COMEDIAN MATT RIFE BECOMES GUARDIAN OF THE WARREN OCCULT MUSEUM
The Annabelle Doll Finds a New Keeper
Welcome back, dear readers of Occult World, where history, mystery, and the supernatural meet beneath one lantern of truth.
Today’s story takes us to Monroe, Connecticut, where the legacy of two of America’s most renowned demonologists — Ed and Lorraine Warren — has found an unexpected new steward: comedian Matt Rife.
A New Era for the Warren Occult Museum
In August 2025, Matt Rife and fellow paranormal enthusiast Elton Castee announced they had purchased the former home and Occult Museum of Ed & Lorraine Warren.
The pair have become legal guardians of the haunted artifact collection — including the infamous Annabelle doll — under a five-year custodial agreement with the Warren family.
The property, purchased under the business name Haunted Homes LLC, was sold for approximately US$1 million, according to Connecticut business records.
Ownership of the artifacts remains with Tony and Judy Spera, the Warrens’ daughter and son-in-law, who continue to oversee the museum’s spiritual and curatorial management.
“I have officially purchased Ed and Lorraine Warren’s home and Occult Museum,”
said Rife in his August announcement.
“Including being the legal guardian, for at least the next five years, of the entire haunted collection — including THE ANNABELLE DOLL.”
(Instagram, August 2025)
For readers new to this saga, the Warren Occult Museum has long been a cornerstone of modern demonology and haunted object research, both of which are extensively covered in our Haunted Objects Section and Demonology Archives.
The Warren Legacy
Founded in the 1950s by Ed and Lorraine Warren, the museum became a repository of cursed relics, demonic artifacts, and items tied to famous hauntings — including the Annabelle doll, the Conjuring mirror, and ritual implements recovered from exorcisms.
The museum closed to the public in 2019 after zoning disputes in Monroe, leaving its eerie halls silent for six years. Rife and Castee’s purchase now aims to reopen the site for guided tours and overnight paranormal experiences, restoring a chapter of occult history to those brave enough to visit.
According to Connecticut Insider, the new owners plan to work with local authorities to bring the museum into compliance with current safety regulations before welcoming the public once again.
“They’ve shown genuine intent,” a Monroe town official stated, “but nothing is final until their plans appear before the Planning & Zoning Commission.”
(CTInsider, 2025)
If approved, the Warren home could reopen its doors by late 2025, offering a limited number of overnight stays — reportedly at around US$1,999 per night — allowing visitors to spend the night among the Warren artifacts under strict supervision.
Reactions from the Paranormal Community
The announcement has drawn passionate reactions from researchers and believers alike.
Chris Gilloren of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) confirmed that the guardianship agreement is genuine but emphasised that the Spera family still owns every artifact.
Meanwhile, veteran investigators have expressed concern.
TMZ quoted one researcher warning that “dark energies may attach to those who underestimate the collection.”
On social media, however, enthusiasm reigns. Fans of The Conjuring universe — based on the Warrens’ case files — celebrated the news as a revival of America’s most iconic haunted site.
For readers of Occult World, this development is more than celebrity gossip — it marks the reopening of one of the world’s few authentic occult museums, a place that bridges faith, folklore, and fear.
The Annabelle Doll: Still Watching
At the heart of this story lies one object above all others: Annabelle, the Raggedy Ann doll said to be possessed by a demonic entity masquerading as a child.
Encased in glass and labelled “Warning: Positively Do Not Open”, the doll is considered one of the most dangerous artifacts in the Warren archives.
As we explored in our dedicated feature The Annabelle Case – Possessed Raggedy Ann Doll, her legend has influenced everything from paranormal investigation protocols to Hollywood horror.
Now, under Rife’s custodianship, Annabelle once again becomes the focal point of both fascination and fear.
Preserving the Haunted Legacy
Both Rife and Castee have stressed their respect for the Warrens’ legacy and for the spiritual responsibility that comes with handling sacred and dangerous relics.
In a joint statement, they wrote:
“This is not a tourist stunt — it’s an effort to honour the Warrens’ work and ensure these artifacts are preserved, studied, and respected for generations to come.”
The Occult World community will continue to follow the developments closely.
Readers can expect upcoming reports, interviews, and historical retrospectives about the museum’s reopening, the logistics of haunted object containment, and the ethical dimensions of demonology in the modern age.
What This Means for Occult World Readers
This acquisition is more than a real-estate headline — it’s a living continuation of America’s paranormal heritage.
For our readers, it signifies a renewed opportunity to:
- Visit one of the most documented sites of supernatural history.
- Study the physical manifestations of cursed artifacts.
- Participate in a global dialogue about belief, energy, and the unseen realms.
Stay tuned to Occult-World.com for verified updates, photo reports, and exclusive insights into the reawakening of the Warren Occult Museum.
SOURCES
- Connecticut Insider – “Warrens’ Occult Museum and house in CT to open to private, overnight stays.” August 2025.
- The Hollywood Reporter – “Matt Rife buys Ed and Lorraine Warren’s home and becomes guardian of the haunted Annabelle doll.” August 2025.
- People Magazine – “Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga React to Matt Rife Buying the Real-Life Conjuring House.” August 2025.
- New Haven Register – “Sale of the Warrens’ Occult Museum in Monroe confirmed.” August 2025.
- TMZ – “Matt Rife Putting People at Risk with Warren Museum Purchase, Paranormal Expert Warns.” August 2025.
- Instagram Announcement – Matt Rife (@mattrife), August 2025.
