New Stanley Film Center in Colorado Receives Killer Gift

A new major film and music entertainment complex in Estes Park, Colorado received the perfect donation to kickstart the center.

According to a press release, an anonymous donor recently donated the axe used by Jack Nicholson in the filming of the cult-classic horror film The Shining to the Stanley Film Center.

Axe Sold At Auction

The axe was recently auctioned by GottaHaveRockandRoll and is reported to have sold to a "successful businessman" who beat out 12 other bidders.

With a buyer's premium of $35,000, the winner paid approximately $175,000 for the axe which is made of foam and resin.

However, the axe does come in a 25 x 2.5 x 40.5 shadow box frame with photos from the film and also contains a letter from NORANK Engineering, Engineers to the Film, Television and Entertainment Industry, dated June 8, 1989 stating that the axe prop was used in The Shining.

Axe Donated to Stanley Film Center

The bidding came to a close on  Saturday, April 30, 2022 and just a few days later, the "successful businessman" chose to donate the iconic prop to the Stanley Film Center.

"I can't think of anything more appropriate than this piece of film history to start the museum's collection," said incoming Stanley Film Center CEO Rand Harrington. "The Center and its museum are going to be a must-go destination for film lovers from around Colorado, the country, and world."

The Stanley Hotel and the Stanely Film Center

The Stanley Film Center is a new non-profit entity being constructed on the grounds of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado.

The Center is stated to be," a multi-genre film and music venue with the horror film genre as the theme of the museum."

The museum and Center are still under construction and are set to open in the spring of 2024. Fortunately for us, the axe will still be able to see the light of day and will be incorporated into tours at the Stanley Hotel until the film center opens.

"This is the first of many exciting announcements we expect to make over the next two years," said Harrington. "We look forward to sharing more about the center, its mission, its construction milestones, and its opening events, so definitely stay tuned."