The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has announced The Horror Show, a “bold and immersive exhibition that bridges the gap between cinema and experience, honouring horror’s enormous cultural impact and enduring popularity”.
On view from 20 September 2026 to 25 July 2027, The Horror Show is an exploration and celebration of horror cinema, highlighting select tropes and themes and centred around the question: Why do horror films matter so deeply to so many?
“The Horror Show recognises horror as one of the most emotionally resonant and innovative types of filmmaking, and celebrates its radical creativity and artists,” said Amy Homma, Academy Museum director and president.
“I am excited for visitors to explore and experience filmmaking that has influenced generations.”
Senior exhibitions curator Jessica Niebel added: “Throughout film history, horror has thrilled and moved audiences, acting as a powerful outlet for expression and a tool for social commentary.
“Through these stories, people have found catharsis and community among fellow horror fans around the world. I can’t wait for everyone – from horror enthusiasts to the horror-curious – to see The Horror Show.”
Describing the exhibition, AMMP said: “Blurring the line between museum presentation and eerie spectacle, The Horror Show takes visitors on a journey through cinema, starting with an introduction gallery sound installation, into ‘The Hallway’ – modelled after the common horror trope – that leads to six distinctly themed galleries: Gothic, Psychological, Science, Slasher, Religion and Ghosts.
“Each gallery is distinctly designed to invite visitors into iconic settings where they will encounter their favourite creatures, monsters and objects.”
The exhibition also explores representations of identity, sexuality and ability in horror films including: Alien (1979), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Black Swan (2010), Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), Get Out (2017), Halloween (1978), Ju-on (1998), Midsommar (2019), Misery (1990), Poltergeist (1982), Ringu (1998), The Blair Witch Project (1999), The Exorcist (1973), The Shining (1980), The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) – while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling and production processes of these films.
The Horror Show exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue of public programming, including film screenings, gallery talks and educational tours to be announced at a later date. While the exhibition is designed for horror fans of all ages, parental guidance is suggested for younger visitors.
The Horror Show will be the museum’s sixth large-scale exhibition in its Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery, following Hayao Miyazaki (2021–22), Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971 (2022–23), John Waters: Pope of Trash (2023–24), Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema (2024–25) and Jaws: The Exhibition (which closes July 26, 2026).
