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The Horror Show Launches at Academy Museum: Costumes and Props From ‘Halloween,’ ‘Saw,’ ‘Poltergeist’ and More
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has opened "The Horror Show," a major exhibition featuring costumes, props, drawings, posters and artefacts from iconic horror films spanning cinema history. The exhibit explores why horror films resonate so deeply with audiences, with curators noting that the genre reflects contemporary anxieties whilst providing a safe space for confrontation with fear. The exhibition runs until 25 July 2027 and includes interactive elements designed to enhance the visitor experience.
The show encompasses both classic and contemporary horror, ranging from Bela Lugosi's original cape from the 1931 "Dracula" to costumes from recent films such as "Get Out," "Midsommar" and "The Babadook." Exhibits are organised thematically around slashers, religion, ghosts and science, featuring iconic characters including Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers and Chucky. Visitors can participate in interactive photo opportunities, from posed shots in coffins to selfies with the character Mrs. Bates from "Psycho," whilst a companion exhibition called "Zombies!" offers less graphic content for younger visitors. The Academy Museum is also screening a schedule of horror films to complement the exhibition, beginning with a special appearance by Jamie Lee Curtis and director John Carpenter for "Halloween."
In short
- Academy Museum opens major horror exhibition running until July 2027
- Features artefacts from classic films to recent releases, organised thematically
- Interactive experiences and accompanying film screenings complement the exhibition
Explained simply
Horror films use fear, suspense and the supernatural to tell stories, from early screen versions of Dracula to modern films such as Get Out and Midsommar. The genre includes familiar figures such as Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger and Chucky, as well as stories about ghosts, religion and science.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a museum in Los Angeles devoted to film history and filmmaking. Its horror exhibition brings together objects made for films, including costumes, props and artwork, helping visitors see how filmmakers create frightening characters and scenes.
Horror can reflect fears and concerns that are present in society, while letting audiences encounter frightening ideas within the safety of a fictional story. The exhibition also has interactive features and film screenings, and a companion display about zombies is designed to be less graphic for younger visitors.
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