By Scott Campbell

HBO kicks off the third season of Game of Thrones premiering on 31 March in North America with a unique exhibition, allowing fans to get an up close and in person experience ranging from an interactive Blackwater Bay battle scene to a seat on the famed Iron Throne.

The immersive, not-to-be-missed touring exhibition that will transport viewers into the breathtaking and enchanted world of Westeros. The traveling exhibit, the first of its kind by HBO, will stop in five international cities - Toronto, New York City, Sao Paolo, Amsterdam and Belfast.

Presented by HBO and international partners, the exhibition is free to the public and focuses on key characters from five of the noble houses: Stark, Lannister, Targaryen, Baratheon and Greyjoy. It will showcase a trove of more than 70 original artifacts from Seasons 1 and 2, plus select pieces from this year's new season.

Artisans, whose superb craftsmanship provide authenticity to the show's medieval fantasy setting, worked closely with HBO to curate the exhibit, selecting costumes, props, armor and weapons that define the character of the hit fantasy/drama/action&adventure series from HBO.

Costume designer Michele Clapton oversaw an impressive display of extraordinarily detailed garments.

Other iconic artifacts include the model dragons, weaponry (King Joffrey's crossbow, daggers and swords such as "Ice" and "Longclaw"), armor (helmets, shields and full suits of armor worn by key characters), crowns, jewelry, books and much more.

The exhibit will also display an array of official Game of Thrones' licensed collectable merchandise from the HBO Shop.

On 27 March Wednesday evening, some of the shows beloved stars attended the opening of the exhibit in New York City, including Kit Harington, Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner, Natalie Dormer, Rose Leslie, Melissa Bushell and John Bradley.

New York City | 3 W. 57th Street | 28 March - 3 April

Sao Paulo | 25 to 30 April

Amsterdam | 18 to 27 May

Belfast | 8 to 17 June

For more information, go to //www.discovernorthernireland.com/GoTExhibition