Chicago is a major cultural hub in the U.S., with museums and exhibitions exploring everything from art and science to history. But few take on such a dark chapter of the past as Serial Killer: The Exhibition World Tour, a large-scale exhibition documenting infamous serial killer cases through authentic artifacts, historical documents, and real evidence…
Now in Chicago as part of its U.S. tour, the exhibition brings together more than 2,100 authentic artifacts connected to well-known cases from all over the world, featuring expanded sections dedicated to two cases closely associated with the city: H.H. Holmes and John Wayne Gacy.
A shocking closer look at the world’s most notorious cases
The exhibition occupies approximately 21,500 square feet at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and features more than 40 galleries examining serial killer cases through case files, historical documents, photographs, and evidence.
The collection includes more than 2,100 authentic objects displayed across 225 cases, with material connected to more than 150 serial killers. Among the artifacts are Jeffrey Dahmer’s glasses, Aileen Wuornos’ sneakers, and other ordinary objects linked to historically known cases. The exhibition also includes documents and evidence associated with cases such as the Monster of Florence and Jack the Ripper.
Serial Killer: The Exhibition World Tour – Chicago
22 October 2026 11:00 + more dates
Serial Killer Exhibition
The exhibit delves into two cases deeply connected to Chicago: H.H. Holmes, whose story became intertwined with the city during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, and John Wayne Gacy, whose crimes took place in the Chicago area. The display also includes three original paintings by Gacy, shown publicly for the first time after being held by his former attorney, Karen Conti.
The exhibition places the victims alongside the cases, identifying people whose lives were taken and documenting their stories as part of the historical record.
