Where was Argo filmed?

On November 4, 1979, outside the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, militants are demonstrating, demanding the return of the Shah to Iran for trial. As protesters manage to breach the perimeter fence, orders are issued to begin the destruction of all embassy records, some through shredding and others by burning. Vital equipment is also destroyed in an urgent bid to protect sensitive information.

This intense sequence was filmed at the Sepulveda VA Medical Center, not in Iran. The VA hospital, a sprawling complex with 18 similar-looking buildings, was chosen for its striking resemblance to the American Embassy in Tehran, thanks to its institutional red brick exterior. The filmmakers carefully combined elements of 1970s Iran with the VA hospital, skillfully utilizing exterior shots from Turkish buildings to flawlessly recreate the backdrop. The result is so convincing that it's hard to believe this pivotal scene was actually shot in North Hills.

The facility is still operational and maintains the same appearance as seen in the film, offering a tangible glimpse into this dramatic moment in Argo. To visit this filming location, you can head to the VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center at 16111 Plummer Street near Los Angeles. It's easily reachable via US-101 N and CA-170 N, taking the Plummer Street exit.

A suspenseful scene unfolds where six American embassy staff members narrowly escape just before a raid on the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran. They find sanctuary in the home of the Canadian Ambassador, Ken Taylor (Victor Garber), and his wife, Pat (Page Leong), unbeknownst to the Iranian militants.

This riveting sequence was not filmed on location in Iran but in the affluent neighborhood of Hancock Park in Los Angeles. The home used to depict the residence of Ambassador Ken Taylor is a classic example of the opulent, two-story residences that characterize this historic area. Situated in the eastern region of the original Rancho La Brea vicinity, bounded by Wilshire Boulevard to the south and Melrose Avenue to the north, Hancock Park boasts majestic residences constructed in a variety of Period Revival architectural styles. These timeless abodes have become sought-after filming locations, thanks to their enduring grace and elegance.

To visit this filming location, head to Hancock Park, which is easily accessible from downtown Los Angeles via the 101 freeway. A convenient option to reach there is by taking the public bus, which offers a smooth 40-minute ride from downtown LA. Once you're there, you can take a stroll through the tree-lined streets and admire the beautifully preserved period homes, imagining the dramatic scenes from Argo unfolding.

Tony Mendez and Hollywood makeup artist John Chambers meeting up to discuss their clandestine plan is a pivotal moment in the movie. They realize the need for utmost authenticity to make their daring rescue operation believable, leading Chambers to reach out to film producer Lester Siegel.

This crucial scene was filmed at the Smoke House restaurant in Burbank, Los Angeles. A place steeped in history, the Smoke House was established at the end of World War II and remains one of the few eateries from that era still operating today. The original location, loved by local celebrities like Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, was situated at the corner of Pass and Riverside avenues and could seat 46 people. However, the owners soon sought a larger building due to its overwhelming success and constant influx of customers. In 1949, Smoke House relocated to its present location, previously the site of the Red Coach Inn.

To visit this iconic filming location, you can head to 4420 Lakeside Drive, Burbank, California. It's easily accessible via the 134 freeway just off the Pass Avenue exit. Once there, you can enjoy a meal in the same setting as this memorable scene from Argo, immersing yourself in Hollywood history and the restaurant's rich heritage.

In the Bel-Air mansion of Hollywood producer Siegel, Mendez stumbles upon a script for a science fiction movie named Argo. In a memorable scene, fans can vividly remember Chambers, Siegel, and Mendez gathered at Siegel's luxurious mansion, sitting by the pool, engaged in a captivating discussion about the script.

Interestingly, this mansion in the film is the real-life home of actress Zsa Zsa Gabor and her husband, Frederic Prinz von Anhalt. Situated at 1001 Bel Air Road, this private, gated estate sprawls across an acre of land, offering panoramic city views. Various parts of this $20 million mansion featured prominently in Argo, including the grand foyer, the expansive living room, the front facade, and the pool area.

Over the years, this luxurious mansion has hosted numerous distinguished guests, including Queen Elizabeth, Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, and legendary crooner Frank Sinatra.

While the mansion is private, you can still admire its elegant exterior from the road. Depending on your starting point, take the I-405 freeway, then use Sunset Boulevard or Moraga Drive to reach Bel Air Road. While public transport is an available option, please be aware that taking the road may consume nearly 2 hours of your time.

Siegel, initially dubious, eventually agrees to assist Mendez and Chambers. Together, they establish a bogus film studio, "Studio Six," publicize their plans, and set up the pretense of developing Argo, a "science fantasy" film in the vein of Star Wars. This elaborate ruse is designed to lend credibility to their cover story and ensure the success of their daring rescue mission.

Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank served as the picturesque setting for the creation of the fictitious movie company known as Studio Six Productions. During the 1970s and '80s, this location was known as "The Burbank Studios," shared with Columbia Pictures. It only later adopted the iconic WB logo for Warner Brothers, which we recognize today. Since its establishment in 1926, this iconic studio has been the backdrop for some of the world's most renowned films and TV shows, including classics like Casablanca (1942) and popular series like Friends (1994).

You can plan a trip to Burbank, California, to visit this historic filming location. The studio is easily accessible via the 134 freeway just off the Pass Avenue exit. Warner Bros. Studios offers guided tours, providing fans with an opportunity to explore the sets of their favorite movies and TV shows and get a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood's magic.

One of the most memorable scenes occurs in the historically rich city of Istanbul, Turkey. The sequence begins with Mendez entering the iconic Blue Mosque to rendezvous with a fellow agent. However, the subsequent scene featuring their clandestine conversation unfolds within the walls of another historic landmark—the Hagia Sophia.

The Hagia Sophia, originally an Orthodox church before becoming a mosque and now a museum, showcases Byzantine architecture. The scene is even more compelling by including close-up frames featuring Byzantine frescoes of saints. Fans of the movie will vividly recall the grandeur of the ancient building's interior and the striking image of Mendez standing at its center. Many exterior sequences for Argo were filmed in and around Istanbul, highlighting the city's historical depth and cultural significance.

To visit this iconic filming location, international travelers would need to fly into Istanbul Airport (IST). From there, they can take a taxi, a bus, or the M11 Metro line to reach the city center. The Hagia Sophia, nestled in the historic Sultanahmet district, is easily accessible via various modes of public transportation, including trams and buses.