Where was Greenleaf filmed?
2016
City Locations
Atlanta, GA (USA)
Location Types
Mansion, Riverside, Club
Location Styles
Colonial, Luxury, Mid-century Modern, Gothic/Victorian
About Greenleaf
Greenleaf is a gripping drama directed by Craig Wright that delves into the enthralling story of the Greenleaf family. The film unravels a web of deceit, interpersonal interactions, and secrets. Actors Lynn Whitfield, Keith David, and Merle Dandridge bring the characters to life on screen with their powerful performances in the series.
The sprawling Memphis megachurch, the Greenleaf family's wealthy estate, and the seemingly tranquil lives of its members are the story's central elements. The patriarch and matriarch of the Greenleaf family, Bishop James (Keith David) and Lady Mae (Lynn Whitfield), and their prodigal daughter, Grace (Merle Dandridge), who has come home after two decades, hold the mantle of the family. A whirlwind of scandals and secrets begins with her sister Faith's (Terri Abney) mysterious death, putting the family's unity to the test.
The Greenleaf family's affection for one another reflects the complex flaws of a genuine family, even though there are undercurrents of dishonesty, animosity, and adultery. Despite threats from both outside and within, the Greenleafs are willing to sacrifice all to protect their sacred church.
The 2016–2020 series has been critically acclaimed and praised for its outstanding performances. Premiering to an impressive 3.04 million viewers, it became OWN's most successful series debut. The sitcom was renewed for multiple seasons due to its ongoing success and popularity among viewers. If you enjoy dramas, you must watch Greenleaf. Its plot is compelling, the performances are intense, and the family dynamics are relatable.
Greenleaf Locations
The renowned Greenleaf series skillfully intertwined its storylines with breathtaking and intimidating settings. The setting of the story may be Memphis, Tennessee. However, the entire production occurred in the Atlanta suburb of Lithonia, Georgia. Allen Entrepreneurial Institute's huge 55,000-square-foot property flawlessly captures the grandeur of the Greenleaf family home, a prominent aspect of the program, and symbolizes the power and influence of the family. Much of the filming occurred in this stately home on the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute (AEI) grounds. Elegant buildings abound on campus, including the Allen Conference Center and the Allen Executive House, a boutique hotel and dorm. The 38,000-square-foot Antebellum mansion that Miss Rebecca calls her home is also there.
There are equally appealing characteristics surrounding these remarkable structures. The campus comprises several gazebos, a beach-house-style event pavilion, a natural walking track, and more than 35 acres of lakes. The magnificent structures are monuments to architectural grandeur, while the verdant landscape and placid rivers create an atmosphere of tranquility.
Visiting these places would be a wise decision. Anyone who appreciates majestic buildings and tranquil settings would find the tour worthwhile, not just the series fans who got to walk through the sets that brought their beloved show to life. Those looking to immerse themselves entirely in the world of Greenleaf should visit Atlanta, as the city's cultural scene and historical tapestry are reflected in its part in producing the show.
Grace reveals Mac's crimes scene in Greenleaf
Atlanta, GA
In Season 1, Episode 9, aptly titled "The Broken Road," Grace (Merle Dandridge) reveals to her father, Bishop James Greenleaf (Keith David), the heinous crimes committed by Mac (Gregory Alan Williams), his brother-in-law. The revelation is further punctuated by the implication that her late sister Faith (Terri Abney) was also a victim, a truth that shatters the Bishop.
This pivotal scene was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, a vibrant city known for its bustling markets, award-winning restaurants, shopping centers, museums, historical sites, and lively bar scene. Though urban and energetic, the town is also graced with plenty of green spaces like the BeltLine and Piedmont Park, which make for ideal locations for long walks and bike rides. If you're a fan of the show and planning a visit, there's no shortage of activities to keep you entertained in Atlanta.
For those with time to spare, a quick trip north will take you to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, just 90 miles from Atlanta. This beautiful region offers ample opportunities for hiking and backpacking.
To get to Atlanta, you can fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. From there, you can rent a car or use public transportation to navigate the city. Remember that traffic can be heavy if you're driving, especially during rush hour. Once in the city, you can explore the various filming locations used in the series, including the impressive mansion in Lithonia's suburb.
The mansion scenes in Greenleaf
Allen Entrepreneurial Institute, 3235 Evans Mill Rd, Stonecrest, GA
In the "Baptism" episode of Greenleaf's first season, viewers are introduced to an iconic mansion that becomes a central location in the series. This is the episode where Grace (Merle Dandridge), one of the main protagonists, moves back to Memphis under the guise of rejoining her family's church, but her true intentions are far more sinister. She aims to bring down the man she believes is responsible for her sister's death. However, the complexities of working in her family's church again proved to be more challenging than she anticipated.
The grandeur and luxury of the mansion, which serves as the Greenleaf family's home and the backdrop for many of the series' dramatic scenes, were captured at the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute in Stonecrest, just outside Atlanta, Georgia. Since its humble beginnings with a team of four in 2003, the Allen Institute has grown exponentially, now boasting a staff of over 700. It is a renowned institution, frequently cited in scientific papers, and shares petabytes of open data with the global community.
The Allen Entrepreneurial Institute is known not just for its magnificent mansion but also for its beautiful outdoor spaces. The campus includes a lake, a beach-house-style event pavilion, and several gazebos, all adding to the place's scenic beauty.
For show fans wishing to visit, it is essential to contact the administration of the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute to schedule a visit. To get there, you can fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, rent a car, or take a taxi to Stonecrest. It's a short drive from Atlanta, allowing visitors to combine a trip to the city with a visit to this iconic filming location.
Mavi's bar scenes in Greenleaf
Cigar City Club, 5006 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA
In the first and second seasons, viewers are introduced to Mavis McCready (Oprah Winfrey). In addition to her role as a producer on the series, Winfrey embodies the character of Mavis, Lady Mae Greenleaf's (Lynn Whitfield) sister and a close confidante of Grace (Merle Dandridge). Mavis runs a nightclub as the backdrop for several key scenes in the series.
This club might look familiar to those who know Atlanta well, as it was shot at the Cigar City Club, a local upscale yet relaxed establishment known for its full-service gourmet dining, top-shelf spirits and fine wines, live entertainment, and impressive humidor selection. The club radiates the charm of a 1920s Speakeasy, creating an inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the scenes in the series showcasing Mavis's club. Visitors can savor a cocktail, reconnect with old friends, forge new friendships, and potentially re-experience some of their most cherished Greenleaf scenes in the exact location where they were brought to life.
You'll need to head to Atlanta to visit the Cigar City Club, where these iconic scenes were filmed. The club is conveniently located not far from the city center. The road will take 30 minutes via I-75 N/I-85 N by car.
Conclusion
Greenleaf is a unique television drama that delves into the intricate world of a family running a megachurch in Memphis.
The series was entirely produced in Atlanta, Georgia, specifically in the suburb of Lithonia, despite the story unfolding in Memphis, Tennessee. The grandeur of the Greenleaf family estate, a central aspect of the show, is captured beautifully through the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute's expansive 55,000-square-foot property, which symbolizes the family's power and influence.
For those considering watching the series or visiting the filming sites, it's worth noting that Greenleaf delivers a unique viewing experience focusing on a rarely explored theme. Moreover, the filming locations, especially the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute in Lithonia, provide a glimpse into the grandeur depicted in the series.