Hobbit Land Comes to Life in Hollywood with World's Largest Pop-Up Book
New Zealand unveils enormous installation inside Beverly Hilton hotel.
Dec. 2, 2013— -- Middle Earth is now just a few steps from Melrose, thanks to an enormous exhibit unveiled in Hollywood this week.
Tourism New Zealand has installed the world's largest pop-up book inside of the Beverly Hilton hotel, inviting visitors to walk among some of the magical scenery enjoyed in The Hobbit Trilogy.
The pop-up book of New Zealand will be viewable for five days, coinciding with the Hollywood world premiere of "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug." The installation, which is roughly the size of two tennis courts and 50 feet high, has been divided into four sets representing new locations from the film – Hidden Bay (Turoa, Ohakune), Forest River (Pelorus River, Marlborough) Lake-town (Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook), and Beorn's House (Paradise, Queenstown).
Props, such as a giant wooden armchair from Beorn's house, two-level waterside houses and a boat from Lake-town and the gigantic brooding bust of the dwarf king Thror are also featured.
For the most part, the book will only be viewed by guests during invitation-only events. So walk-ins hoping to sneak a peek are more likely to experience something akin to "you shall not pass," minus Gandalf. But a special public tour on Dec. 4 will allow Tolkien fans a chance to ogle as well.
