As horror fans packed into Spooky Empire this week, expecting updates on well-known franchises, Universal blindsided the crowd with something much darker—and far more original.
The cheers quickly turned into chills as the next Halloween Horror Nights 2025 haunted house was revealed: El Artista: A Spanish Haunting. But this isn’t just another scare maze. It’s a descent into madness, and it might be the most disturbing house of the season.
Step Inside the Artist’s Mind at Universal
In 19th-century Spain, a tormented artist retreats into a remote countryside manor in search of inspiration. But the silence doesn’t bring peace—it opens the door to something far more sinister. The house—and the art within—become alive.
Ramon Paradoa talks about some of the effects that will be featured inside El Artista: A Spanish Haunting.
Ramon Paradoa talks about some of the effects that will be featured inside El Artista: A Spanish Haunting. @HorrorNightsORL pic.twitter.com/Iw3c0O0MB6
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) June 20, 2025
This is the twisted premise of El Artista, a completely original haunted house announced for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025. Guests will wander through grotesque paintings, haunted hallways, and chilling displays where every room tells a story of unraveling sanity.
Already Being Called “The Best House Yet”
Unlike houses based on famous horror properties like Fallout or Five Nights at Freddy’s, El Artista brings something unique to the table: unpredictability. And that’s exactly why it’s already being hyped by those who worked on it.
Haunted House Announcement: El Artista: A Spanish Haunting In 19th century Spain, a tortured artist moves into an isolated country manor for inspiration, but the art comes alive and possesses him. Tickets are on sale now. – @HorrorNightsORL on X
Haunted House Announcement: El Artista: A Spanish Haunting
In 19th century Spain, a tortured artist moves into an isolated country manor for inspiration, but the art comes alive and possesses him. Tickets are on sale now: https://t.co/CWEaqmil2H #HHN34 pic.twitter.com/4BbcYkpQB1
— Halloween Horror Nights (@HorrorNightsORL) June 20, 2025
Insiders have teased that this might be one of the most visually creative and emotionally intense experiences Universal has ever produced. The design team reportedly poured passion into crafting a psychological horror that feels as personal as it is terrifying.
I don’t say this lightly: This is easily in the top 3 prettiest houses ever built. Every time I’m in there I find something new. The scale is just incredible. – @JordanAHill on X
I don't say this lightly: This is easily in the top 3 prettiest houses ever built. Every time I'm in there I find something new. The scale is just incredible. https://t.co/87ek3UVIrW
— Jordan A. Hill (@JordanAHill) June 20, 2025
Fans of original HHN houses know these often leave the biggest mark—and El Artista seems destined for that legacy.
A Chilling Season Ahead for Universal HHN 34
Halloween Horror Nights 2025 runs select nights from August 29 through November 2 at Universal Orlando Resort. With a strong mix of IP-driven haunts and originals, the season is shaping up to deliver major scares across the board.
Here are some more details about El Artista a Spanish Haunting including concept art, photos from the sets, and a backstory of the haunted house
Here are some more details about El Artista a Spanish Haunting including concept art, photos from the sets, and a backstory of the haunted house@HorrorNightsORL #HHN34 pic.twitter.com/0zIlOMMJbX
— Ethan Hershaft (@EthanHershaft) June 20, 2025
But El Artista stands out for more than just originality—it explores the theme of obsession, the horror of isolation, and what happens when inspiration turns deadly.
As more houses are announced, this one is already gaining buzz as a sleeper hit. Will you walk through the manor? Or will the art consume you first?
The nightmares are coming. And Universal just painted their first masterpiece of terror.
