Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Estes Park, Colorado, The Stanley Hotel stands as an iconic landmark with a rich history intertwined with the supernatural. It gained fame as the very place where Stephen King penned his legendary horror novel, “The Shining,” drawing inspiration from the eerie ambiance that permeates the hotel. Having had the privilege of visiting this historic establishment back in the ’90s, I can attest to the cool and unforgettable experience it offers to its guests.
Today, The Stanley Hotel has evolved into a sought-after destination for ghost hunters and those intrigued by the mysteries of the supernatural. Now, entering a new chapter in its haunted tale, The Stanley Hotel is set to become a haven for horror enthusiasts as it collaborates with the renowned production company Blumhouse to create a “true horror destination” within its hallowed halls.
Blumhouse, the mastermind behind numerous chilling cinematic experiences, will curate an expansive 10,000-square-foot exhibit space within The Stanley Hotel, known as the Stanley Film Center. This exhibit, in collaboration with the Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media, is described as a “mini-Academy Museum dedicated to horror.” It promises to showcase a chilling collection of props and artifacts from Blumhouse’s extensive catalogue of films, TV shows, and games.
Governor Jared Polis, along with the Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media, expressed their enthusiasm for this groundbreaking collaboration, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on tourism and the local economy. Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum echoed the sentiment, stating, “The Stanley Hotel is hallowed ground for horror fans, and that makes this presence at the Stanley Film Center a natural extension for Blumhouse.”
Adding to the excitement, John Cullen, President of the Grand Heritage Hotel Group, expressed a mix of thrill and terror about bringing Blumhouse to The Stanley. He highlighted the meticulous search for the perfect partner and the unparalleled creativity of Blumhouse in bringing the Stanley Film Center to life as a horror destination.
Colorado’s commitment to this venture is evident, with a substantial contribution of $46 million towards the construction of the Stanley Film Center. This financial support aims to facilitate the issuance of bonds that will fund the final construction of the state-of-the-art facilities.
Jeff Kraft, Deputy Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), emphasized the unique potential of this partnership to attract new out-of-state visitors to Colorado, ultimately contributing to the success of the project.
Colorado Film Commissioner Donald Zuckerman expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This partnership will establish Colorado as the premier destination to celebrate horror,” positioning the state as a hub for horror enthusiasts and drawing visitors from across the country and beyond.
Anticipation surrounds the main Stanley Film Center building, projected to be at least 67,000 square feet in size, with an estimated cost exceeding $70 million for its completion and furnishing. As the Stanley Hotel embarks on this spine-chilling journey with Blumhouse, the stage is set for a new era of horror experiences in the heart of Estes Park, inviting fans to get closer than ever before to the macabre world of their favorite films. But as Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum humorously warns, “They may want to keep their distance with a few of the ‘items’ in our collection. We’re excited to get to work, but first, we need to make it out of the hedge maze.”
Source: Denver Post
