LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — Horror movie fans have a new destination to explore this Halloween season. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures presents The Horror Show, an immersive exhibition examining the history, characters, creatures, props, costumes, and filmmaking traditions. These elements have helped shape horror cinema.
The exhibition opened to the public on September 26, 2026, and will remain on view through July 25, 2027. This gives visitors several months to explore the exhibition and its look at horror cinema.
Located on Level 4 in the Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery at the Academy Museum, 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, The Horror Show is divided into six themed galleries: Gothic, Psychological, Science, Slasher, Religion, and Ghosts. Moreover, the museum describes the exhibition as an exploration of horror’s cultural impact. It also highlights horror’s enduring popularity.
Presence News reporter Maria Cornejo visited the exhibition and provided on-site observations for this report.
The exhibition brings visitors into iconic settings inspired by horror cinema while showcasing creatures, monsters, props, costumes, production materials, and other objects. These are associated with the genre.
Exploring the Six Horror Galleries
The Gothic Gallery examines the visual customs connected with gothic horror, such as the use of symbols related to famous monsters and tales of supernatural events. Guests can see displays and items inspired by movies that defined this genre.
The Psychological section explores themes involving fear, perception, identity, and the human mind. It shows how filmmakers can create tension through uncertainty and psychological experiences.
For visitors interested in the filmmaking technology behind horror, the Science section examines the relationship between scientific ideas and horror storytelling.
The Slasher gallery is likely to be one of the most recognizable areas for fans of modern horror. Displays feature characters and imagery associated with popular slasher films. These include Ghost Face, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, Billy the Puppet, Art the Clown, Chucky, and other familiar figures.
The exhibition also includes masks, props, costumes, and other objects connected to horror productions. This gives visitors an opportunity to see elements of movie history outside the finished films.
The Religion section explores horror stories involving religious imagery, rituals, supernatural forces, costumes, and related themes.
Finally, the Ghosts gallery examines supernatural horror and the objects and characters used to create frightening encounters on screen. Displays include familiar horror imagery such as Annabelle and other supernatural figures.
More Than Movie Monsters
While recognizable horror characters are an important part of the experience, The Horror Show also looks at how filmmakers create fear.
According to the Academy Museum, the exhibition explores horror films including Alien, The Horror of Dracula, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Dracula, Frankenstein, Get Out, Halloween, Ju-on, Midsommar, Misery, Poltergeist, Ringu, The Blair Witch Project, The Exorcist, The Shining, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Furthermore, the exhibition also offers a behind-the-scenes look at storytelling. It reveals special production techniques used in horror films.
For moviegoers, that makes the exhibition more than an opportunity to see familiar horror characters. Instead, it provides a closer look at the objects, costumes, designs, and filmmaking choices. These elements help turn a horror script into a finished movie.
The museum is also presenting related horror programming during the exhibition’s run, including screenings, special events, tours, and other activities.
What Visitors Should Know
The Horror Show is located on Level 4 of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures at 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.
The Horror Show will remain on view through July 25, 2027. Admission to the exhibition is included with museum admission. The Academy Museum cautions that some themes may not be suitable for all ages and may disturb some visitors. Parental guidance is advised.
For Los Angeles residents and visitors who enjoy horror films, the exhibition offers a chance to step away from the movie screen. This lets them see the genre from a different perspective — through the props, costumes, creatures, production materials, and creative techniques. These have helped make horror a lasting part of cinema.
The Horror Show will remain at the Academy Museum throughout the Halloween season and into 2027, giving horror fans plenty of time to experience the exhibition.
Sources:
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures — The Horror Show
Editor’s Disclaimer: This article includes information provided by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, including exhibition details, dates, location, programming, and visitor information. Presence News has presented this information for informational and community coverage purposes.
