CHICAGO, September 12, 2026 – Just beyond the soundstages of Cinespace Chicago Film Studios on West 15th Street, visitors aren’t lining up to see movie sets or TV magic. They’re queuing for a different kind of history lesson altogether.
Chicago’s relationship with dark tourism isn’t new. From Prohibition-era mob violence to H.H. Holmes and the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the city’s past has long drawn curious crowds. But recently, local crime tourism underwent a major shift. Instead of theatrical ghost walks, operators are leaning into forensic analysis, criminology, and archival history.
At the center of this transformation is Serial Killer: The Exhibition, which opened on September 5. This exhibition features more than 2,000 authentic artifacts, over 40 rooms and information about more than 150 serial killers.
Local history takes center stage here. The exhibition also displays the original artwork alongside material related to John Wayne Gacy, along with documentation intended to debunk myths about the “Murder Castle” of Holmes.
“The idea isn’t to glorify the perpetrators,” explained John Borowski, an independent documentary maker and exhibit consultant in an interview. Instead, he said, what truly counted was the examination of such crimes through the lenses of forensic science and police methods.
As for the visitors, practicality becomes the key factor. The duration of the tour is about 90 to 120 minutes and can be enjoyed by visitors who are 14 years old and older. As far as the visitor entrance goes, it is 2428 W. 15th St., and the valet parking cost is $20 per vehicle. There are no food or beverage options in the venue.
For a holistic view, some tourists combine static displays at museums with walking tours through city neighborhoods. The majority of tours mentioned at Choose Chicago last about 90 minutes to two hours and take people around significant landmarks such as the Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, and the Cook County Criminal Courthouse.
However, walking through these parts of Chicago’s past requires a balancing act because there is a story behind every case on display. Approaching these places with reverence allows a glimpse into how criminal investigation and Chicago itself have developed over time.
