notable details visible in the progress photos include holes in the walls where scaffolding was previously secured—these will be filled and painted over once the work is complete. The Hogwarts crest itself has been repainted with a base coat, and careful blending of paint shades is underway to ensure stone textures appear cohesive rather than uniform.
Despite the extensive refurbishment, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey remains open to guests, allowing visitors to experience the attraction while observing the castle’s transformation from a distance. Universal has not announced an official completion date for the project, but the ongoing work suggests a phased return to full visual glory.
The refurbishment is part of Universal’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the immersive quality of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Regular updates from photographers and fans on social media continue to document the meticulous restoration process, highlighting the attention to detail involved in preserving one of the resort’s most iconic landmarks.