The Horror Show Launches at Academy Museum: Costumes and Props From ‘Halloween,’ ‘Saw,’ ‘Poltergeist’ and More

The Academy Museum has officially opened a new immersive exhibition titled 'The Horror Show' as part of a broader seasonal rollout that includes a separate 'Zombies!' exhibit. Launched just ahead of the Halloween holiday, this collection showcases a wide array of cinematic artifacts, specifically focusing on costumes and props used in legendary horror productions. According to Variety, the exhibit features items from influential films such as 'Halloween,' 'Saw,' and 'Poltergeist.' The exhibition is designed to provide an immersive experience for visitors, bringing the visual terror of the screen into a physical museum space in Los Angeles. Coverage of the launch has been extensive across several entertainment and local news outlets. Deadline highlights the strategic timing of the unveil, noting that both 'The Horror Show' and 'Zombies!' were released to coincide with the lead-up to Halloween.

The Los Angeles Times has specifically identified ten 'must-see scares' within the display to guide visitors through the collection. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Daily News reports on the general rise of horror films as represented through this new exhibition. Time Out Worldwide emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the display, stating that every slasher mask a viewer could think of is available for viewing at the museum. This exhibition matters because it centralizes the physical history of the horror genre, moving beyond digital archives to display the actual costumes and props that defined the slasher and supernatural genres. By featuring assets from 'Halloween' and 'Saw,' the museum is highlighting the evolution of horror tropes and the craftsmanship behind the frightening imagery.

The inclusion of 'Poltergeist' assets suggests a focus on a diverse range of horror sub-genres, from psychological and visceral gore to paranormal hauntings, providing a comprehensive look at how these films were constructed. Looking forward, the museum's current focus remains on the visitor experience during the peak October season. Based on the reporting from the Los Angeles Times and Deadline, the primary draw will be the immersive nature of the exhibits and the specific curation of slasher masks and iconic props. Visitors can expect to encounter the designated 'must-see' items as the museum leverages the seasonal interest in horror. Coverage does not yet specify the duration of the exhibitions or if additional horror-related programming will be added before the end of the month.