Credit: UniversalAn original haunted house has been announced for Universal Halloween Horror Nights, something that no one has ever seen before. Many already call it the “best haunted house” in the event’s 34-year run.
Universal HHN 34 Will Be One for the Record Books
Lightning cracked across the Florida sky as fans erupted in applause at Spooky Empire, the horror convention where Universal Orlando decided to unveil its latest haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 2025. Among the screams, cheers, and eerie fog, an original nightmare was born—one with brushstrokes of madness and terror smeared across its canvas.
But what makes this house different from the rest? And why are HHN veterans already calling it “the best haunted house ever”?
Universal Unveils El Artista: A Spanish Haunting
Set in 19th-century Spain, El Artista: A Spanish Haunting is an original haunted house concept that takes guests deep into the mind of a reclusive, tormented artist. Searching for solitude and inspiration, the artist isolates himself in a crumbling countryside manor. But rather than finding peace, he’s consumed by darkness—his creations spring to life in grotesque and nightmarish ways.
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
Each room of the manor tells a different chapter in the artist’s descent into insanity. Guests will walk through blood-splattered canvases, shifting shadow portraits, and halls echoing with ghostly whispers. The manor itself becomes a living, breathing organism of dread.
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
Announced at Spooky Empire—Florida’s premier horror and sci-fi convention known as “the dark side of Comic-Con”—El Artista was met with immediate buzz. Creators and insiders hinted that the haunted house might be one of the most immersive, story-driven experiences ever developed for Halloween Horror Nights.
Why This Haunted House Could Be a Game-Changer
While IP-based haunts like Fallout, Friday the 13th, and Five Nights at Freddy’s naturally draw massive crowds, it’s often the original houses that make the deepest impact. Die-hard HHN fans live for the creativity, the lore, and the originality—and El Artista seems poised to deliver all three in haunting style.
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
Notably, early crew members who helped design the set and effects for El Artista have already called it the most emotionally gripping and terrifying house Universal has attempted in years. One source reportedly said the house “blurs the line between art and horror in a way we’ve never done before.”
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
Could this be the sleeper hit of the season? Or will it get overshadowed by its IP-heavy neighbors? That remains to be seen—but if history tells us anything, original houses like Dead Man’s Pier and Scarecrow: The Reaping have gone on to become fan-favorite legends.
Halloween Horror Nights 2025 Lineup Continues to Grow at Universal
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025 officially runs on select nights from August 29 through November 2, bringing an ever-expanding roster of terrifying attractions. Alongside El Artista, guests can expect to scream through houses based on Fallout, Friday the 13th, and Five Nights at Freddy’s, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks.
For those craving something fresh, poetic, and spine-chillingly unique, El Artista may be this year’s must-see experience. It’s not just a haunted house—it’s an unraveling psyche, a living painting of horror.
So when the fog rolls in and the screams echo from across the park, will you step into the manor? Or will you stay outside, wondering what nightmares await within the art?
Only one thing’s certain: this summer sunshine won’t last forever. The haunting is coming—and it’s bringing its own brushstrokes of terror.