A new kind of existential horror is coming to London with what could be the world’s most haunted art gallery.
A temporary exhibition being pitched up in Soho’s Poland Street will bring together the most notorious haunted artworks and objects from across the country.
Curated by art historian and critic, Ruth Millington, in association with The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, the House of Curses comprises six psychologically thrilling mini-exhibits with visitors receiving a walkthrough audio guide which will delve into the haunted backstories of each piece.
Entering through Cursed Creatures guests will find themselves in the Ghost room, where they’ll see haunted projector slides from the Birmingham & Midlands Institute as well as original artwork by Zac Webb, painted during his time in residency at Ohio’s most haunted house.
As viewers weave their way through the dark lit rooms, they will find an original Damien Hirst skull and explore the darkest corners of internet lore before entering the Dolls room which hosts one of the UK’s most haunted items.
The Grace Doll, donated by paranormal investigator Danny Moss, has been seen to move inside her enclosed glass box as well as threatening to ‘burn eyes out.’
The penultimate room sees visitors surrounded by a series of paintings including the Crying Boy, that was said to have caused homes to burn down in Scotland, and The Hands Resist Him, a horror-stricken portrait which seemed to cause the deaths of those closely associated with it.
Accessible only after signing a waiver, the final exhibit contains one of the most haunted paintings of them all.
The Unknown Girl was the centre of a 2023, media storm after it was returned to a charity shop by multiple owners who reported chills, being chased by a demonic figure and one person even having to call an ambulance after collapsing in the painting’s presence.
Those who enter will be granted only a short time in the presence of The Unknown Girl before being ushered out to the safety of The Kraken Bar.
With a menu of cocktails inspired by the haunted artworks, as well as burning sage-laced drinks to ward away evil, shell-shocked guests can begin to unwind in the bar, where they’ll also find a tarot card reader and Zoltar machine for further evening thrills.
Art curator Ruth Millington said: “House of Curses is the most intense exhibition I’ve ever curated. From the legend of The Kraken itself to real-life haunted pieces that have inflicted all manner of terror upon owners and artists, this is a gallery not to be missed – providing you’re brave enough.”
Tickets for Screamfest: House of Curses cost £10 and include entry and two free drinks, including a welcome drink.
The exhibition is live from October 31, through to November 2, at 51 Poland Street, Soho.
Pictured top: House of Curses (Picture: The Kraken)