Horror Extravaganza at Academy Museum: From ‘Carrie’ to ‘Blair Witch,’ Explore Iconic Thrillers!

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By : Claude Merritt

A New Haunt at the Academy Museum: The Horror Show Exhibit

This fall, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is taking a deep dive into the chills and thrills of horror cinema with its new exhibit, "The Horror Show." Opening on September 26, the exhibit promises to be a comprehensive exploration of the genre, featuring a treasure trove of horror paraphernalia—from iconic slasher movie costumes to rare production materials.

Inside The Horror Show

The fourth-floor Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery will transform into a horror aficionado’s dream. Visitors will be able to step into six uniquely themed galleries, each dedicated to a different strand of horror cinema, ensuring a diverse and immersive experience.

Exploring Gothic Shadows

One of the highlights is the Gothic chamber, designed to resemble a shadowed crypt. Here, fans can view items such as Bela Lugosi’s Dracula cape and props from modern classics like "Blade" and "Bram Stoker’s Dracula." This chamber not only celebrates the eerie elegance of Gothic horror but also its lasting impact on the genre.

The Mind-Bending World of Psychological Horror

Another chamber takes on a stark, clinical look to match its focus on psychological horror. It features artifacts that trace the evolution of this sub-genre, including Alfred Hitchcock’s "Psycho" and more contemporary films like "The Babadook."

Science Horror: A Laboratory of Nightmares

In the science horror chamber, the setting shifts to a sinister laboratory, displaying everything from Frankenstein’s creature to alien life forms from the "Alien" series. This section highlights the genre’s fascination with scientific exploration and its consequences.

The Spellbinding Realm of Religious Horror

The religious horror space is designed as a witches’ circle, showcasing films that delve into the mystical and the occult. Artifacts from "The Exorcist" and "Rosemary’s Baby" are displayed alongside newer films like "Midsommar," illustrating the enduring allure of this theme.

Haunting Specters: Ghost Stories in Film

The ghost chamber features a haunted living room setup where visitors can interact with the original marketing website for "The Blair Witch Project." This section also includes Japanese ghost story art and props from ghostly films like "The Conjuring."

Special Screenings and Events

Beyond the static displays, "The Horror Show" offers an array of dynamic events. Film screenings, such as the 50th anniversary showing of "Carrie" with Sissy Spacek, and the U.S. premiere of the 4K restoration of "Horror of Dracula," add a communal element to the exhibit. Interactive public programs and discussions are also part of the lineup, enhancing the educational aspect of the exhibit.

Advisory Insights

The creation of "The Horror Show" was guided by an advisory team consisting of notable figures such as Willem Dafoe and filmmaker Osgood Perkins, who emphasized horror’s crucial role in cinema and culture. Their insights helped shape an exhibit that’s not only a celebration of horror but an exploration of its impact on society and culture.

A Family-Friendly Counterpart

For younger visitors, the adjacent Warner Bros. Gallery will host "Zombies!," a family-friendly exhibit that runs concurrently with "The Horror Show." This ensures that visitors of all ages can engage with the world of horror in a manner suited to their age and interests.

The exhibit is set to run until July 25, 2027, offering an extensive window for horror enthusiasts and casual fans alike to explore the depths of cinematic terror at the Academy Museum. Whether you’re drawn to the psychological aspects of horror, its Gothic roots, or the sheer thrill of ghost stories, "The Horror Show" promises something for every fan of the genre.

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