Where was American Horror Story filmed?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.