The Serial Killer : world tour exhibition docked in Paris in february 2025.
It goes without saying, but there is graphic content, so be warned.
Being slightly obsessed with true crime, we naturally went to see it during the first week.
If you are into the history of serial killers and criminology, there is a lot to see, but it comes with a heavy dose of controversy. It focused more on them than the victims.
An immersive dive into darkness
It’s quite comprehensive and organized by themes, with VR games, life-size reproductions, and a few real items that belonged to the killers.
For people who know nothing about it and want to read or listen to everything via the app, you should easily consider between 3 and 6 hours for your visit (even though they recommend staying for 2 hours). So avoid the latest slots !
While famous names are there, some vicious killers like Albert Fish, Israel Keyes, or Ivan Milat are sadly missing. There’s even a small section on movie serial killers with signed items—though, to be honest, I have more of those in my living room than they had in the actual exhibition !
A very thin line between sensationalism and exploitation
The only real negative point—and it’s a big one—is the lack of respect for the victims.
In the first rooms, you can enter Mary Jane Kelly‘s bedroom (Jack the Ripper‘s last victim) and see her brutally mutilated on her bed. You also see reproductions of victims’ genitals inJeffrey Dahmer‘s fridge and freezer.
The line between education and pure sensationalism is paper-thin here.
Also, seeing a piece of Aileen Wuornos’ underwear on display? It makes my skin crawl.
I might end up writing a whole article on how she is being exploited as a female serial killer.
Of course no one wants to see Dennis Rader (BTK)’s underwear, so why show a tiny piece of hers ?
The Nico Claux controversy : unethical at best?
The exhibition was created with the help of Nico Claux (Serial Pleasures) and Guillaume (Cannibal Design).
Guillaume’s work is really beautifully done, honestly, even if I don’t approve of all of it.
I’m very ambivalent about Nico Claux’s prominent involvement knowing that he is, after all, a French cannibal killer who has served time in prison.
It’s immediately more questionable.
His crime dates back to 1994, so his victim’s family is still alive… And he’s just there, getting rich and glorifying himself in his little souvenir exhibition (and it feels like the gift shop was just there to boost Serial Pleasure‘s sales).
It’s unethical at best.
I can’t even think about them knowing the minitel used to contact their son is on full diplay for people to look at.
Not for the faint of heart (or children)
The exhibition was not recommended for children under 14.
I don’t want to discourage you, but some areas are very graphic.
I would have banned younger children from the exhibition altogether.
There were mothers walking around with newborn babies in front of very graphic mutilations 3D reproductions.
It was unsettling to witness.
Final thoughts
The section on criminology is great, and there are 3,000 square meters to explore at your own pace.
Overall, if you don’t mind the evident lack of ethics, it is a very interesting exhibition, but not for the faint of heart.
They cover most of the more famous ones and some obscure ones get their time in the spotlight as well.
It’s on a world tour and currently in Atlanta, so consider yourselves warned.
Side note : they claim to have added 1,100 more items than in the European tour. Hopefully more tasteful ones.
