A Philadelphia local historic society tried to prevent the new Pennhurst Asylum haunt from opening, but has failed.

I’ve been excited ever since I heard that Randy Bates of the Bates Motel was involved with the creation of this new haunt. I intend to check it out as soon as I can. SRSLY LOOK:

I’m a bit baffled as to why there was such an objection to this building being converted into a haunt and historical museum much like Eastern State Penitentiary. The alternative was that it was to be demolished. My understanding was that a group of people had taken offense to a site that had been used to treat special needs patients being used as a commercial venture. Bates had created a fake storyline about it being an insane asylum (instead of a special needs facility) for the purposes of the haunt.

The conversion of this facility into a haunt is what saved this historical building from being demolished. I know for a fact that if it is good, I’ll be more than happy to support the upkeep with my money every year. I’m glad that the judge had the sense to allow the project to continue.

Here is some promo footage from last year when the haunt was just being developed: