Horror fans will have a new destination to explore this fall as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opens The Horror Show, an immersive exhibition dedicated to the lasting impact of horror cinema. Opening September 26, 2026, the exhibition will guide visitors through more than a century of horror filmmaking with original props, costumes, production materials, and interactive displays that examine the genre’s enduring appeal.
Presented in the museum’s Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery, The Horror Show is organized into six themed chambers that explore different corners of horror cinema: Gothic, Psychological, Science, Slasher, Religion, and Ghosts. Each section highlights iconic films and characters while showcasing rare artifacts spanning classic and contemporary horror.
Among the featured items are Bela Lugosi’s restored cape from Dracula (1931), production materials from Psycho, creature designs from Alien and The Thing, costumes and props from Halloween, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Exorcist, The Blair Witch Project, Talk to Me, Sinners, The Substance, and many more. The exhibition concludes with The Blood Room, a final installation examining one of horror’s most recognizable visual elements.
The exhibition will also be accompanied by an extensive lineup of public programming. Beginning September 26, the museum will launch John Carpenter: Prince of Darkness, a retrospective film series celebrating the legendary filmmaker. Additional events include the 2026 Monster Mash on October 24 featuring the U.S. premiere of the 4K restoration of Horror of Dracula (1958), Museum After Dark on Halloween with a screening of The Craft (1996), and a special 50th anniversary screening of Carrie (1976) on November 19 with Academy Award-winning actress Sissy Spacek in attendance.
The advisory team behind the exhibition includes actor Willem Dafoe, filmmaker Osgood Perkins, documentary filmmaker Ariel Baska, Academy Award-winning makeup artist Howard Berger, author and filmmaker Tananarive Due, and film scholar Angela Marie Smith. Together, the group helped shape an exhibition that explores horror’s artistic, cultural, and emotional significance across generations.
Families visiting the museum will also be able to experience Zombies!, a companion exhibition opening the same day. Designed as an interactive educational space, it explores how zombie films are made, the origins of zombie folklore, and the filmmaking techniques used to bring the undead to life on screen.
The Horror Show will remain on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures through July 25, 2027, giving horror fans plenty of opportunities to experience one of the museum’s most ambitious genre-focused exhibitions. Whether visitors are longtime devotees of horror or simply curious about its influence on filmmaking, the exhibition offers an engaging look at why the genre continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Film Screenings and Programs
September 26–October 25, 2026 | John Carpenter: Prince of Darkness
Timed with the opening of The Horror Show, the museum welcomes one of the most celebrated masters of horror, John Carpenter, for the opening weekend of a retrospective film series. John Carpenter: Prince of Darkness will kick off with a screening of Halloween (1978) on Saturday, September 26, followed by screenings of They Live (1988) on Sunday, September 27, and Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) on Monday, September 28. Tickets go on sale to Academy Museum members on August 17 and to the public on August 18.
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Monster Mash
Calling all creatures of the night! Join the Academy Museum for an all-ages, fang-tastic day of special-effects makeup demonstrations, thrilling tours, appearances by monsters, film screenings, and activities—all exploring the vampire, the famous creature of the night. Enjoy film screenings throughout the day, including Blade (1998), the US premiere of the 4K restoration of Horror of Dracula (1958), and Hotel Transylvania (2012). This event is for visitors of all ages and free with general admission. Separate tickets needed for film screenings.
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | Museum After Dark
Celebrate Halloween at the Academy Museum with a goth-themed after-hours party: cocktails, tarot readings, a special guest, and a screening of The Craft (1996). Inspired looks are highly encouraged. We want to see your most hauntingly glamorous costumes. This event is for adults 21 and over.
Thursday, November 19 | 50th Anniversary of Carrie with Sissy Spacek
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brian De Palma’s horror classic with a screening of the film and a conversation with its star, Oscar-winning actress Sissy Spacek. Tickets go on sale to Academy Museum members on August 17 and to the public on August 18.
January 2027 | A celebration of Hammer Films
In Winter 2027, the museum will celebrate the history of iconic British production company, Hammer Films, with a 10-film retrospective featuring rare and newly restored horror titles. Hammer Films has played a defining role in shaping horror cinema, producing some of the genre's most iconic films. Under the ownership of John Gore Studios, the studio is now undertaking a program of 4K restorations to celebrate this legacy and bring its classic films to
contemporary audiences.
