Matt Rife’s Haunted Museum Sparks Backlash Over Annabelle’s Safety

The museum, which Rife claims houses over 1,000 haunted objects, has drawn sharp criticism from those familiar with the collection’s history. Psychic medium Matt Fraser argues that the transition from a controlled, private environment to a high-traffic exhibit creates a volatile atmosphere. Fraser contends that thousands of visitors, each bringing their own emotional baggage—fear, grief, or performative skepticism—effectively feed the energy of the objects. He warns that treating these items as entertainment invites the very trouble the Warrens spent decades trying to suppress.

Concerns extend to the family of the late Ed and Lorraine Warren, who originally curated the collection. Chris McKinnell, the couple’s grandson, described the museum as a “Chernobyl of the paranormal,” noting that his grandparents maintained strict, small-group access to prevent disrespect toward the artifacts. For McKinnell, the current display model ignores the essential containment protocols that defined the collection’s safety for years. While Rife continues to promote the exhibit, the combination of public access and the sheer density of occult items has left many in the paranormal community questioning whether the allure of a spectacle is worth the potential spiritual consequences.