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American Horror Story  movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was American Horror Story filmed?

2011

City Locations

Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Orange, and Burbank, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana (USA)

Location Types

Mansion, Hospital, Estate, Hotel, Film Studio

Location Styles

American Art Deco, Bohemian, Colonial, Georgian, Creole, Greek

About American Horror Story

American Horror Story is a horror anthology series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk that premiered on the cable network FX in 2011. The show has gained immense popularity for its unique blend of horror, psychological thriller, and dark humor. Through its thirteen seasons, American Horror Story has featured an all-star cast of actors that includes Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and Jessica Lange, as well as guest stars like Lady Gaga and Angela Bassett.

Each season follows a different storyline, with characters and settings changed to embody a new story arc. Some of the most notable storylines include Coven, which follows a coven of witches in modern-day New Orleans, Freak Show, about one of the few remaining freaks shows in ‘50s America, Hotel, set in a haunted Los Angeles guest accommodation, Apocalypse, which centers around end times, and Roanoke where survivors tell their stories of horror on an isolated island.

Each season of the show derives some inspiration from real-life events, with many performers reprising their roles or taking on new characters. American Horror Story has also received numerous reviews from critics and fans. Still, its cast, especially Jessica Lange, who won two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performances- have been consistently praised.

James Cromwell and Kathy Bates each earned an Emmy Award, while Lady Gaga bagged herself a Golden Glob. The series draws in high ratings for FX network, with its first season being the most viewed new cable series of 2011.

American Horror Story Locations

American Horror Story has been filmed in some of the most iconic and historic areas around the United States. From Los Angeles to New Orleans, the production team has found many great locations that drive the show's unique atmosphere. Most scenes have been shot in Los Angeles and New Orleans, two cities with vastly different backdrops that provide an excellent aesthetic for the horror anthology.

The backdrop of Los Angeles is represented through the Rosenheim Mansion and Hotel Cortez, both legendary structures from different eras. They are also situated amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life in Los Angeles, where you can find tall skyscrapers and busy streets outside their doors.

On the other hand, New Orleans provides a much more traditional Southern backdrop with its historic architecture and vibrant culture, as seen at Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies.

A trip to these locations would be worthwhile for any American Horror Story fan looking to experience the show's atmosphere up close. Not only do fans get to explore some fascinating landmarks, but they would also get to experience vibrant cities full of culture and history. Whether you're looking for an eerie weekend getaway or want to become better acquainted with one of America's most extraordinary shows, visiting the filming location of American Horror Story will not disappoint!

Briarcliff asylum scenes in American Horror Story

211 W Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701, USA

Asylum from season 2 is set in a private mental hospital, Briarcliff Manor. It's a dark and haunting place where terrible things happen and the consequences are often devastating. The atmosphere of the site is one of dread, with its walls covered in barbed wire and the occasional glimpse of something living in the shadows.

Following the mysterious disappearance of his wife Alma (Britne Oldford), Kit Walker (Evan Peters) is accused of being a notorious serial killer known as "Bloody Face" and imprisoned at Briarcliff. Despite this, he maintains that aliens abducted her.

The exteriors of the asylum scenes were filmed at the Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, California. This Romanesque Revival-style building dates back to 1901 and is still used by the OC county government today. It has an impressive facade featuring an arched entranceway and tall spires atop its red brick walls. Its interior features large courtrooms with grand staircases leading up to them and other rooms decorated similarly to their original 1901 look.

To get to this location, fly into John Wayne Airport, which is located 15 minutes away from Santa Ana, or take a train/bus to Santa Ana regional station. From there you can catch a local bus or taxi service to the Orange County Courthouse, where you can experience the American Horror Story filming location firsthand.

Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies scenes in American Horror Story

1410 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Coven (season 3) is one of the most memorable settings in the show. It recounts the tale of Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies, where much of the show's magic, mystery, and horror takes place.

The mansion is a classic antebellum residence with stately columns, ornate iron balconies, beautiful gardens, and large grounds that evoke a feeling of Southern Gothic charm. Oblivious to the world of witches, Zoe Benson (Taissa Farmiga), a young teenager, finds out her identity as an offspring from Salem after witnessing the death of her boyfriend in an accident. To protect and shelter other girls with similar bloodlines, she must move into a boarding school in New Orleans that safeguards them from potential dangers outside its walls.

The scene was filmed in New Orleans' Garden District. In 1856, Harry Sullivan Buckner set out to construct the grandest residence in Natchez, Mississippi, one that surpassed even his ex-partner and rival Frederick Stanton's mansion (which still stands today!).

For nearly 70 years, from 1856 until 1923, the Buckners dwelled in their magnificent abode. It was then transformed into the Soule Business School, an esteemed establishment that remained open until 1983.

To get to this location, take public transportation or drive to 1410 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, the journey will take about 10 minutes from the center of New Orleans. It is only a short walk from popular attractions like Lafayette Cemetery No 1 and St Louis Cemetery No 3. Additionally, plenty of restaurants and bars nearby allow visitors to sample traditional Creole cuisine.

Mott manor scenes in American Horror Story

7 Bamboo Rd, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA

The opening shot of the Mott mansion, from season 4, and its grounds creates an atmosphere of dread and foreboding, with Dora Brown's (Patti LaBelle) body buried in the flowerbeds creating a sinister aura. Gloria (Frances Conroy) and Dandy Mott (Finn Wittrock) contrast this with their glamorous lifestyle, living in luxury while hosting their Freak Show at the house. Subsequently, Dora's daughter Regina (Gabourey Sidibe) goes to the Mott household in search of her mother and tenaciously stays until she finds answers. Ironically, this scene defines American Horror Story for fans. It introduces many of the show's main characters and themes, from repression and societal norms to poor etiquette and gothic horror. It also showcases some of New Orleans' unique architecture, including wrought iron balconies, second-story verandas, and intricate details of Longue Vue House & Gardens. Longue Vue House & Gardens was used for the exterior shots of Freak Show. Located in New Orleans' Garden District, it is a sprawling estate surrounded by lush gardens and 20 rooms filled with English and American antiques. The house took three years to build, completed in 1942, so visitors can experience what life was like during that era. Tours are offered on Wednesdays through Sundays throughout the year; tickets can be purchased online or at their front desk upon arrival. To get to this location, drive via I-10 W or take a public bus (E1 or E2) from anywhere in New Orleans to Longue Vue House & Gardens at 7 Bamboo Road.

Hotel Cortez scenes in American Horror Story

617 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA

The scene of the James Oviatt Building in downtown Los Angeles for American Horror Story’s season 5, is both eerie and captivating. It serves as a reminder of the hotel's dark past, hinting at the crimes committed there by serial killer Richard Ramirez (Anthony Ruivivar).

Richard Ramirez used the hotel as his hideout during his murderous rampage, often discarding bloody garments outside its rear entrance. In 2013, Canadian student Elisa Lam went missing and guests started voicing complaints of low water pressure and a strange flavor in the tap water. Upon examining the hotel's tank, investigators spotted Lam floating within it.

Elevator camera footage later revealed her frantically pressing all buttons before hiding in a corner. She motions for someone unseen beyond the doors to join her, an enigma yet to be unraveled today.

The Oviatt Building, designed by Walker & Eisen in 1927, was one of the earliest buildings constructed in downtown Los Angeles. It stands six stories tall and features an imposing facade with elaborate carvings and arched windows. Visiting the infamous Hotel Cortez, with its Art Deco-style murder and mystery, is sadly impossible, given that the show’s scenes were almost entirely filmed on a soundstage. However, you can still experience this glamourous setting by visiting The James Oviatt Building in downtown Los Angeles which served as the exterior filming location.

Located at 617 S Olive Street in downtown LA, it is just a few blocks away from Pershing Square Metro station (served by Red Line and Purple Line trains). Those driving can get there using N Hill St or S Hill St from downtown LA, parking spots are available on Olive Street.

Sepulveda Dam scene in American Horror Story

15758 Burbank Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA

The scene at Sepulveda Dam in American Horror Story Apocalypse, season 8, is notably intense, with Cordelia (Sarah Paulson) and the coven of Ariel (Jon Jon Briones), Baldwin (BD Wong), and Miriam (Kathy Bates), a trio of warlocks, facing treason against the coven.

The witches do not kill them, leaving it to a resurrected John Henry (Cheyenne Jackson) to pour gasoline over the three and set them on fire. It's one of the most chilling moments for AHS fans as it symbolizes the power of the coven and their ability to mete out justice when needed.

This scene was filmed at Sepulveda Dam at 15758 Burbank Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA. The dam is a popular filming location used in many other projects, including Iron Man 2. The basin underneath the dam is open to visitors, but unfortunately, the top portion is not accessible. By car, take US-101 N towards N Spring St and Ventura Fwy, then turn right onto Hayvenhurst Ave.

Conclusion

American Horror Story is a mind-blowing show with an impressive cast, script, and storyline that keeps viewers wanting more. The show features well-known actors like Jessica Lange, Emma Roberts, Sarah Paulson, Lady Gaga, and Evan Peters, who have done incredible work in making the story come to life. Moreover, the pilot episode was one of the best in the 2011 fall season, trailblazing a new era in the horror genre.

The anthology offers a great mashup, from fantasy themes to horror, that contributes significantly to its appeal. It showcases captivating storylines and references related to well-known gothic horror characters like Sabrina (in the third season, Coven), which intrigues viewers. The overall production behind American Horror Story is admirable and remarkable as it gives us chilling moments with unexpected plot twists and turns.

This unique blend of horror has been celebrated by many movie critics who believe it offers something different from other shows on basic cable. The show also stands out due to its powerful message about how people are “deplorable” in society, and a subtle criticism towards liberal correctness runs amok. All these elements come together brilliantly to create an unforgettable experience for viewers.

Overall, American Horror Story is a must-watch for anyone who is a huge fan of the horror genre. It offers something for everyone, from comedy to dystopian elements. With its witty script, interesting characters, and excellent cinematography, this show will surely keep you glued to the end!