The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colo., where Stephen King was inspired to create his 1977 bestseller “The Shining,” wants to go one step closer to the dark side.

Last week, the landmark hotel near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park released plans to create a building that would house a horror-themed museum, film production studio and film archive.

Plans for the Stanley Film Center call for an auditorium, museum, traveling film exhibits such as “The Walking Dead” based on the film work of Charlie Adlard, a sound stage and post-production and editing space. It would operate as a nonprofit public-private partnership, a statement says, and partner with the Colorado Film School in Denver on educational projects.

Actor Elijah Wood of the “Lord of the Rings” movies and British actor Simon Pegg are among those on the museum’s founding board, the statement says.


But first the state has to say yes.

The Stanley is seeking $11.5 million in Colorado tourism funds to shore up the $24 million it would cost to complete the idea of housing a “year-round horror destination.”

The hotel is best known as the model for the Overlook Hotel in King’s horror novel -- a link it likes to showcase to visitors. It offers ghostly tours and hosts a horror film festival every year.

The 140-room hotel built in the Colonial Revival style opened in 1909. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places.


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