Roll the Film! Governor Polis Celebrates the Groundbreaking of the Stanley Exhibit Center and Blumhouse Space

ESTES PARK - Today, Governor Polis joined Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall, Jason Blum CEO of Blumhouse, John Cullen President of the Grand Heritage Hotel Group, OEDIT, and local film and economic leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Stanley Event Center and Blumhouse Space. The Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority (CECFA) and the Stanley Partnership for Art Culture and Education, LLC (the Stanley Partnership) joined in the announcement of the groundbreaking of the Stanley Event Center, a $60 million arts and culture destination that is the first phase of a three year project to preserve, expand, and improve the historic Stanley Hotel campus. Housed at the iconic Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining, and destination to horror film lovers from across the world, The Stanley Exhibit Center and Blumhouse Space will serve as a year-round hub for film, art and community, while honoring the horror genre with 10,000+ square feet of exhibit space.

"Colorado's artistic culture, strong workforce, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes are skyrocketing us to the best state to work in the film industry. We are proud of our booming film industry and the incredible art it creates. That's why the state has doubled down on our investment into this important sector. This new space will continue to drive horror film buffs from across the world to the Stanley Hotel and Estes Park, supporting our growing film workforce and economy," said Governor Jared Polis.

"I started Blumhouse 15 years ago because I love to build. And I've been thinking a lot about how we will build out this Blumhouse exhibit space. Horror fans are the best fans in the world, and they deserve a world-class, must-visit destination. And horror itself deserves a rightful place at the center of culture. We plan to celebrate the art and icons of horror, including key filmmakers, stars and the amazing cinematic villains who've terrified us over the years. And there's no better place to do it than the iconic Stanley Hotel," said Jason Blum, Founder and CEO of Blumhouse.

Governor Polis has continued to be a champion for film. In 2024, Governor Polis and the State Legislature expanded support for Colorado's film industry by establishing the Film Incentive Tax Credit and funding it at $5 million per year for five years. Furthermore, the Colorado State Legislature approved HB24-1005, Tax Incentive for Film Festivals, which is expected to Support the Sundance Film Festival in addition to existing film festivals within Colorado.

In 2015, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) with the advice of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) approved the Stanley Film Center as a Regional Tourism Act project, recognizing its unique potential to attract new out-of-state visitors to Colorado. Through the RTA, the State is contributing $46 million toward the construction of the Stanley Film Center. OEDIT and the EDC have provided critical and steadfast support for this project over the past 10 years.

"When the Economic Development Commission approved the Stanley Film Center as a Regional Tourism Act project, the state recognized its unique potential to attract new out-of-state visitors to Colorado, spur business growth in the region and create new jobs. We are thrilled to celebrate today's groundbreaking, an exciting milestone that brings this extraordinary project one step closer to completion and amplifies Colorado's reputation as a place where film and the arts are celebrated," said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT.

Blumhouse produces horror films as well as scripted/unscripted television series and games, with some of the most successful franchises in history. The company's titles include Halloween, The Black Phone, Five Nights at Freddy's, Get Out, M3GAN, Paranormal Activity, and The Purge, among many others. At the Stanley Film Center, Blumhouse will curate exhibits pulled from the company's extensive catalog of popular franchises and box office blockbusters including films, television and gaming.

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