Serial killer exhibit set open at Atlanta’s Pullman Yards

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A new exhibit on serial killers opens Saturday at Pullman Yards, bringing an educational look at the gruesome subject to Atlanta.

“Serial Killer: The Exhibition” runs through April at the venue, marking its first American stop after previous runs in London, Paris and Berlin.

The 27,000-square-foot exhibit features 42 rooms showcasing 150 killers from 25 countries. Artifacts include Jeffrey Dahmer’s glasses and John Wayne Gacy’s typewriter.

Dr. Bill Kimberlin, a psychiatrist who donated more than 300 items to the exhibit, including letters written to him by serial killers, said the audience makeup might surprise visitors.

“It seems to be that a majority of the followers are female,” Kimberlin said.

He said women are drawn to the subject for practical reasons.

“It has a lot to do with them wanting to be more aware of their surroundings. They also like to problem solve,” Kimberlin said.

Kimberlin said his research has revealed a disturbing pattern among serial killers.

“The common denominator that I’ve found over the years by studying them and interviewing them is they’re all dangerously normal,” he said.

The exhibit includes sections on female serial killers, forensics and a room dedicated to victims. Kimberlin said the focus on victims was important to him.

“A huge emphasis on victims and victimology was huge for me,” he said.

True-crime filmmaker John Borowski said the exhibit exceeded his expectations.

“I thought it was going to be a room of Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, and talking about the evil deeds they did, but it’s much more than that, and I think people will be surprised,” Borowski said.

The exhibit aims to educate visitors about the psychology behind serial killers while acknowledging the ongoing mystery.

“We still don’t know what makes a serial killer,” the exhibit says.