Where was Beverly Hills Cop filmed?

Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) comes across his former convict best friend, Mikey Tandino (James Russo), in his apartment, just back from employment in Beverly Hills. Their reunion is short-lived after the night of drinking as they are accosted outside Axel's apartment by Zack (Jonathan Banks), who knocks Axel unconscious and shoots Mikey twice in the head. This pivotal scene, which sets the tone for the film and propels the plot forward, wasn't filmed in Detroit as depicted in the movie. The apartment building where this scene was shot is located near downtown Los Angeles, specifically at the southwest corner of Witmer Street & Ingraham Avenue. This area, often described as seedy, contrasts starkly with the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills, reinforcing the fish-out-of-water theme that runs throughout the movie. While the site is still an apartment community, it's important to note that its interior isn't open to the public. So, if you're planning a visit, you can take a look at the exterior of the building but respect the privacy of the residents by not attempting to go inside. To get to this location, if you're coming from downtown Los Angeles, you can take the Harbor Freeway (I-110) southbound, exit James M Wood Blvd, and turn right onto Witmer Street. The apartment building will be on your right at the intersection with Ingraham Avenue.

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Axel (Eddie Murphy) drives his beat-up blue Chevy Nova from Detroit to Beverly Hills, California. Upon arrival, he cleverly masquerades as a reporter for Rolling Stone magazine to secure a suite at the upscale Beverly Palm Hotel. Foley's audacious check-in and subsequent antics in the hotel are humorous and pivotal to the film's plot. This scene, however, was not filmed in Beverly Hills as depicted in the movie but at the Biltmore Hotel located at 506 South Grand Ave in downtown Los Angeles – approximately 11 miles east of Beverly Hills. The hotel's interiors, including Foley's room, were also shot within the Biltmore Hotel. The production team redecorated an actual hotel room for the scene, adding an extra layer of authenticity. The Biltmore Hotel is a historic site that opened in 1923 and is renowned for its architectural grandeur. Schultze & Weaver designed the hotel's exterior blends Mediterranean Revival, Spanish Revival, and Beaux Arts styles. This design choice was intended to pay homage to the Castilian heritage of Los Angeles. You can choose a car or public transportation to visit this renowned location. If you're driving from the west side of Los Angeles, take the I-10 East freeway and take the S Grand Ave exit. After about half a mile, you'll spot the Biltmore Hotel on your right. Alternatively, if you use public transport, the closest metro station is 7th Street / Metro Center.

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Axel (Eddie Murphy) confronts Maitland (Steven Berkoff) for information about Mikey (James Russo). However, the encounter doesn't go as planned, and Maitland's bodyguards throw Axel out of a glass window on the main floor, leading to his arrest by the local police. This scene was shot at an address with significant cultural relevance in Los Angeles – 3699 Wilshire Blvd. This prominent east-west thoroughfare traverses the core of Beverly Hills and roughly parallels Santa Monica Boulevard from Santa Monica to the western border of Beverly Hills. Wilshire Boulevard is renowned for its post-1956 skyscrapers, making it a significant location in Los Angeles' cityscape. The street is home to many of the city's most iconic buildings and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. The site is conveniently located near the city center, easily accessible by metro, taxi, or even on foot. The nearest metro stop is Wilshire/Vermont station. If you choose to drive, it will only take 11 minutes via US-101 N.

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The Beverly Hills Police Department confronts Axel (Eddie Murphy). After a report of him causing a disturbance and finding his concealed weapon, the local police arrest him as he opts not to reveal his identity as a police officer. At the station, he's interrogated by Sergeant John Taggart (John Ashton) and Detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold). This scene doesn't occur in an average police station but in the glorious Beverly Hills City Hall, a magnificent Spanish-Baroque building from 1932. Located at North Crescent Drive at Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills, this iconic location serves multiple functions. It houses the city administration, including the office of the Mayor of Beverly Hills and the board meetings of the Beverly Hills City Council. The building is also home to the Municipal Gallery, an innovative art space meticulously crafted by the renowned interior designer Gere Kavanaugh. If you plan to visit this famous site from downtown Los Angeles, you can drive via US-101 N and Beverly Blvd. The journey typically takes around 22 minutes. Alternatively, you can use public transportation, which involves a single transfer and takes approximately an hour.

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Axel (Eddie Murphy) decides to infiltrate a posh restaurant where Victor Maitland (Steven Berkoff), the notorious drug lord, is dining. With only one entrance and no easy way in, Foley concocts an elaborate story involving a character named Ramon, leading to an unforgettable encounter. This pivotal scene was filmed not in Beverly Hills but at the Athenaeum, a private dining club located on Pasadena's California Institute of Technology campus. The Athenaeum opened its doors in 1930 and is a social, cultural, and intellectual exchange hub. Its beautiful architecture and grounds provide an elegant backdrop for formal and informal gatherings, making it a popular filming location. It has been featured in numerous other films, including The X-Files and True Romance. Please note that the Athenaeum is a private membership club, so while the exterior is accessible to the public, entry into the building may be restricted. If you want to visit this iconic location, you can get there by car or public transportation. If driving from downtown Los Angeles, take the road via CA-110 N/Arroyo Seco Pkwy. If using public transport, you can take the Metro Gold Line light rail service to the Lake Station in Pasadena, and from there, it's a 30-minute walk to the Athenaeum.

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