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Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde filmed?

2003

City Locations

Los Angeles, San Marino, CA; Springfield, IL; Salt Lake City, UT (USA)

Location Types

University, Office, Modern Office

Location Styles

Modern Building, Mid-century Modern, Georgian/Southern, Office Building Style, Hotel/Motel Style

About Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde

Unleashing her signature blend of brains and beauty, Reese Witherspoon is back in pink in the celebrated comedy Legally Blonde 2. Directed by Charles Herman-Wurmfeld, this 2003 release is the vibrant sequel to the much-loved 2001 film Legally Blonde. Witherspoon not only headlines the star-studded cast but also serves as an executive producer. The film features talented actors, including Sally Field, Regina King, Jennifer Coolidge, and Bruce McGill.

The narrative centers around Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a Harvard Law School graduate, preparing for her wedding to Emmett (Luke Wilson) while embarking on a mission to reunite her beloved Chihuahua, Bruiser (Moonie) with his mother (Gidget), trapped in a cosmetics testing lab. This journey takes her from Boston to Washington, D.C., to challenge the legal system and campaign for Bruiser's Bill, aiming to outlaw animal testing.

Despite facing skepticism and adversity in the political arena, Elle's unyielding determination leads to a triumphant conclusion, reflecting her law prowess and compassion for animals.

Released on July 2, 2003, critics didn't praise the film, but it won over audiences globally, grossing $125 million worldwide.

Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde Locations

Legally Blonde 2 is a delightful cinematic journey that takes viewers to the heart of political intrigue and power in Washington, D.C. However, many may not know that most of the film was not shot in the nation's capital but in Salt Lake City, Utah, Springfield, Illinois, and Los Angeles, CA. The production cleverly utilized the grandeur of the Delta Center, the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, and the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield to replicate the prestigious backdrop of Washington, D.C convincingly.

These locations offer unique charm, with Salt Lake City boasting stunning mountain vistas and a bustling downtown area. At the same time, Springfield, the birthplace of President Abraham Lincoln, is steeped in rich history and Americana. The magic of Hollywood awaits in Los Angeles, with countless attractions and landmarks for visitors to explore.

The film also features an impressive sequence at the iconic Lincoln Memorial, achieved without the cast or crew ever setting foot in D.C. This was accomplished through 35mm footage shot on the National Mall, green screen technology, and meticulous rotoscoping. This innovative approach not only allowed for the creation of springtime conditions during winter but also enabled the addition of extras, trees, the Washington Monument, and a street to create a convincing demonstration scene on the National Mall.

Visiting the actual shooting locations of Legally Blonde 2 would indeed be worthwhile. Each location offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, providing plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and exploration. Plus, film fans will undoubtedly enjoy seeing the real-life settings transformed into the bustling world of Washington, D.C., through the magic of movie-making.

Elle calls Emmett scene in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde

Royce Hall, UCLA, 10745 Dickson Ct, Los Angeles, CA

Emmett (Luke Wilson) is working as a lecturer at Wyeth House, which is supposed to be part of Harvard Law School. He's in the middle of delivering a lecture when he receives a call from Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon). The news? They're getting married, and the wedding is set to take place at Fernway.

Despite the setting being portrayed as Harvard, this scene was filmed at Royce Hall in Los Angeles. This structure, built in 1929, was one of the first on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus. Named after philosopher Josiah Royce, it was modeled after Milan's San Ambrogio Church, constructed during the tenth and eleventh centuries, which lends it an air of historic gravitas suitable for a prestigious academic institution like Harvard.

For those interested in visiting this filming location, please note that Royce Hall is an active part of UCLA's campus. Any plans to visit should be discussed with the university administration in advance. The campus is accessible by car, public transportation, and even bicycle, making it a convenient destination for Los Angeles residents.

The animal testing scene in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde

California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA

Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) employs a detective to track down Bruiser's mother (Gidget). The investigation uncovers that Bruiser's mother is owned by C'est Magnifique, a cosmetics company that uses the dog for animal testing. This discovery fuels Elle's resolve to fight against animal cruelty.

The scene portraying the animal testing facility was filmed at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Originally established as a satellite campus of California State University, Los Angeles, it evolved into an autonomous institution named San Fernando Valley State College in 1958 after significant campus master planning and construction.

While the exact building used for filming this scene isn't specified, fans can explore the campus and try to identify it themselves. However, visitors should remember that CSUN is an active educational institution with ongoing classes and activities.

To get to CSUN from Los Angeles, you can take the I-405 N freeway and then exit on Nordhoff Street. Take a right turn onto Nordhoff Street and continue until you reach Zelzah Avenue, where you'll turn left. Public transportation options, including buses and trains, are available from Los Angeles to Northridge. Check the Los Angeles Metro website or use a GPS navigation system for the most accurate directions.

Elle's first day in Washington scene in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde

Utah State Capitol, 350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT

There's a scene that encapsulates Elle Woods's (Reese Witherspoon) determination and unique style. Leaving Boston for Washington, D.C., Elle embarks on a mission to pass Bruiser's Bill and outlaw animal testing, positioning herself as the "voice for those who can't speak." In this iconic scene, we see Elle, dressed in her signature pink ensemble, striding confidently up the staircases of Congress, standing out vividly against the sea of black suits.

While the scene is set in Washington, D.C., it was filmed at the Utah State Capitol. Designed by architect Richard K.A. Kletting, this magnificent Neoclassical revival building stands as the seat of government for the state of Utah. Adorned with Corinthian-style elements, it is a testament to architectural splendor and symbolizes the state's governance. Constructed between 1912 and 1916, it houses the chambers and offices of the Utah State Legislature, the Attorney General, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the State Auditor, and their staffs.

Visitors interested in experiencing this location firsthand can tour the ground floor, which hosts many of the capitol's exhibits, a visitor center, and a gift shop. To get to the Utah State Capitol, you must travel to Salt Lake City, UT. It is easily accessible via car or public transportation. Utah State Capitol is not far from the city center; it can be reached by bus #200.

The office scenes in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde

Delta Center, 301 S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT

Elle (Reese Witherspoon) is trying to navigate Washington politics's complex and often frustrating world. Working for Congresswoman Victoria Rudd (Sally Field), Elle encounters skepticism and other common political roadblocks. Rudd's staff member Timothy (J. Barton) even derisively dubs her "Capitol Barbie." Despite her best efforts to foster a positive work environment, including a "snap cup" initiative for office compliments, Elle starts to lose faith in the political process.

This scene was filmed inside the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, which may be a surprise given its usual use. Opened in 1991, the Delta Center is primarily an indoor sports venue and home for the NBA. Over the years, it has also hosted other professional sports teams, including the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League and the Utah Starz of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

While movie fans won't find the same office decorations seen in the film, as it is indeed an arena, it's still a location worth visiting. You can enjoy a game, take in the atmosphere, and imagine the filming of those iconic scenes from Legally Blonde 2.

To get to the Delta Center, you can use a taxi, hire a car, use public transportation, or even take a short walk if you're staying nearby in downtown Salt Lake City. Before your visit, remember to check the event schedule and any visitor guidelines on the official website.

Sid meets Elle at the park scene in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA

Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) forms a friendship with Sid Post (Bob Newhart), the doorman at her hotel. During a chance encounter in a park, she meets Sidney, who advises that if she wants to succeed in her mission, she has to win over Congresswoman Hauser (Dana Ivey).

This scene was filmed at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. Established by Henry E. Huntington and Arabella Huntington, The Huntington is an educational and research institution housing an extensive art collection focusing on 18th and 19th-century European art and 17th to mid-20th-century American art. The place also features approximately 120 acres of specialized botanical landscaped gardens, including "Desert Garden," "Japanese Garden," and the "Chinese Garden".

Fans of the movie will be thrilled to know that they can visit this location and take in the same views seen in the film. Before visiting, it's recommended to check the official website for visitor guidelines and any potential restrictions. It takes just 20 minutes from Los Angeles to drive by car or taxi via CA-110 N/Arroyo Seco Pkwy. Alternatively, if you prefer public transport, the journey takes approximately one hour, including transfers.

Conclusion

Legally Blonde 2 offers a whimsical take on the American political landscape, presenting a world where a pink-clad, blond junior staff member can sway Congress with her impassioned plea for animal rights.

Despite not being filmed in Washington, D.C., the production team did an impressive job of transforming Salt Lake City, Springfield, and Los Angeles into convincing replicas of the nation's capital. The grand buildings of the Delta Center and the state capitols of Utah and Illinois served as adequate stand-ins, creating a believable backdrop for Elle's political adventures.