Screamfest: House of Curses

This Halloween, The Kraken is bringing a new kind of existential horror to the UK by opening what could be the world’s most dangerous art gallery. That’s because the temporary exhibition will, for the first time, bring together the most notorious haunted and cursed artworks and objects in the country, all known to have inflicted terror and suffering upon those that have gazed upon them.

Expertly curated by art historian and critic, Ruth Millington, the House of Curses comprises six psychologically thrilling themed mini-exhibits, including ‘Cursed Creatures’, ‘Possessed Children’ and modern day Creepypasta ‘Internet Lore’, with visitors receiving a walkthrough audio guide delving into the haunted backstories of each piece.

Among the 'exorcibits' is one of the UK's most haunted items - The Grace Doll - that is known as the UK's ‘Annabelle’ and has been seen to move inside her enclosed glass box and threaten to 'burn [visitors’] eyes out.’ Other haunting pieces of work include the fire-starting Crying Boy painting and Damian Hirst's 'The Dream is Dead' skull.

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.