Comedian Matt Rife Becomes Guardian of Warren’s Haunted Museum and Annabelle Doll
Comedian Matt Rife, along with YouTube creator Elton Castee, has taken over ownership of the infamous Ed and Lorraine Warren Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut. The deal includes over 750 paranormal artifacts, notably the notorious Annabelle doll—though Rife and Castee emphasize that they are legal guardians, not full owners, for at least five years.
Legendary Paranormal Collection
Established by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in the 1950s, the museum sat beneath their home and housed a wide collection of objects tied to demons, hauntings, and cursed items. Artifacts such as a self-playing organ, a Necronomicon replica, and the “Pearls of Death” necklace became part of popular horror lore through films like The Conjuring and Annabelle.
Though the public-access museum officially closed in 2019 due to zoning violations, artifacts occasionally appeared in other paranormal exhibitions and at conventions. Its closure sparked widespread curiosity about whether it would ever reopen.
From Stand-Up to Ghost Tours?
Rife—best known from his viral stand-up videos and Netflix specials—announced the acquisition via TikTok and Instagram on August 1, 2025. He described the property as “the most important and prominent piece of paranormal history in the world,” referencing the Warrens' influence on demonology and ghost narratives.
In the announcement, Rife clarified: “We do not legally own the items, but we are the legal guardians and caretakers of the items for at least the next five years.”
Plans to Reopen the Haunted Attraction
Though Rife did not share full financial details, the pair plan to reopen the museum and the Warrens’ former home to the public. Visitors may soon be able to book day and overnight experiences, tours, and immersive events designed around the legendary haunted collection.
Elton Castee and Rife are positioning the venture as both preservation of paranormal history and an experiential business opportunity. The museum has been closed since Lorraine Warren’s death in 2019, following decades of paranormal notoriety earned through high-profile cases like the Amityville haunting.
What’s in the Collection?
The museum holds over 750 items reportedly linked to hauntings, exorcisms, and occult rituals. Among the items under Rife’s guardianship:
The original Annabelle doll—currently the most famous artifact associated with the property.
"The Pearls of Death"—a necklace said to bring tragedy to anyone who wears it
A self-playing organ reportedly triggered by unseen forces
Artifacts from the infamous “Devil Made Me Do It” case, which inspired The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
Cursed objects collected during the Warrens’ decades of work with the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR)
While skeptics question the supernatural claims tied to these objects, fans of paranormal lore continue to view the collection as a chilling piece of modern folklore—and a physical link to the Warrens’ ghost-hunting legacy.
Safety Concerns
Rife expressed excitement and cautious respect for the collection’s history, acknowledging its potential paranormal risks. He joked that collecting stamps might be safer—but emphasized the significance of preserving the Warrens’ legacy for enthusiasts and skeptics alike.
Experts and critics have highlighted the murky trustworthiness of some artifacts, noting that the Warrens have often been accused of embellishing or fabricating paranormal encounters. Skeptics including science journalists have called the museum’s contents a reflection of ghost-hunting folklore rather than validated evidence.
With Rife’s stewardship, the Warren legacy enters a new chapter. If zoning hurdles and safety measures can be resolved, the museum may soon open to thrill-seekers and paranormal fans alike.