The artistic vision behind ‘Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors’ at Santa Monica Art Museum
Santa Monica Art Museum presents “Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors” featuring Bigfoot, Baby Yaga, and more legendary creatures.
On Sept. 12, 2024, the Santa Monica Art Museum opened its latest exhibition, “Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors.” A journey through eight themed chambers exploring monsters’ origins, evolution, and psychological impact, this exhibit features art from creators like Jim McKenzie and Andrew Freeman, photo ops, a coffin simulator, and more.
The goal is “to make a space that people find interesting, to change the way people see art and consider what is art,” said Ricardo Puentes, curator of the exhibit.
A journey through the ages of monsters at Santa Monica Art Museum
Visitors begin their journey with early folklore and fairy tales, witnessing the first iterations of monsters such as witches and boogeymen. From there, the exhibit moves forward through time, showcasing cryptids — mysterious creatures like Bigfoot and Mothman — and concluding with the modern slasher villains of cinema. The progression through these various monstrous figures reveals their evolution and deep psychological and cultural resonance.
Puentes explained, “We start from folklore … you see some of the first kind of iterations of what monsters are … and then you go into cryptids and the metaphysical aspect of how they’re represented in media.” This chronological approach allows visitors to see how different societies have used monsters to embody their fears and cultural anxieties.
Immersive environments and artistic collaboration
One of the defining features of “Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors” is its thematic design. The museum has constructed a series of themed rooms, each dedicated to a specific type of monster or genre. Visitors can walk through eight rooms filled with large-scale sculptures and artworks designed to transport them into the worlds these creatures inhabit. This immersive approach is intentional, as Puentes emphasized the importance of showing monsters in their “natural habitats,” allowing the art to come alive.
Puentes and his team collaborated with several renowned artists for the exhibition, including Jim McKenzie, Immortal Masks, Eric Rodriguez, and Nova Odette. Each artist contributed original pieces to the show, from full-sized sculptures like the iconic Baba Yaga to large installations like an underwater octopus.
Puentes remarked, “What’s really cool about the Santa Monica Art Museum is our entire staff is filled with really talented artists … we’re making stuff here when we’re not checking people in.”
Monsters are gorgeous
In building themed environments (complete with lighting and sound) for the art to live in, Puentes hopes to differentiate the exhibit from other art galleries and help guests discover the beauty of monsters. Puentes says “Monsters” have remained enduring figures in storytelling. From the seductive vampire to the relentless slasher villain, these creatures captivate us on multiple levels.
Puentes reflects on this allure, stating, “Monsters are gorgeous … they’re seductive, and there’s always something that draws you into these monster layers.”
The exhibition is more than just a celebration of monsters; it’s an invitation to reconsider what we find so compelling about them. As Puentes put it, the exhibit asks, “What is so appealing about them? Why have they been around for so long? What do they look like? What is a monster?”
A new vision for art and horror
“Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors” is a significant departure from traditional museum exhibits. Rather than focusing solely on the educational aspects of monsters, the exhibition leans into their artistic and creative representations.
“The ultimate goal,” according to Puentes, “was really to change the way people see art and consider what is art.”
For horror enthusiasts and art lovers alike, “Monsters” offers a fresh and engaging way to experience the creatures that have haunted our imaginations for centuries. The exhibit runs through November 2024, with plans for a special holiday overlay in December, promising an even more immersive and festive horror experience.
Santa Monica Art Museum extra experiences
Guests can add the following experiences to their ticket for an extra charge. Descriptions from Santa Monica Art Museum.
- Hunter’s Journal ($7): Unravel mysteries in each exhibit area with this interactive guide—perfect for those who love a good challenge.
- Coffin Challenge ($7): Experience the ultimate immersive thrill as you take a ride to your final resting place.
- Green Screen Photo Booth ($5): Take home a keepsake by placing yourself alongside iconic monsters in a personalized photo.
- VIP Package ($50): Skip the line with priority entrance, receive a Hunter’s Journal, and take on the Coffin Challenge — all included.
Plan your visit to Santa Monica Art Museum
Operating hours for “Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors” at Santa Monica Art Museum:
- Wednesday – Friday: 4-9 p.m.
- Saturday: 12-10 p.m.
- Sunday: 12-8 p.m.
Tickets are available online starting at $20.
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