Exhibit of Sorrows - Full Walkthrough & Lore Guide
Visit the Exhibit of Smiles... if you dare. A carnival of horrors awaits!
🎪What is Exhibit of Sorrows?
Exhibit of Sorrows is a short, unsettling indie horror point-and-click game developed by Maxim Tsai (adayofjoy) with art by Theresa Kao. Released in April 2022, this browser-based game takes you on a tour of a strange circus-themed museum.
What starts as a cheerful visit to the "Exhibit of Smiles" quickly descends into madness. After a power outage, the colorful exhibits reveal their dark, torturous nature, transformed into the "Exhibit of Sorrows". You must solve puzzles and interact with the tormented dolls—Mr. Floaty, Mr. Washy, Mr. Handy, and Ms. Stretch—to collect keys and escape the malevolent Clown who controls them all.
📖The Dark Lore: Victims of the Clown
The "exhibits" you encounter aren't just dolls... they are the past victims of the Clown. The lore suggests a cruel irony in their fates:
- •Mr. Floaty (Balloon): Likely a victim who loved balloons or floating, now forever tethered and popped.
- •Mr. Washy (Bath): Perhaps someone obsessed with cleanliness, now drowning eternally in his own tub.
- •Ms. Stretch (Ribbon): A contortionist or gymnast twisted beyond human limits.
The Clown lures people in, learns their fears or loves, and turns them into ironic displays of eternal suffering. Will you be the next exhibit?
🔑Step-by-Step Walkthrough
To escape, you must collect keys hidden within each exhibit. Be warned: retrieving them often involves hurting the dolls.
1. The Entrance
Enter the Exhibit of Smiles. Interact with the ticket booth and grab your ticket. Enter the main hall and enjoy the happy music... for now.
2. Mr. Floaty (The Balloon)
Initially, just float him. After the blackout, he becomes deflated and sad. You must pop him to get the key inside. Cruel, but necessary.
3. Ms. Stretch (The Ribbon Doll)
Help her stretch. Post-blackout, she is tied up in knots. You have to pull her limbs until she breaks apart to reveal the Start key.
4. Mr. Washy (The Bath Tub)
Scrub him clean. Later, the water turns to dangerous acid. You must reach into the corrosive liquid to drain the tub and find the key, dissolving his flesh in the process.
5. The Jack-in-the-Box
Wind the box. The Clown will eventually pop out. This leads to the final confrontations where your escape depends on your speed and choices.
🎭All Endings Explained
🔚 The Bad Ending (New Exhibit)
If you fail to escape the white room or follow the Clown's tricks, you get trapped. The screen fades, and you become the newest addition to the collection: The Exhibit of Sorrows.
🏃 The Escape Ending
Requires quick reflexes! When the Clown chases you, click the keys he drops and unlock the door as fast as possible. If you succeed, you run out the exit door... but the trauma remains.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I play Exhibit of Sorrows?
You can play it for free right here in your browser! It's also available on platforms like CrazyGames, Newgrounds, and itch.io. No download is required.
Is Exhibit of Sorrows scary?
Yes, it is a psychological horror game. While the art style is cartoonish, the themes of torture, body horror, and entrapment are quite disturbing. There are some jumpscares.
Who is the developer?
The game was created by Maxim Tsai (known as adayofjoy) with art and animation by Theresa Kao.
How long is the game?
It is a short experience, typically taking about 10 to 15 minutes to complete a playthrough.