“I killed for pleasure, not for need…” was the “reason” given by Ukrainian serial killer Andrei Chikatilo for sexually assaulting, murdering and mutilating at least 52 women and children between 1978 and 1990. The ‘Rostov Ripper’ and 19 other killers’ stories feature in a first-of-its-kind immersive experience taking visitors inside the minds of the world’s most notorious serial killers, through documentaries, virtual reality (VR) experiences, case files and psychological profile boards. The Mind of a Serial Killer: The Experience, opening 18 July at Tours et
Taxis, is “a 90-120 minute 20-stop gripping psychological journey into the darkest corners of the human mind,” says exhibition producers Exhibition Hub and Fever. The killers range from ‘poison witch’ Locusta who notably saw off Emperor Claudius and son Britannicus in Ancient Rome to ‘Milwaukee Monster’ Jeffrey Dahmer, who murdered and dismembered 17 men and boys between 1978 and 1991. The experience begins by exploring the Investigation Office, showing behind-the-scenes work of criminal profiling, investigative processes and the human element crucial in solving complex serial
killer cases. Here, it is possible to discover “personality patterns and the motivational categories of 20 of history’s most notorious criminals”. These include John Wayne Gacy ‘The Killer Clown’, who sexually assaulted and murdered at least 33 young men and teenage boys in the Chicago area during the 1970s, the UK’s Harold Shipman, who “thought he was helping” in killing around 250 of his patients, and the only woman apart from Locusta, Aileen Wuornos, who murdered seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990. The
show, understandably barred to under-16s, proposes an “educative and documented” approach “far from sensationalism”, organisers emphasise. It also acknowledges the victims and the importance of protection and awareness. Visitors will see carefully reconstructed crime scenes, authentic interviews, video archives and expert psychological analysis. Highlights of the exhibition are the pop culture gallery exploring how true crime has shaped books, films and television. It also shows how the media has transformed criminals into cautionary tales. A VR experience places viewers in the role of an investigator,
handling office work and face-to-face dealings with the killer. “We’ve seen immersive experiences reshape how audiences connect with history, science, art and pop culture,” said John Zaller, Exhibition Hub creative director, at the launch of the experience in New York earlier this year. “With this exhibition, we’re delving into one of today’s most popular phenomenons: true crime, a theme deeply rooted in human nature and storytelling throughout history.” For fans of true crime dramas, criminal investigations, psychology and immersive storytelling, this experience may offer answers
to why killers like Ted Bund said, “What’s one less person on the face of the earth anyway?” Ticket prices from €17.90 for adults; €15.90 for students and seniors. The Mind of a Serial Killer: The Experience From 18 July Tours et Taxis, Shed 3.2 Avenue du Port 86C Brussels Photos: ©The Mind of a Serial Killer: The Experience
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