I never thought I’d be relaxing after work on a Monday by sneaking around a cursed artefact room in Shoreditch. Yet, here I was, holding my boyfriend’s shoulders, stepping into London’s version of the Warrens’ notorious Occult Museum. From September 1 to 3, White Rabbit Studios has been turned into a 10,000 sq ft horror maze. Warner Bros’ pop-up exhibition fits perfectly with the release of The Conjuring: Last Rites (out September 5), the final instalment in the billion-dollar franchise.

Imagine toys that move on their own, smoke that appears from nowhere, creaking floors, and many props used on screen, each with its own dark past. The experience kicks off in the “artefact room,” where you and a group of strangers are asked to find clues that activate effects. It’s immersive and spooky with shelves containing trinkets, crucifixes, and dolls with unnervingly wide eyes. 

One of the most striking aspects was how authentic it felt to the scenes on-screen; it felt like I was walking around the Warrens’ basement in Connecticut. With terrifying props on display, such as iconic doll Annabelle, it was impossible not to feel your heart race as a priest trained in exorcisms guided you around in a small group.

We even had the chance to see Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson appear in an exclusive video clip that took me back to when I watched the first film in the series, released in 2013. It reminded me that my fragile heart is probably getting too old for this many jump scares in one evening. 

A Warner Bros. Pictures spokesperson said of the spooktacular event: “The Conjuring Occult Museum is a truly unique event that combines actual props from the Conjuring films with original content recorded by the lead actors, alongside incredibly intricate sets, props, and theatre inspired by the new movie and the expansive Conjuring Universe.

"We have worked with a world-class team of illusionists, lighting and sound designers and immersive performers to bring the Museum to life in a way that will take audiences' breath away. With the final film in the franchise, The Conjuring: Last Rites, coming out this week, we can’t wait to invite the public and expect that their screams will be heard across London!"

The experience culminates in a dramatic encounter in a set that recreates the possessed attic of the Smurl family, featured in The Conjuring: Last Rites, which depicts one of the spine-chilling final cases of the Warrens, based on real-life events. 

Whilst spaces at the experience are in extremely high demand, the organisers are releasing some more free tickets, which will be available through Eventbrite.

Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited availability. Terms and conditions and restrictions apply. Over 18s only.