The beautiful Casa Calaveras: Walk-thru Art Experience takes temporary residence at 2025 Midsummer Scream welcoming all attendees into the world of the dead. The intimate series of immersive, peek-in dioramas celebrates a tragically departed couple, José and Gloria.
Here’s a full look at the Casa Calaveras: A Walk-thru Art Experience during 2025 Midsummer Scream.
A display outside of the exhibit provides context on the experience.
José and Gloria are a happy couple like any other. Except for one small thing: they’re dead.
They share the spotlight in George Newnam’s CASA CALAVERAS: A Walk-Thru Art Experience. Their life-size, papier-mâché calaveras, or skulls, are prominently featured in spectacular neon-glowing dioramas. The brightly colored artwork and multicultural music create an atmosphere you will never forget.
It’s been over twenty years since its inception in 1999. George initially started doing a haunted house in his home garage on Halloween night. It had no connection with Día de los Muertos.
Then Newnam’s abuelita bought him a picture book on the holiday. George was so captivated by it, his haunted house began to transform. Growing up biracial, he never felt a strong connection to his Mexican roots, but this book helped him to reconnect. Working alongside his Chiapas-born mother, Rebecca Newnam, also an artist in her own right, they crafted all the life-size skeletons you see in the show. George did the papier-mâché while Rebecca painted their faces and styled their hair and clothing. Even longtime family friend David Moore lent his hand as technical engineer and structurally supported the figures.
Through an elaborate series of peek-in dioramas, Newnam tells the story of lovebirds José and Gloria. “They died in a freak accident before their wedding day,” he reveals. And though the tale may be fictional, many guests believe it to be true. “But on Día de los Muertos their spirits are given a second chance to come back and realize their dreams.” From getting married in their family crypt to visiting a fortune teller during Mardi Gras, to even a honeymoon in Japan, these are but a few of the dreams you get to fully immerse yourself in.
George’s knack for storytelling stems from his childhood days when he’d make VHS movies with the neighborhood kids. Later, he’d attend Chapman University, where he majored in film production, and upon graduating, completed a dark comedy short film. The attraction takes five to seven days to install, with each scene set to music. Newnam has the most fun putting it together. He strategically uses black lights to give the skeletons, as well as the props and sets, an otherworldly glow.
For those props and sets, George enlisted the talents of artist Norman Chou. With a background in building design, he brings artistry and architectural integrity to the set pieces. Chou also designs the floor plans, which heighten the flow of the story. Over the years, Casa Calaveras has been exhibited at several prominent venues throughout SoCal: The Bowers Museum, Museum of Latin American Art, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, The Downey City Library, East Los Angeles Library, San Juan Capistrano Library, and most recently Midsummer Scream, to name just a few.
Even though George’s mom has passed on, he has managed to continue growing and enhancing the exhibit. “It’s amazing to think it all started as a Halloween haunt,” says George. “Over the years we’ve lost other crew members, but I’m committed to keeping the love story of José and Gloria very much alive.”
Video
Below is our quick video walkthrough of the stunning exhibition.
Photos
See it for Yourself
Midsummer Scream takes place at the Long Beach Convention Center from August 15 – 17, 2025.
But Wait, There’s More!
Don’t miss out on any of our coverage across the MouseInfo TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts for the latest from the event!
