Last month, Mrs Dex and I took advantage of the Labor Day holiday (which
happened to be our wedding anniversary) to walk around Salem before things
started to get in the full swing of the season. We decided to visit the newly
opened International Monster Museum. Life Pro Tip: If you meet someone that
would go to a Monster Museum on your anniversary, marry that person!
The snazzy logo for the museum was designed by Chad Savage of Sinister Visions. Chances are if you're reading a blog counting down the days to Halloween, you probably know his work!
This is a self guided walk-thru tour of monsters from around the world. After
paying your admission fee, you're given an electric lantern to light your way.
So turn your lantern on, and we'll be on our way!
All these photos were taken with my iPhone 12. Prior to this tour, I hadn't
really experimented with the night mode shooting. As you might presume,
monsters like dim lighting so I really got to flex the night mode and am very
impressed with how well the photos came out!
Each monster exhibit has a sign next to let you know which beastie you're
looking at and give you a little information on them. This is where the
lantern comes in handy as I don't know if I'd be able to read some of the
signs without the extra light.
Unfortunately, some of the signs have typos or poor use of the English
language like this Chupacabra that "is a legendary creature in the folklore of
parts of the America". That's really my only complaint with the museum
overall.
The lighting is really well done and helps set an appropriately creepy
atmosphere.
As part of some exhibits, you might find a shadowbox with related items. Like this one with a possession potion, witch's book of spells, and an achromatic lens. Yeah, I thought it was some kind of weird dagger at first too.
The best feature of the museum (spoiler alert) is that some of the exhibits
have motion sensors that bring them to life! It's kind of fun after you
encounter the first one which lets you know that any of them could animate. It makes you a little cautious entering new areas. It's not so much that
they're scary but the startle factor coupled with the loud pneumatics can give
you a jolt!
I have to think someone is having a sly laugh with this part of the zombie
exhibit. I mean, that has to be Rob Zombie, right? I kept my eye on him
because it looked pretty real. I bet during Halloween season, the museum will
have live actors hiding around the exhibits for extra scares.
The Mothman was one of my favorites just because it's so large.
There's a science gone wrong section which has this Demogorgon that appears to
be legally distinct from any other Demogorgons you may be familiar with.
There's also this Dr. Frankenstein that kinda sorta looks like Peter
Cushing.
Has this post been going on too long? I won't keep you but I do
have lots more photos that you can
view on Flickr.
Click below to hit the Countdown site with a list of all the participants this
year!
LOVE wandering around Salem. Haven't been back in a few years now, since pre-COVID. How was that aspect of the town? These pics are great! And yes, you married a good one! Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteNot much has changed post-COVID. The city has an indoor mask mandate. Was just back last weekend and the crowds are not deterred this year, let me tell you!
DeleteCool - what a brilliant museum. Someday I will get to Salem in the autumn!
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that! Very neat place. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis place looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked they allowed you to take pictures. When I was there they specifically asked me not to. Wonderful place though, totally made my trip.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure it was this place and not Count Orlock's? I know they don't allow photos. This place specifically said take all the pics you want. Of course, this was September and they might have changed policy once October crowds rolled in.
DeleteIn the international monster museum, you can always take as many photos and video as you want!
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