If you’re a fan of Severance, the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series, you’ll be thrilled to know that the eerie, labyrinthine Lumon Industries building isn’t just a figment of Hollywood imagination. The real-life location is closer than you might think—less than an hour’s drive from New York City.
The iconic Lumon Industries building from Severance is actually the Bell Works complex in Holmdel, New Jersey. Originally built in 1962 as the headquarters for Bell Labs, the research arm of AT&T, this mid-century architectural marvel was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen. Over the years, Bell Labs was the birthplace of groundbreaking innovations, including the development of cell phones and microwaves.
After being abandoned in 2007, the building was revitalized in 2013 by developer Ralph Zucker. Today, Bell Works is a bustling hub for businesses, but its striking design and vast, open spaces have also made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including American Horror Story, Emergence, and, of course, Severance.
For Severance fans, visiting Bell Works is like stepping into the world of the show. The building’s lobby and outdoor spaces are frequently used as stand-ins for Lumon Industries, the mysterious company at the heart of the series. The show’s hauntingly beautiful yet unsettling aesthetic is brought to life in this very location, making it a must-visit for die-hard fans.
Since the show’s debut, Bell Works has seen a surge in visitors eager to snap photos and experience the real-life setting of their favorite show. As Ralph Zucker told Curbed, “We have a lot more people coming in and taking pictures of themselves in the space. We have a whole team that works on social media, and they’re inundated.”
While it’s exciting to visit the real-life Lumon building, there are a few things to keep in mind:
No Official Tours: Bell Works is a functioning office space, not a tourist attraction. There are no official tours, and visitors are asked to respect the people who work there.
Limited Access: You can explore the lobby and outdoor areas, but the upper levels are off-limits to the public.
Be Respectful: Remember, this is a workplace, so keep noise levels down and avoid disrupting employees.
A Building Full of Life, Not Just Mystery
While Severance portrays Lumon Industries as a cold, lifeless environment, Bell Works is anything but. As Zucker pointed out, “Although Severance portrays the headquarters as this empty, devoid-of-life space, in reality, we’re literally teeming with life.”
So, if you’re in the New York City area and want to channel your inner “outie” (or “innie”), take a short trip to Bell Works. Snap a photo in the lobby, soak in the mid-century architecture, and imagine yourself in the world of Severance—just remember to leave the office drama behind.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a visit, check out the surrounding area in Holmdel, New Jersey, for a full day of exploration. And who knows? You might just run into another Severance fan while you’re there!
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