The land of Narnia is a magical place, filled with talking animals, witches, kings and queens and epic battles. Now, Narnia is coming to life through “Narnia: The Exhibition” at Union Station in Kansas City.

Sarah Biles, director of community relations for Union Station, says it’s anticipated the exhibition, which opened last weekend, will draw 70,000 to 80,000 people during the summer. Ms. Biles says she expects many people will stay closer to home this summer and will make the exhibition part of their “stay-cations.”

“We’re really the first in the Midwest to host this exhibition,” she says. “It hasn’t been anywhere near here, and we know a lot of people, with the economy, won’t be taking big family vacation.”

The exhibition is based on the first two “Chronicles of Narnia” books that have been made into films: “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and “Prince Caspian.” And it’s more than just looking at costumes and props in glass cases or behind a rope: This exhibition actually takes you through the wardrobe, into Narnia.

“We really wanted to make in an immersive experience, where we could show off the costume and the props,” says Robin Stanely, who lead the creative design team for the exhibition.

The exhibition begins with a replica of Narnia author C.S. Lewis’ study, complete with his desk, drinking mugs and, yes, a wardrobe.

From there, visitors step through the wardrobe and into the winter wonderland that the Penvensie siblings first encounter. There’s snow, fur trees and frozen animals, just like in the book and film.

“Just the effect of being taken in and suddenly you’re in a winter space in a museum space, it’s very exciting,” Mr. Stanley says.

From there, visitors can view (and touch) a frozen waterfall, sit in the White Witch’s ice throne, see King Miraz’s castle and learn about the mechanics of catapults.

And the exhibition won’t be the only part of Narnia in Union Station. Ms. Biles says the rest of Union Station is decorated with things like banners and shields to have the look and feel of a medieval kingdom.

“There’ll be signs of Narnia everywhere in the building,” she says.

And although the exhibition goes into great detail about the world of Narnia, you don’t need to be an expert on the book and films (or even have read or seen them) to enjoy the exhibition.

“There’s so much, I think you can absolutely go into this exhibit not knowing (the story),” he says, “and I think you’ll certainly come out of the exhibit either loving the films or loving the books.”

Lifestyles reporter Lacey Storer can be reached at lstorer @npgco.com