The Hulu original series “Only Murders in the Building” has captivated audiences with its unique blend of humor, mystery, and intrigue. The show follows the lives of three strangers, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, who share an obsession with true crime podcasts and find themselves embroiled in a real-life murder investigation. As the series unfolds, viewers are treated to a visual feast of New York City’s iconic landscapes and hidden gems. But have you ever wondered where the show is actually filmed? In this article, we’ll delve into the filming locations of “Only Murders in the Building” and explore the real-life settings that bring the show to life.
Introduction to the Show’s Setting
“Only Murders in the Building” is set in the fictional Arconia apartment building, located in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The show’s creators, Steve Martin and John Hoffman, drew inspiration from their own experiences living in New York City, weaving together a narrative that is both a love letter to the city and a send-up of its eccentricities. As the series progresses, the characters’ investigations take them to various locations throughout the city, from upscale restaurants and bars to seedy underworld hangouts and historic landmarks.
The Arconia Apartment Building
The Arconia, the show’s central setting, is a fictional building, but its exterior shots are actually of the historic Belnord apartment building, located at 225 West 86th Street. The Belnord, a stunning example of pre-war architecture, was built in 1908 and features a striking courtyard and ornate façade. While the show’s interior scenes are filmed on a soundstage, the exterior shots of the Belnord provide an authentic glimpse into the lives of Manhattan’s wealthy elite.
A Look at the Belnord’s History
The Belnord has a rich history, having been home to numerous notable residents, including composer Leonard Bernstein and actress Marcia Gay Harden. The building’s courtyard, which features prominently in the show, is a tranquil oasis in the midst of bustling Manhattan. The Belnord’s architecture and design have been meticulously preserved, making it a popular location for film and television productions.
Exploring the Upper West Side
The Upper West Side, where the Arconia is located, is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood, filled with historic buildings, upscale restaurants, and world-class cultural institutions. The show’s characters frequently venture out into the neighborhood, visiting local landmarks like the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park. These locations provide a glimpse into the characters’ lives and personalities, as well as the show’s wry commentary on New York City’s quirks and contradictions.
Notable Filming Locations
While the show’s primary setting is the Arconia, the characters’ investigations take them to various locations throughout the city. Some notable filming locations include the New York Public Library, where Charles, Oliver, and Mabel research the building’s history, and Cafe Sabarsky, a charming Viennese-style coffeehouse on the Upper West Side. These locations add to the show’s authenticity, providing a glimpse into the real New York City that lies beyond the fictional world of the Arconia.
A Tour of the Show’s Filming Locations
For fans of the show, a tour of the filming locations can be a fun and rewarding experience. From the iconic Grand Central Terminal to the picturesque High Line, the show’s locations offer a unique perspective on the city. Visitors can stroll through the Upper West Side, taking in the historic buildings and charming streetscapes that provide the backdrop for the show’s action.
Behind the Scenes
While the show’s filming locations are a key part of its appeal, the production process is equally fascinating. The show’s creators, Steve Martin and John Hoffman, worked closely with the cast and crew to bring the series to life. Steve Martin, a veteran comedian and actor, brought his signature wit and charm to the show, while Martin Short and Selena Gomez delivered standout performances as Oliver and Mabel.
The Show’s Visual Style
The show’s visual style, which blends humor and mystery with a touch of nostalgia, is a key part of its appeal. The production team, led by director Jamie Babbit, worked to create a unique and captivating visual aesthetic, using a combination of vibrant colors and clever camera work to bring the show’s world to life.
The Importance of Location Shooting
Location shooting played a crucial role in the show’s production, allowing the cast and crew to capture the authentic spirit of New York City. By filming on location, the production team was able to tap into the city’s energy and atmosphere, creating a show that feels truly rooted in the real world. As Steve Martin noted in an interview, “The city is a character in the show, and we wanted to capture its essence and spirit.”
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| The Belnord | Historic apartment building used as the exterior of the Arconia |
| Upper West Side | Vibrant and eclectic neighborhood where the Arconia is located |
| New York Public Library | Iconic library where Charles, Oliver, and Mabel research the building’s history |
Conclusion
“Only Murders in the Building” is a show that is deeply rooted in the real world, drawing inspiration from the streets, landmarks, and characters of New York City. By exploring the show’s filming locations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the series and its characters, as well as the city that provides its backdrop. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply a lover of New York City, a tour of the filming locations is a must-see experience. So why not take a stroll through the Upper West Side, visit the iconic Belnord apartment building, and uncover the secrets of “Only Murders in the Building” for yourself?
What is the main filming location of Only Murders in the Building?
The main filming location of Only Murders in the Building is the Arconia apartment building, which is actually the iconic Belnord building located at 225 West 86th Street in Manhattan, New York City. The show’s production team chose this location for its unique and historic architecture, which provides the perfect backdrop for the series’ mysterious and intriguing storyline. The Belnord building’s stunning facade, grand entrance, and beautifully landscaped courtyard are all featured prominently throughout the show.
The Arconia building, as depicted in the series, is a fictionalized version of the real-life Belnord building. While the exterior shots of the building are of the actual Belnord, the interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage. The show’s creators took great care to recreate the interior of the Belnord building, including its ornate details and historic features, to ensure that the fictional Arconia building felt authentic and true to the real-life location. This attention to detail helps to immerse viewers in the world of the show and adds to the overall sense of realism and authenticity.
Where are the interior scenes of the Arconia building filmed?
The interior scenes of the Arconia building are filmed on a soundstage in New York City. The show’s production team built a large and elaborate set that replicates the interior of the Belnord building, including its grand lobby, ornate staircases, and beautifully decorated apartments. The soundstage is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and camera equipment, allowing the show’s cinematographers to capture the intricate details and nuances of the set. The interior scenes are filmed using a combination of static cameras and Steadicam shots, which helps to create a sense of intimacy and realism.
The interior set of the Arconia building is a key element of the show’s production design, and the show’s creators took great care to ensure that it was accurate and true to the real-life Belnord building. The set is decorated with a wide range of props and furnishings, including antique furniture, vintage artwork, and historic artifacts, which helps to create a sense of authenticity and realism. The attention to detail in the set design is evident in every scene, and it helps to draw viewers into the world of the show and make them feel like they are part of the story.
Are the characters’ apartments real locations or sets?
The characters’ apartments in Only Murders in the Building are a combination of real locations and sets. While some of the apartments are filmed on location in actual buildings in New York City, others are built on a soundstage as part of the show’s production design. The show’s creators took great care to ensure that each apartment reflects the unique personality and character of its occupant, using a wide range of props, furnishings, and decorative elements to create a sense of authenticity and realism. The apartments are also used to reveal clues and hints about the characters and their motivations, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to the story.
The use of a combination of real locations and sets for the characters’ apartments helps to create a sense of variety and visual interest, and it allows the show’s creators to have greater control over the look and feel of each scene. The apartments are also used to explore themes and ideas related to class, privilege, and social status, and they provide a unique glimpse into the lives and lifestyles of the characters. Whether filmed on location or built on a soundstage, the characters’ apartments are a key element of the show’s production design, and they help to bring the world of Only Murders in the Building to life.
What other New York City locations are featured in the show?
Only Murders in the Building features a wide range of New York City locations, including iconic landmarks, historic buildings, and trendy neighborhoods. Some of the locations featured in the show include Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the West Village. The show’s creators took great care to showcase the diversity and complexity of New York City, using a wide range of locations to reflect the different characters and storylines. From the upscale boutiques and restaurants of the Upper East Side to the bohemian cafes and art galleries of the West Village, the show’s use of New York City locations helps to create a sense of authenticity and realism.
The show’s use of New York City locations also helps to add to the sense of tension and suspense, as the characters navigate the city’s busy streets and crowded sidewalks. Whether they are walking through Central Park, riding the subway, or attending a party in a trendy nightclub, the characters are always on the go, and the city provides a constant backdrop of energy and activity. The show’s creators took great care to capture the unique rhythms and textures of New York City, using a wide range of camera angles and lighting techniques to bring the city to life. From the bright lights and bustling streets of Times Square to the quiet, tree-lined streets of the West Village, New York City is a key character in Only Murders in the Building.
How does the show’s production team choose filming locations?
The show’s production team chooses filming locations based on a combination of factors, including the script, the characters, and the overall aesthetic of the show. The team works closely with the show’s creators and writers to identify locations that will help to bring the story to life and reflect the unique tone and style of the series. They also consider practical factors, such as accessibility, logistics, and budget, to ensure that the locations are feasible and cost-effective. The team uses a wide range of resources, including location scouts, maps, and online research, to find the perfect locations for each scene.
The show’s production team also works closely with local authorities and location managers to ensure that filming is done safely and responsibly. They obtain necessary permits and permissions, and they take steps to minimize the impact of filming on local residents and businesses. The team is also mindful of the show’s overall carbon footprint and takes steps to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. By choosing filming locations carefully and working closely with local stakeholders, the show’s production team is able to create a unique and authentic world that reflects the complexity and diversity of New York City.
Can fans visit the filming locations in person?
Yes, fans of Only Murders in the Building can visit many of the filming locations in person. The show’s production team uses a wide range of real locations in New York City, and many of these locations are open to the public. Fans can visit the Belnord building, which is the exterior location of the Arconia apartment building, and take a stroll through Central Park, which is featured prominently in the show. They can also visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is the location of a key scene in the series. However, fans should be respectful of private property and local residents, and they should not attempt to enter private buildings or disrupt filming.
Fans can also take guided tours of the show’s filming locations, which provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making of the series. These tours are led by experienced guides who have extensive knowledge of the show and its filming locations, and they provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of Only Murders in the Building. Fans can also attend fan events and conventions, where they can meet the cast and crew and learn more about the show’s production design and filming locations. By visiting the filming locations in person, fans can experience the magic of the show firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work and creativity that goes into bringing the world of Only Murders in the Building to life.
How does the show’s use of filming locations contribute to its overall tone and atmosphere?
The show’s use of filming locations contributes significantly to its overall tone and atmosphere, helping to create a sense of authenticity and realism that draws viewers into the world of the series. The show’s production team uses a wide range of locations to reflect the different characters and storylines, from the upscale apartments and boutiques of the Upper East Side to the bohemian cafes and art galleries of the West Village. The locations are used to create a sense of tension and suspense, as the characters navigate the city’s busy streets and crowded sidewalks. The show’s use of lighting, camera angles, and music also helps to create a unique and atmospheric tone, drawing viewers into the world of the series.
The show’s use of filming locations also helps to explore themes and ideas related to class, privilege, and social status, providing a unique glimpse into the lives and lifestyles of the characters. The locations are used to reveal clues and hints about the characters and their motivations, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to the story. The show’s production team takes great care to ensure that each location is used to maximum effect, using a wide range of techniques to create a sense of intimacy and realism. By combining stunning locations with clever writing and strong performances, the show’s creators have created a unique and captivating world that draws viewers in and refuses to let go.