JoBlo visits Academy Museum Horror Exhibit
When the air turns a little chillier and the shadows lengthen, it’s time to embrace the spirit of Spooky Season. But beyond the trick-or-treating and costume planning, there’s a deeper, more haunting conversation happening in the world of cinema: the enduring legacy of horror.
For decades, the genre has delivered some of the most iconic, terrifying, and unforgettable films ever made. Yet, despite their monumental impact, horror movies have consistently found themselves overlooked at the highest levels of awards season. Think about the cinematic titans like The Shining, the chilling presence of Alien, and the psychological terror of Psycho—these masterpieces often seem to fade into the background when the awards dust settles.
Perhaps it’s time the Academy finally catches up to the monsters it has allowed to shape film history. But this year, the Academy Museum is stepping up to the plate, using the festive season as the perfect opportunity to celebrate the genre’s sheer, undeniable influence. They are unveiling a spectacular new exhibit: the Horror Show, a journey through the very history of cinematic fright.
This exhibition is packed with artifacts that literally represent the evolution of horror. Fans of the genre will be thrilled to see everything from Bela Lugosi’s iconic cape from the original Dracula to the original facehugger from Alien. The display also features unsettling relics, such as the restraints and face mask of Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs, proving that these films are not just scary, but foundational to film history.
To bring this history to life for those who can’t make it to Los Angeles, the museum has brought in a master guide. Ryan Cultrera, the legendary Freddy Krueger himself, led a terrific video tour of the exhibit, offering an up-close look at some of the coolest pieces on display. If you want a sneak peek at the artifacts and the era they represent, this video is a must-watch.
Don’t let the spooky season pass you by and miss this chance to explore the history of fear. You can experience the full Horror Show at the Academy Museum, running until July 25th. Tickets are available now, inviting everyone—horror fanatics and casual movie lovers alike—to step inside the history of the fright.