Is The Arconia A Real Building In New York
So, you're hooked on "Only Murders in the Building," right? Who isn't? The quirky characters, the twisting plot, and of course, that magnificent apartment building, The Arconia. It's a character in itself!
But have you ever paused mid-episode and wondered: "Wait a minute, is The Arconia a real place? Could I, theoretically, move in and start eavesdropping on my neighbors?"
The Answer? Drumroll Please...
Yes and no! The showrunners didn't just conjure The Arconia out of thin air. They found a real-life inspiration in the heart of New York City.
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Meet The Belnord: The Arconia's Real-Life Doppelganger
The building that serves as the exterior of The Arconia is actually called The Belnord. It's located on the Upper West Side, at 225 West 86th Street. Pretty swanky address, eh?
The Belnord is an architectural marvel. It occupies an entire city block! Think massive courtyard, intricate facades, and that classic pre-war charm.
Built in 1908, it's seen a lot of history. From the Roaring Twenties to the present day, The Belnord has been a silent witness to the changing face of New York.
But Here's the Catch...
While the outside shots are all The Belnord, the interiors of The Arconia are largely sets. Those cozy, albeit sometimes creepy, hallways and apartments? Created on a soundstage.
So, you won't find Oliver Putnam's (played by Martin Short) flamboyantly decorated apartment or Charles-Haden Savage's (played by Steve Martin) surprisingly minimalist space inside The Belnord. Bummer, right?
Imagine the disappointment of showing up with a boom mic and thinking you could just stroll into the show’s famous apartments. I'd pay to watch someone try that!
A Glimpse Inside the Real Belnord
What are the real apartments like, you ask? Well, they're, predictably, pretty spectacular. Think high ceilings, grand living rooms, and stunning city views.
And, also predictably, they're not cheap! Apartments in The Belnord sell for millions. So, unless you've got a hefty bank account, your dreams of living like Mabel Mora (played by Selena Gomez) might have to wait.
Fun fact: past residents have included Isaac Asimov, the famous science fiction writer. Talk about a building with a story to tell!
Why The Belnord Was Perfect For The Show
It’s all about the atmosphere. The Belnord exudes that classic New York City vibe: a little bit mysterious, a little bit glamorous, and a whole lot of history.
The building's grand scale also lends itself to the show's themes. The sheer size of The Belnord emphasizes the anonymity of city life, making it easier for secrets and, well, murders to hide.
Plus, let’s be honest, it just looks darn good on camera! The Belnord’s beautiful architecture adds another layer of visual appeal to the show.
So, Can You Visit?
You can definitely walk by The Belnord and snap a photo! Just be respectful of the residents. No lurking with binoculars, please!
The courtyard, sadly, is private. Only residents and their guests are allowed inside.
"But a stroll around the exterior is enough to soak up the atmosphere and imagine yourself as a resident of The Arconia."
Who knows, maybe you'll even overhear a juicy conversation or two. Just don't start your own true crime podcast based on it!
The Arconia Lives On
Even though The Arconia is a fictional place, its inspiration, The Belnord, is very real. It stands as a testament to New York City's architectural grandeur and enduring allure.
So next time you watch "Only Murders in the Building," remember that The Arconia is more than just a set. It's a nod to a real place, a real building, and a real slice of New York City history.
And who knows, maybe one day you'll be lucky enough to call The Belnord, or a similar architectural gem, your home. Just promise us you'll be on the lookout for any suspicious activity!
