The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has announced “The Horror Show,” a new, large-scale exhibition. It will be a truly immersive exploration of one of cinema’s most enduring and culturally impactful genres. On view in the Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery from September 20, 2026, to July 25, 2027, the exhibition moves beyond simple display. It bridges the gap between film and experience, celebrating the radical creativity and emotional resonance of horror.
“The Horror Show” is centered around a compelling question: Why do horror films matter so much to so many? It seeks to answer this by honoring horror’s enormous cultural impact and enduring popularity.
Amy Homma, Academy Museum Director and President, spoke to the genre’s innovation: “‘The Horror Show’ recognizes horror as one of the most emotionally resonant and innovative types of filmmaking, and celebrates its radical creativity and artists. I am excited for visitors to explore and experience filmmaking that has influenced generations.”
Echoing this sentiment, Senior Exhibitions Curator Jessica Niebel highlighted the genre’s power as a mirror to society. “Throughout film history, horror has thrilled and moved audiences, acting as a powerful outlet for expression and a tool for social commentary,” Niebel said. “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.’”
The exhibition is designed to blur the line between a traditional museum presentation and an eerie spectacle. Visitors will embark on a journey that begins with an introductory gallery and a sound installation, and leads directly into “The Hallway,” a space modeled after the classic horror-movie trope.
Beyond the Hallway, the experience opens into six distinctly themed galleries, each meticulously designed to transport visitors into iconic settings where they’ll encounter their favorite creatures, monsters, and objects:
The exhibition will feature a deep dive into storytelling and production processes. Also, it will explore complex representations of identity, sexuality, and ability within the genre.
The show highlights a vast and diverse selection of horror classics and modern masterpieces, including:
- Classic Monsters and Gothic Tales: Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931)
- Psychological Thrillers: Black Swan (2010), Misery (1990), The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- Supernatural and Hauntings: Ju-on (1998), Ringu (1998), Poltergeist (1982), The Exorcist (1973), The Shining (1980), The Blair Witch Project (1999)
- Slasher & Gritty Horror: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Halloween (1978), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
- Modern and Social Commentary: Alien (1979), Get Out (2017), Midsommar (2019)
“The Horror Show” is curated by Senior Exhibitions Curator Jessica Niebel, with the support of Assistant Curator Nicholas Barlow and Curatorial Assistant Alexandra James Salichs.
The museum will release a full-color exhibition catalog to accompany the show. It includes film screenings, gallery talks, and educational tours, which will be announced at a later date. While the exhibition is designed for fans of all ages, the museum recommends parental guidance for younger visitors due to the subject matter.
This is the museum’s sixth major exhibition in the Katzenberg Gallery, following successful runs such as Hayao Miyazaki, Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971, and the forthcoming Jaws: The Exhibition. All of which closes just before “The Horror Show” opens.
