Where was Night at the Museum filmed?
2006
City Locations
New York (USA), Burnaby (Canada)
Location Types
Museum, Film Studio
Location Styles
Federal Building
About Night at the Museum
Step into an exciting realm of adventure, comedy and magic with Shawn Levy's Night at the Museum, based on the beloved 1993 novel. This family movie will take you on a thrilling journey that is sure to leave you wanting more! It received its premiere in New York City on December 17, 2006, and was released by 20th Century Fox two days later. A star-studded cast including Ben Stiller, Mickey Rooney, Carla Gugino, Dick Van Dyke, Bill Cobbs and Robin Williams featured in this commercially successful venture which grossed a remarkable $574.5 million worldwide against its budget of $110 million.
Night at the Museum follows Larry Daley (Stiller), a struggling single father whose relationship with his son Nick (Jake Cherry) is becoming increasingly strained due to his ongoing struggles. With unemployment looming, he reluctantly takes on a job as night watchman at New York City's Museum of Natural History. On his initial evening there, Larry receives an unexpected surprise when all of the exhibits in the museum suddenly spring to life and chaos ensues throughout the building.
Night at the Museum was a tremendous financial success, grossing $250.9 million in the US and Canada and $323.6 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $574.5 million. This made it the fifth highest-grossing movie of 2006, as well as the most successful of the trilogy.
Night at the Museum Locations
Night at the Museum is a beloved family comedy film that captures the imaginations of viewers young and old. The American Museum of Natural History, a legendary New York City landmark on Central Park West, plays a major role in the movie.
But despite its significance to the movie, most of the filming did not take place at this iconic museum—it would have been impossible to shoot an action-filled movie at such a renowned public attraction filled with precious historical, cultural, and scientific artifacts. Instead, the majority of Night at the Museum was filmed in a purpose-built studio in British Columbia, Canada.
To capture the majestic atmosphere of the museum itself, outdoor scenes were shot by taking exterior shots from New York City's American Museum of Natural History.
A trip to the iconic New York locations for Night at the Museum would be a worthwhile experience for any fan or traveler looking to be immersed in some beautiful scenery. There are various guided tours available near the American Museum of Natural History which take visitors around filming locations used in Night at the Museum. A tour like this offers an interesting perspective on both city’s architecture and history while allowing visitors to observe how it was beautifully captured in a beloved family classic.
Larry coming to pick up his son scene in Night at the Museum
West 72nd Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
Brooklyn-based Larry Daley struggles to succeed as an inventor, hopping from one job and apartment to the next. His ex-wife Erica (Kim Raver) is compassionate but sees him as a negative influence on their ten-year old son, Nick. Larry worries that Nick admires Erica's fiancé Don (Paul Rudd) more than himself, so when he goes to collect Nick from school, he’s dismayed to discover that his ex-wife has already done so.
Manhattan is known for its towering skyscrapers, iconic monuments, and vibrant culture, and has been the destination for countless tourists throughout the years. From the lights of Times Square to the hidden gems of Greenwich Village, Manhattan offers plenty to enjoy.
If you're looking to get to West 72nd Street in Manhattan, you have a few transportation options available. The subway system can get you there quickly and is likely the most economical option. The nearest train station is at 66 St/Lincoln Center Station. Alternatively, buses are available from points further away and will provide a direct route to your destination, while cabs are an easy option if time or convenience is more important than price.
Larry and Nick after hockey scene in Night at the Museum
Central Park, New York, USA
Larry comes to Nick’s hockey game at Central Park. After the game they walk around the pond and Larry tells son that his play is fantastic and he should think about the NHL. Nick replies that he doesn’t want to be a hockey player, but he wants to trade bonds like Don . Larry tries to explain son that he should do what he likes the most and not to be like some robot in costume, who does only what he is told.
Central Park is a stunning landmark in the heart of Manhattan. This 843-acre green space has been a refuge for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world since it opened in 1857. It's home to iconic monuments such as the Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle, and Strawberry Fields, as well as lush gardens and popular walking paths.
And let’s face it, this is one NYC attraction that is very easy to locate.
First night in the museum scene in Night at the Museum
Mammoth Studios, 2880 Underhill Avenue, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
On his very first evening at the museum, Larry discovers that all of the exhibits come to life after dark—from Rexy, an exuberant Tyrannosaurus skeleton, to Dexter, a mischievous capuchin monkey who shreds Larry's instructions. Sacagawea (Mizuo Peck) is encased in glass while mounted Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams) saves Larry from feuding miniature leaders Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and Octavius (Steve Coogan).
Eventually, the mystery behind this puzzling episode is uncovered. Since an archaeological relic from Ancient Egypt arrived in 1952, all exhibition pieces miraculously come to life every evening and revert back to dust when exposed to sunlight.
The main filming for Night at the Museum was done in a studio in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. If you're wondering how to get to Mammoth Studios, you’ll find this location at 2880 Underhill Avenue, about 10 miles east of downtown Vancouver.
Larry and Rebecca have coffee scene in Night at the Museum
American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West, New York, NY
Larry wants to talk to someone about what’s happened at night and asks Rebecca (Carla Gugino), a museum docent, to drink coffee with him. After work, Larry and Rebecca have a walk. Rebecca tells him about her dissertation about Sacagawea.
Exterior shots of the museum in the movie were recorded at the iconic American Museum of Natural History on Central Park West. Established in 1869, this renowned New York institution boasts a sprawling complex of 26 connected buildings encompassing 45 exhibition halls, an observatory, and a great library.
For those looking to visit the American Museum of Natural History, there are a variety of options available. Beginning with public transportation, the museum is conveniently located near multiple subway stations and is easily accessible by car.
Conclusion
Despite a somewhat mixed critical response, Ben Stiller's 2006 fantasy comedy movie Night at the Museum was a resounding commercial success, proving to be one of the most innovative family films of its time. Stiller had one of his biggest hits with the film, which featured an entertaining concept, an all-star cast, and moments of delightful historical wish-fulfillment.
And with several of the film’s locations found in the heart of New York City, it’s easy to get out there and check them out for yourself.