Bent Neck Lady

Bent Neck Lady: The Mysterious Vanishing Painting at the Stanley Hotel

A Chilling Tale of Art, Intrigue, and the Supernatural

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is steeped in a rich history and numerous ghostly legends. Among these tales, the legend of the "Bent Neck Lady" stands out as one of the hotel's most persistent and fascinating mysteries.

Allegedly, the Bent Neck Lady is the ghost of a young woman who was murdered in Room 217 of the hotel in the early 20th century. Guests and staff have reported seeing her apparition wandering the halls, her head twisted at an unnatural angle.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Bent Neck Lady legend is the mysterious disappearance of her portrait from the hotel in the 1970s. The portrait was reportedly painted by a guest who claimed to have seen the ghost and was said to be a chillingly accurate depiction of her.

The Investigation into the Missing Painting

In 1999, paranormal investigator John Edmonds conducted an extensive investigation into the mystery of the Bent Neck Lady and the missing painting. Edmonds interviewed witnesses, searched hotel records, and even performed a series of experiments in Room 217.

Edmonds' investigation revealed several intriguing clues but failed to uncover the definitive fate of the painting. Some witnesses claimed to have seen the painting as late as the mid-1990s, while others insisted it had vanished much earlier.

One theory suggests that the painting was removed from the hotel by a guest who was fascinated by the legend. Another theory posits that the hotel staff hid the painting away after it became a source of negative publicity.

The Legacy of the Bent Neck Lady

Despite the ongoing mystery surrounding her portrait, the Bent Neck Lady has become an iconic figure in the annals of paranormal lore. Her legend has been featured in numerous books, documentaries, and even a made-for-TV movie.

The story of the Bent Neck Lady serves as a reminder of the enduring power of mystery and the allure of the unknown. Whether or not she truly existed, her legacy continues to fascinate and captivate those who seek to unravel the secrets of the past.

Visitors to the Stanley Hotel can still book a stay in Room 217, where the Bent Neck Lady is said to roam. For those brave enough to experience the supernatural, the hotel offers a variety of ghost tours and paranormal investigations.