“The Greatest Showman” is a musical movie that tells the story of P.T. Barnum, who created a famous circus. The movie is set in New York City, which is also where most of it was filmed. Unlike many modern movies, “The Greatest Showman” used real locations in New York City to make the story feel more real. Some scenes were filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles, but most of the places in the film are actual buildings in New York. This helped balance the dreamlike musical numbers with the real-life setting of P.T. Barnum’s circus.
The film had its grand premiere on 8 December 2017 aboard the RMS Queen Mary 2, a luxurious ship. It was released in the United States on 20 December 2017. The movie became a surprise hit, earning $435 million worldwide and becoming one of the biggest musical films of all time.
Where Was “The Greatest Showman” Filmed?
“The Greatest Showman” is set in mid-19th century New York City and its surrounding areas, and the film uses real-life locations to make the story feel more authentic. The movie showcases stunning places, from the beautiful beaches on Connecticut’s coast to the historic buildings in New York City. The film took seven years to make, with Hugh Jackman having ten weeks to prepare before filming began. Rehearsals started in October 2016 in New York City, and principal photography kicked off on November 22, 2016.
Barnum Family Home exterior scenes were filmed at Sleepy Hollow Country Club: In the movie, P.T. Barnum falls in love with Charity, the daughter of a wealthy family in Connecticut. The grand house that impresses Barnum is actually the Sleepy Hollow Country Club, located in Westchester County, about 30 miles north of New York City. This beautiful building, originally built in 1892 as a Vanderbilt house, was used for the exterior shots of Barnum’s home. The house symbolizes Barnum’s ambition and the life he wants to create for his family. Sleepy Hollow Country Club has also been used in other films and TV shows, like Netflix’s “Daredevil.”
Barnum Family Home Interior scenes were shot at James B. Duke House: While the outside of Barnum’s home was filmed at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, the inside scenes were filmed in the James B. Duke House in New York City. This historic mansion, built in 1912, is located on the Upper East Side and was inspired by a French chateau. All the scenes showing the interior of Barnum’s home, including the one where he shows his daughters their new house, were shot here. Today, the James B. Duke House is home to the New York Institute of Fine Arts, but fans of the movie can still visit this grand building on Fifth Avenue.
P.T. Barnum’s Museum Sences were shot at Building 2 of Steiner Studios: The interior scenes of Barnum’s museum in the movie were filmed in Building 2 of Steiner Studios, located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This warehouse might not look very impressive from the outside, but it played a key role in the movie. The building was used for the scenes where Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman, and his family tour the museum before it becomes the famous circus. Although the building is not open to the public, fans can still see the recognizable windows from the outside.
The song “Never Enough” was filmed at the Howard Gilman Opera House: One of the most emotional moments in “The Greatest Showman” is when P.T. Barnum meets the famous Swedish singer Jenny Lind and convinces her to perform in New York City. Her performance of “Never Enough” marks a turning point in the movie. This scene was filmed at the Howard Gilman Opera House, located in the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Built at the turn of the 20th century, this opulent opera house was the perfect setting for such a significant moment in the film.
The song “This Is Me” was filmed at the Gould Memorial Library: The song “This Is Me” is one of the standout moments of “The Greatest Showman.” In this scene, Barnum’s troupe of performers, who were hidden away after a sold-out show, march into a room where Barnum and Jenny Lind are mingling with high-society guests. The song was filmed in the atrium of the Gould Memorial Library at Bronx Community College. This beautiful Beaux-Arts style library, designed by architect Stanford White, is open to the public, and fans can visit the very spot where this iconic song was filmed.
The song “Rewrite The Stars” was shot at Marcy Armory: Many of the circus scenes in “The Greatest Showman” were filmed inside the historic Marcy Armory in Brooklyn, New York. The armory was also the location for Zac Efron and Zendaya’s duet “Rewrite The Stars.” Although originally built as an armory, Marcy Armory has a long history of being used as a filming location, including in Robert Downey Jr.’s “Sherlock Holmes.” Its location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, stays true to the original setting of P.T. Barnum’s circus.
Barnum & Charity’s Beach Scene was shot at Caumsett State Park: The movie begins and ends with scenes of Barnum and his wife, Charity, on a beach. Although the movie sets these scenes in Connecticut, they were actually filmed at Caumsett State Park, a historical beach along the Long Island Sound. The beach, located an hour away from Manhattan, is where Barnum and Charity bond at the beginning of the movie and later reconcile at the end. These touching moments take place on the beautiful and sparse coastline, providing a contrast to the grand musical numbers in the rest of the film.
The Snubbed Ballet Performance: Hispanic Society Museum & Library: In one scene, Barnum becomes acutely aware of social snobbery when his daughter is snubbed at her ballet performance. This scene was filmed in the elaborate theatre lobby with terracotta arches at the Corte Grande (Grand Court) of the Hispanic Society Museum & Library. Located at 613 West 155th Street in Washington Heights, New York, the museum was used to represent the opulent setting of the ballet performance. The real museum, originally known as the Hispanic Society of America, was established in 1904 to preserve the art and culture of Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies. The lobby was extended with some set-dressing and a CGI ceiling to enhance its cinematic look.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Greatest Showman
Q: Where was “The Greatest Showman” filmed?
A: “The Greatest Showman” was primarily filmed in New York City, with some scenes shot on soundstages in Los Angeles. Key locations in New York include the Sleepy Hollow Country Club, Hispanic Society Museum & Library James B. Duke House, and Brooklyn’s Steiner Studios.
Q: When was “The Greatest Showman” filmed?
A; The filming of “The Greatest Showman” began in November 2016 and was completed within a few months, before its release in late 2017.
Q: What is the release date of “The Greatest Showman”?
A: “The Greatest Showman” was released in the United States on December 20, 2017.
Q: Who are the main cast members of “The Greatest Showman”?
A; The main cast of “The Greatest Showman” includes Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum, Zac Efron as Phillip Carlyle, Michelle Williams as Charity Barnum, and Zendaya as Anne Wheeler.
Q: What is “The Greatest Showman” about?
A; “The Greatest Showman” is a musical that tells the story of P.T. Barnum, who creates a circus full of unique performers and showcases their talents to the world, focusing on themes of inclusion and acceptance.
