Where was Hidden Figures filmed?
2016
City Locations
East Point (USA), Atlanta (USA), Canton (USA), Monroe (USA), Marietta (USA), Columbus (USA), Madison (USA), Norcross (USA)
Location Types
House, University, College, Unique, Unusual
Location Styles
Mid-Century Modern, ‘60s, Americana, Manufacturing, Federal Building
About Hidden Figures
"Hidden Figures" is a biographical drama highlighting the untold story of three remarkable African-American women working at NASA: Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), and Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson). Despite facing racial and gender biases in the 1960s, these women played pivotal roles in propelling astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The remarkable achievement boosted America's confidence and reshaped the Space Race trajectory.
The movie details how hard it was for these women to live in a segregated society and get noticed in a field controlled by white men. Katherine was a mathematical prodigy who served as a "computer" for the Space Task Group. Dorothy was a supervisor, but only in an acting role. She and her team learned programming to protect their futures at NASA. Mary was a driven engineer who fought against unfair laws to follow her dreams.
Audiences found the movie uplifting and appreciated that it shone a light on the often-forgotten parts of American history. "Hidden Figures" is an inspiring story about not giving up, being determined, and fighting for equality.
Hidden Figures Locations
Several locations around Georgia, USA, provided backdrops for the "Hidden Figures” production. These settings enriched the fascinating tale, bringing to life the story of three extraordinary African-American women at NASA.
Atlanta, Canton, Columbus, East Point, Emory University, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Madison, Marietta, and Monroe were settings for most sequences. The filmmakers modified these locations to portray the racially segregated South in the ‘60s and the NASA research facility. Morehouse College in Atlanta stood in for the Langley Research Center.
The region's scenery is as varied as it is beautiful, including metropolitan settings, educational institutions, and aerospace installations. For example, downtown Canton has a pleasant small-town ambiance, yet the Morehouse campus is home to the iconic domed Frederick Douglass Learning Resource.
Visiting these filming locations might be an exciting excursion for moviegoers and history nerds. It allows you to follow in the footsteps of the protagonists, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the significant topics of "Hidden Figures" while visiting some of Georgia's most captivating locations.
Fun Facts:
The three main characters never worked together, even though the story draws inspiration from life events. The movie weaves their lives to make the story flow better. In truth, they worked at NASA during different times and in various departments.
The tests for Glenn's space mission scene in Hidden Figures
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, United States
John Glenn (Glen Powell), the first American astronaut slated to orbit the Earth, undergoes tests for his space mission at NASA's Langley Research Center. A crucial aspect of the planning involves the trajectory calculations for Glenn's spacecraft, Friendship 7. In a pivotal plot point, Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) is called upon to verify the computer-calculated trajectories.
Despite hesitation to trust her due to racial and gender biases, Johnson's expertise ultimately proves invaluable. Her precise calculations were crucial in ensuring Glenn's safe return from orbit, emphasizing her significant contributions at NASA.
At Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex takes visitors on an exciting trip through space. Delaware North runs this site for NASA and offers unique events like the Astronaut Encounter, where visitors can talk to a veteran astronaut. The center has regularly hosted interactive games, light shows, and climbing walls since it opened in 2021. Visitors can take a bus to the complex to see the best parts, such as the Apollo rocket, the space shuttle, and animals inhabiting the surroundings.
Orlando International Airport is the closest, located 45 miles west of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. From there, fly to the complex, rent a car, or take a bus. Also, there are clear signs on local highways that lead to the center, making it easy for people who want to learn more about the wonders of space research to get there.
Katherine's running scene in Hidden Figures
NASA Langley Research Center, 1 Nasa Dr., Hampton, VA 23666, United States
Katherine (Taraji P. Henson) has to run half a mile across the NASA campus to use the "colored" restroom. These repeated, time-consuming trips are physically exhausting and symbolize the systemic racism that Katherine and her colleagues endure daily.
The Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, is NASA's oldest. This prestigious school has been around since 1917 and has experts in areas like Atmospheric Composition, Air Quality, and Earth's Energy Budget. Through a network of satellites and bold research projects covering land, air, and space, the center carefully monitors Earth's crucial data. It also recently marked Black History Month, which brought attention to the work of people like Clayton Turner and Matthew Hayes.
Get to NASA's Langley Research Center at 1 NASA Dr, Hampton, VA, via Norfolk International, about 25 miles away. After landing, rent a car or use a ride-sharing service.
Dorothy leading her team scene in Hidden Figures
Morehouse College, 830 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314, United States
Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) leads a team of skilled women as a supervisor without the official title. She shows resilience, determination, and leadership, highlighting the contrast between the space race and racial/gender discrimination. Though segregated, the West Area Computing unit had a vital role in NASA's success, representing the overlooked contributions of these brilliant women.
Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, is a distinguished historically black men's liberal arts college. Founded in 1867, it is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and cultivating morally conscious leaders. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2,567 students as of fall 2022, the college offers degree programs in various fields, including business. Morehouse College continues to influence and shape the future of many young men, fostering an environment of leadership and innovation.
Get to Morehouse College at 830 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA, via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Take I-85 N from the airport towards Atlanta, and follow navigation instructions to the college.
Katherine returns home scene in Hidden Figures
East Point, Georgia, USA
Katherine (Taraji P. Henson) returns home one evening to find her daughters dressed up and the dinner table set for a special occasion. The scene reveals the strong bond and love within her family, a contrast to her professional life, underscoring the duality of her existence as a mathematician at NASA and a single mother at home.
Located southwest of Atlanta, East Point, Georgia, is a vibrant, ethnically diverse urban community. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of approximately 35,000 residents, making it the fifth-largest city in Fulton County. East Point houses the Camp Creek Marketplace, a significant shopping area with a rich history tied to the Atlanta and West Point Railroad.
Visit East Point, Georgia, by flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located just north of the city. Take a rental car, taxi, or rideshare for a short drive south. Alternatively, use public transportation like the MARTA rail system, which offers direct routes to East Point.
Mary petitions the court scene in Hidden Figures
Clay National Guard Center, 1000 Halsey Ave Bldg. 447, Marietta, GA 30060, United States
Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) petitions the court to allow her to attend night classes at an all-white high school. The scene is pivotal, showcasing Mary’s determination and courage in the face of systemic racism.
The Clay National Guard Center is in Marietta, Georgia. Start on I-75 N from Atlanta to visit 1000 Halsey Ave Bldg. 447, Marietta, GA. Take exit 267A for GA-5 N and follow navigation directions to Lawrence St NE.
Conclusion
"Hidden Figures," directed by Theodore Melfi, is a powerful cinematic journey that takes us through various locations to tell the story of three indomitable African-American women at NASA. The film primarily unfolds at the Langley Research Center in Virginia, expertly recreated with studio sets and location shoots.
Additionally, the filmmakers used key locations around Atlanta, Georgia, to capture the era's ambiance. Morehouse College transformed into the exterior of the NASA Langley building, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, reminiscent of the actual spacecraft factory, hosted some sequences. The historic Wheat Street Towers, an old housing project in Atlanta, depicted the characters' residential neighborhood.
"Hidden Figures" is a rich tapestry of authentic locations that transport the audience back to where the film came to life, serving as a vivid backdrop to the inspiring journey of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.