Dracula's Cape to Freddy's Glove: Horror Exhibit Opens

Opening this Saturday, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles is unveiling "The Horror Show," a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the history of horror cinema. This major survey features an array of costumes, props, drawings, and posters from legendary horror films, spanning various eras and subgenres.

Visitors can expect to see iconic pieces such as Bela Lugosi's original cape from the 1931 "Dracula" and Aunt Gladys' pantsuit from "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." The exhibit prominently features beloved characters like Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and Chucky, alongside more recent acclaimed titles like "Get Out" and "Midsommar."

Curated by Jessica Niebel, the exhibition poses the question: "Why do horror films mean so much to so many people?" It posits that horror films reflect the anxieties of their times while providing a safe environment to confront fears. The museum has organized the exhibit's chambers by themes such as slashers, religion, ghosts, and science, offering interactive photo opportunities.

To complement "The Horror Show," the Academy will screen a diverse schedule of horror films. The series kicks off with a special screening of "Halloween" attended by Jamie Lee Curtis and John Carpenter, followed by a retrospective of Carpenter's work. "The Horror Show" is scheduled to run until July 25, 2027.