Horror enthusiasts and film buffs have a new pilgrimage destination on the horizon as Estes Park, Colorado, prepares to breathe new life into the historic Stanley Hotel with the upcoming Stanley Exhibit Center and Blumhouse Space. This initiative, which broke ground amid high hopes and fanfare, aims to transform the hotel, infamously known as the muse behind Stephen King's "The Shining," into a nexus for arts and culture. According to the Colorado Governor's Office, Governor Polis was present alongside Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall, Blumhouse's CEO Jason Blum, and other significant players in the community to celebrate this milestone.
The project, which is valued at a grand total of $60 million, marks the first phase of a planned three-year endeavor designed to preserve and enhance the Stanley Hotel campus. The Stanley Exhibit Center and Blumhouse Space promise over 10,000 square feet dedicated to the horror genre, touting year-round activities for film and art lovers. Blumhouse, the studio behind major hits such as "Get Out" and "Halloween," plans to fill the space with a variety of exhibits spanning their extensive catalog, including material from an array of films, television series, and games. Governor Polis heralded Colorado's burgeoning film industry, mentioning how the state has ramped up its investment in the sector.
Fueling this cinematic venture is the collaborative effort between CECFA, the Stanley Partnership for Art, Culture, and Education, and support from the Colorado State Legislature. The latter approved HB24-1005, a tax incentive geared towards supporting film festivals like Sundance in addition to Colorado's existing festivals. Furthermore, in 2024, initiatives to bolster Colorado's film industry were strengthened with the establishment of the Film Incentive Tax Credit, which sees the state dedicating $5 million annually over five years.
The Stanley Film Center's vision took shape from its approval in 2015 as a Regional Tourism Act project by the Economic Development Commission. Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT, recognized the project's unique potential to attract new out-of-state visitors to Colorado, spur business growth in the region, and create new jobs. The state's commitment to this vision comes in the form of a $46 million contribution towards the construction of the Center. Together, these efforts symbolize Colorado's endeavor to carve out a distinct identity within the realm of film and the arts.
