Shooting in NYC is absolutely amazing, especially if you're a filmmaker or location scout planning to shoot scenes for a historical drama. New York has a variety of remarkable film locations, some of which can be seen in recent award-winning movies and TV shows, such as If Beale Street Could Talk and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Knowing how much the film community values these spaces, we decided to scout camera-friendly spots that are full of history, and create this ultimate guide of vintage filming locations for you. Enjoy!
Private Club
This 126-year-old private club, which was previously used as a film location for Boardwalk Empire, has beautiful architecture and a huge banquet hall. The 3,000 sq ft space is also available as a holding facility. More info >
Cathedral Hall
The downtown Jersey City cathedral was built in 1886. Its spectacular architectural design remains, including the 54-foot ceiling, the stained glass, and a working pipe organ. You can rent it by the room or the entire 20,000 sq ft venue. More info >
Pre-War Brick Home
This is a 4,000 sq ft Neo Georgian house located in a quiet neighborhood in Queens, right across street from a huge city park. The 100-year-old home has a formal dining room; a grand baby piano and a fireplace in the living room; and a terrace offering full front view of the park. More info >
1920's ship
The iconic vessel built in 1929 is currently on the National Register of Historic Places. It was underwater for three years before being raised by salvors and sold to its present owners. After tons of silt and shells were removed from the hull, the ship was outfitted with a new engine and sailed to New York City. While the outside of the ship has been restored to its original appearance, the inside retains the barnacle-encrusted, sunken-ship motif that acknowledges the ship's storied past. More info >
Victorian Row House
This 4,000 sq ft Victorian row house in Sugar Hill comes with original details, including fireplaces. On the ground floor there is a lobby, a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen leading to a small garden. More info >
Banquet Hall
A unique venue housed in the former Polonaise Terrace building, a historic banquet hall and event space located in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This stylish building boasts a striking façade and an even more impressive interior, with four distinct rooms presenting different options for your film. More info >
public bathhouse
Built in 1904, this former public bathhouse has been transformed into a 4,000 square foot industrial studio that's sleek and almost column-free. The interior has exposed brick walls and soaring 20-foot ceilings. More info >
neo-renaissance masterpiece
Designed by Benjamin Wistar Morris and completed in 1921, this 11,000 sq ft space near Wall Street features 65 foot high ceilings, soaring marble columns, magnificent inlaid floors and murals painted by Ezra Winter. More info >
Victorian Beach House
This 2,500 sq ft house is full of character and halfway between the ocean and the bay. Its retro kitchen is quite colorful, and there are cozy rooms all around. More info >
Elegant Church
The ministers and staff of this church would be delighted to collaborate with you to plan your film shoot! The elegant Upper East Manhattan space was built in 1932 and was designed by Richard Upjohn's grandson in the Neo-colonial style with a Regency-influenced brick base. It features neutral, pastel colors with six large chandeliers and five magnificent clear glass windows. The hall is newly renovated with elegant columns and beautiful moldings. More info >
neo-Renaissance palazzo
This "Casa Italiana" was built in 1927. The second-floor teatro is a magnificent room that has a stage with a concert grand Steinway piano; a small balcony; a high coffered ceiling with elegant chandeliers; and large glass doors opening to a garden terrace. The third-floor library is a welcoming, warm space with wood-paneled walls, antique carpets, and leather upholstery; it offers airy views southward and, to the west, over the Columbia campus. More info >
