Open today from 10am - 5pm

Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film

After being closed for a short period, our iconic horror exhibition Scared to Death will reopen on October 17th!
Exhibition Open Now
- MOPOP Permanent Collection
Included in General Admission
Open now through
Included in General Admission
Opens
Included in General Admission

Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film

The Evil of the Thriller

Horror fans, get fired up: MOPOP is home to Seattle’s finest horror collection, with more than 50 props and costumes straight from across a century of horror cinema. Get immersed in cinematically creepy galleries perfect for bumping into a bundle of suspended corpses, or a jump scare courtesy of Michael’s mask. Need more horror culture and nightmare fuel? Go deep with films and director interviews, and see the genre as more than just a scare — rather, an expression of the primal emotions and unspeakable fears that lie just beneath the polite face of society.

Soundproof Rooms
Twelve acoustically isolated rooms known as studio pods, contain interactive devices, gear, and traditional instruments. Take a lesson, jam with others in the room, try out vocals, and learn about the art of mixing. Special reverberation technology lets you adjust the sound so it's as big as an amphitheater, or as intimate as a living room.
Trios
Each of the tall semi-enclosed structures on Sound Lab's main floor contains three interactive instruments, including guitar, bass, keyboard or drums. These instruments use sophisticated audio, computer graphics and MIDI to guide you through a variety of learning activities, whether it's learning to play "Louie Louie," or discovering what a 12-bar blues is. You can also choose to forego a lesson to play instruments on your own or with friends and family. Acoustically optimized dividers in each trio let you rock your socks off without disturbing anyone else.
The Big Drum
The heart of Sound Lab, The Big Drum recalls the early rhythms our ancestors played around the fire. You don't need any special skills to play it, other than the ones you'd bring to a conversation. Just listen and answer back.
Audio Technology Interactives
How do guitar players make such different sounds? Can an audio engineer really fix it in the mix? Technology has played a huge role in the creation of the sounds of rock 'n' roll, both behind the scenes in the recording studio and up on the bandstand. Find out more about the recording process, amps, samplers, effects pedals, and microphones.
DJ Hallway
In the hands of a skilled DJ, turntables can produce music that would have been impossible just a few short decades ago. Ever wonder how DJs make that scratching sound or move from one record to the next? Find out in DJ Hallway, situated in the back of Sound Lab.
Jam Studios
Check out the state-of-the-art Jam Studio where you can record your own song using drums, guitars, keyboards, and vocals, then download and share with your friends for free.
100+ Horror Films To See Before You Die

Discover your next horror favorite with "100+ Horror Films to See Before You Die.” Spanning over a century of cinema, you’re bound to find a new slasher flick — or your most epic binge-watch of all time.

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2023 Inductees

Press your finger to the pulse of a revolution with a playable look into twenty rotating titles from around the world and discover how independent gamers are redefining their industry.

N.K. Jemisin
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Dune (franchise)
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The Rocky Horror Picture Show
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John Carpenter
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Currently Playing at Mopop

Press your finger to the pulse of a revolution with a playable look into twenty rotating titles from around the world and discover how independent gamers are redefining their industry.

Astrolander
Before Your Eyes
Biped
Drag Star
Empty
Floppy Knights
Henry Halfhead
Hidden Folks
Hill Agency: PURITYdecay
ISLANDERS
LUNA The Shadow Dust
Loddlenaut
Moncage
Out for Delivery
Purrgatory
Slayaway Camp
Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical
Tenya Wanya Teens
The Light in the Darkness

Exhibition Highlights

Fear not the Membership!

Membership grants you unlimited access to Scared to Death, plus discounts on merchandise, member-only events, and pop culture experiences.

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Exhibition Sponsors

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Exhibition Sponsors

Sensory Rating

Sensory impact is rated on a scale from 0 (no impact) to 5 (very high impact). Ratings provided by sensoryaccess.org.
2
  • Blood and gore
  • Somewhat intense
  • Screens flickering
  • Hanging "bodies"
  • Red lighting
3
  • Scary music and sounds overlapping
  • Deep bass sound - very unsettling
  • High-pitched sounds
  • Bell tolling
0
  • No noticeable scent
0
  • You can interact with items like the TV screen, but it is not required
0
  • There is no uneven or moving terrain
  • There are stairs to enter but elevator is available

Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film

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Horror fans, get fired up: MOPOP is home to Seattle’s finest horror collection, with more than 50 props and costumes straight from across a century of horror cinema. Get immersed in cinematically creepy galleries perfect for bumping into a bundle of suspended corpses, or a jump scare courtesy of Michael’s mask. Need more horror culture and nightmare fuel? Go deep with films and director interviews, and see the genre as more than just a scare — rather, an expression of the primal emotions and unspeakable fears that lie just beneath the polite face of society.

Exhibition Sponsors

No items found.