Ever wondered how many movies you've watched that were filmed on the very streets you walk every day? Or perhaps you've passed by a seemingly ordinary corner, completely unaware that it's a star in its own right? Get ready to lift the curtain on New York City's most cinematic secrets! Inspired by You Are Here, a 16-screen immersive film featured in our centennial exhibition This Is New York, our latest walking tour takes you beyond the museum walls and plunges you into the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Unearth the real-life settings of 14 iconic film scenes, unlock their hidden stories, and see the city through a lens you never knew existed. This isn't just a tour; it's your backstage pass to New York City's captivating cinematic universe.
In the 2006 film "The Devil Wears Prada," Gapstow Bridge in Central Park is the setting for a pivotal scene. Anne Hathaway's character, Andy Sachs, is assisting on an outdoor photoshoot for the fashion magazine Runway. Amidst the chaos of the shoot, Andy has a moment of realization about the high-pressure, high-fashion world she's become a part of.
Gapstow Bridge is also the setting for a key scene in "Cruel Intentions" (1999), where Ryan Phillippe's character, Sebastian, first encounters Reese Witherspoon's character, Annette. Their meeting on this bridge, overlooking the tranquil pond, marks the beginning of a complex game of seduction and betrayal. As you stand on this bridge, you can almost feel the tension of their initial encounter and the dramatic events that follow.
The Plaza Hotel is the setting for a tense confrontation in the 1974 film "The Great Gatsby." Jay Gatsby, played by Robert Redford, confronts Tom Buchanan, played by Bruce Dern, about his love for Daisy, Tom's wife. The hotel's opulent Oak Room mirrors the decadence and excess of the Roaring Twenties depicted in the film. As you stand in the grandeur of The Plaza, you can almost feel the tension of the confrontation and the tragic passion of Gatsby's unrequited love.
In the 1969 film "Midnight Cowboy," Jon Voight's character, Joe Buck, a naive Texan, walks these streets as he tries to navigate the harsh realities of New York. This location embodies the city's grit and resilience and the stark contrast between Joe's cowboy persona and the urban jungle around him. As you walk these streets, you can almost feel the same sense of disorientation and determination that Joe experienced.
Christie's auction house, located at 20 Rockefeller Plaza, plays a pivotal role in the 1996 film "First Wives Club." In a satisfying scene, the scorned first wives - Elise (Goldie Hawn), Brenda (Bette Midler), and Annie (Diane Keaton) - exact their revenge on their ex-husbands by auctioning off their prized possessions. This location is a testament to the film's enduring message: "Don't get mad, get everything.
Tiffany & Co., located at 610 5th Ave, is the setting for one of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history. In the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Audrey Hepburn, playing the role of the eccentric and enigmatic Holly Golightly, is introduced in an iconic opening scene. Tiffany & Co. is more than just a backdrop in this film; it's a symbol of the elegance, sophistication, and glamour that Holly aspires to. As you stand before the famed jeweler's Fifth Avenue location, you can almost picture Holly there, her dreams as bright as the diamonds in the window. This location serves as a timeless reminder of the allure of New York City, and the enduring appeal of "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
In the 1992 holiday classic "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," the iconic Radio City Music Hall is featured prominently. Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, finds himself alone in the Big Apple after boarding the wrong plane. As he navigates the city, he passes by the dazzling Radio City Music Hall marquee. Radio City Music Hall stands out as a symbol of New York's vibrant cultural scene. As you stand before it, you can almost feel the excitement and wonder that Kevin must have felt during his unforgettable adventure in the city that never sleeps.
Christie's auction house, located at 20 Rockefeller Plaza, plays a pivotal role in the 1996 film "First Wives Club." In a satisfying scene, the scorned first wives - Elise (Goldie Hawn), Brenda (Bette Midler), and Annie (Diane Keaton) - exact their revenge on their ex-husbands by auctioning off their prized possessions. This location is a testament to the film's enduring message: "Don't get mad, get everything.
In the 1988 film "Big," FAO Schwarz, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, is the setting for one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history. Tom Hanks, playing the role of Josh Baskin, a young boy trapped in an adult's body, visits this legendary toy store. The store, filled with every toy imaginable, is a paradise for the childlike Josh. The most memorable moment occurs when Josh and the company's owner, played by Robert Loggia, perform a duet on the store's giant floor piano, hopping from key to key to play "Heart and Soul" and "Chopsticks." This scene captures the joy, wonder, and innocence of childhood in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages.
In the 2005 romantic comedy "Trust The Man," Sardi's restaurant, located at 234 W 44th St, plays a significant role. Julianne Moore's character, Rebecca, is a successful actress who often frequents this iconic restaurant with her husband, Tom, played by David Duchovny. Sardi's, a favorite spot for Broadway actors and fans alike, is where the characters often gather after performances. The restaurant, with its caricature-covered walls, is a symbol of the theater community and serves as a meeting point for the characters to discuss their relationships and personal struggles.
Now as you make your way towards the Empire State Building at 765 8th Ave, Robert De Niro's character, Travis Bickle, is seen walking through this very street on the movie poster. confronting the harsh realities of urban life in the 1976 film "Taxi Driver." This gritty location encapsulates the darker side of the city that never sleeps.
In the 1976 film "King Kong," the Empire State Building plays a pivotal role. This iconic skyscraper, located at 20 W 34th St, is the setting for the film's climactic showdown. Kong, the giant ape, is brought to New York City as a spectacle, but he breaks free and, with Jessica Lange's character Dwan in hand, climbs to the top of the Empire State Building. The climactic scene, with Kong swatting at helicopters while perched atop the building, is one of the most iconic in film history. It's a poignant commentary on the clash between nature and civilization, and the often destructive consequences of human ambition.
Bryant Park, a serene oasis amidst the city's hustle, has been featured in numerous films. Bryant Park was transformed into a battleground in "Spider Man" (2002), where Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man has a showdown with the Green Goblin. This serene park symbolized the city's resilience in the face of danger.
In "Sex and The City" (2008), Bryant Park is the setting for the iconic fashion show scene where Carrie works as a model. The park, usually a haven of tranquility, is transformed into a glamorous runway, epitomizing the city's fashion scene.
You've arrived at the corner of 5th Ave & W 42nd St where Jennifer Aniston's character, Kate, hails a taxi in the 1997 romantic comedy "Picture Perfect." It's a pivotal scene where Kate takes control of her life, embodying the spirit of New York's independent women.
At the same corner, the 1999 film "The Thomas Crown Affair" features a thrilling scene where Pierce Brosnan's character, a millionaire art thief, cleverly evades capture. The bustling streets of New York serve as the perfect backdrop for this high-stakes cat-and-mouse game
As we come to the end of the tour standing at 220 E 42nd St, the cinematic stand-in for the Daily Planet in the 1978 "Superman" film. This location was the hub of journalistic activity where Clark Kent worked as a reporter, his disguise when he wasn't saving the world as Superman. Feel the energy of the newsroom that was central to the Man of Steel's story.