The question who owns the Annabelle doll now has taken center stage following a major announcement that comedian Matt Rife is now the legal guardian of the infamous haunted artifact. In 2025, Rife—along with fellow paranormal enthusiast Elton Castee—assumed responsibility for the Annabelle doll as part of their acquisition of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s legendary occult museum and home in Monroe, Connecticut.
Though not the official owners, Rife and Castee have been granted full custody and preservation rights for the entire haunted collection. Their legal guardianship includes overseeing over 750 objects, but none more iconic than Annabelle herself. This Raggedy Ann-style doll, sealed behind glass with a bold warning not to open, has become synonymous with paranormal legends across the globe.
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Annabelle Doll’s Current Location
The Annabelle doll remains locked inside the original Warren Occult Museum. Despite numerous rumors of it being moved or going missing during previous tours, the doll never left its secure display. It is kept in a reinforced case surrounded by religious symbols and protective rituals, honoring the Warrens’ original safety protocols.
Key facts about its current status:
- Location: Warren Occult Museum, Monroe, Connecticut
- Access: Not open to the public yet
- Security: Sealed in a protective glass case
- Label: “Warning: Positively Do Not Open”
Why Matt Rife?
Matt Rife, a stand-up comedian known for his viral comedy specials, has long expressed interest in the paranormal. His decision to take over the care of the doll and the property reflects a deep fascination with the supernatural. In collaboration with Castee, the plan is to revitalize the museum and eventually open it to the public for guided tours, ghost hunts, and overnight investigations.
This transition occurred shortly after the unexpected passing of a museum handler earlier this year, which left the collection without a full-time guardian. Rife and Castee stepped in to preserve the integrity of the artifacts, pledging to follow the Warrens’ original philosophies and safety measures.
Plans for the Museum’s Future
Rife and Castee are not just holding the collection in storage. They aim to restore and relaunch the Warren Occult Museum as a safe, educational experience that maintains the eerie charm and serious tone of its founders. However, zoning and safety restrictions must first be addressed.
Plans under review:
- Renovating the house and museum building
- Installing fire code–compliant exits and alarms
- Organizing guided tours and controlled paranormal events
- Preserving all original case files and haunted objects
The Annabelle Legacy Continues
The Annabelle doll has gained international fame not only through the Warrens’ lectures and case files, but also through major Hollywood films. While those portrayals dramatize the events, the real doll is said to have caused numerous unexplained phenomena.
Even as legal guardians, Rife and Castee treat Annabelle with extreme caution. Despite being surrounded by skeptics and critics, the doll’s chilling reputation keeps drawing attention. Visitors are not allowed to touch the case, and many rituals are still performed periodically to “cleanse” the space.
Clarifying the Ownership
To answer directly: who owns the Annabelle doll now — Matt Rife and Elton Castee do not own the doll in the legal sense. The estate of the Warrens retains legal ownership. However, Rife and Castee have been entrusted with custodianship, making them responsible for its maintenance, safety, and any public engagement for the next several years.
Their guardianship agreement covers:
- Full authority over museum operations
- Permission to showcase all items, including Annabelle
- Control over all restoration and expansion efforts
Conclusion
So, while ownership technically remains with the Warren family’s estate, Matt Rife and Elton Castee now carry the enormous responsibility of protecting and presenting one of the world’s most feared haunted artifacts. Their efforts to reopen the museum and keep Annabelle’s story alive signal a new chapter in the doll’s infamous journey.
Stay tuned for updates on public access, museum reopening dates, and new paranormal events coming soon. And if you ever find yourself standing in front of the Annabelle case, remember one thing: Do not open it. Ever.