Mapping NYC

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.

Hollywood in NYC: Tour Iconic Movie Spots

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.