Have you ever watched the movie ‘Night at the Museum’ and wondered if it was actually filmed at the Museum of Natural History in New York City? Well, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at whether or not the iconic museum was used as a filming location for this popular movie franchise.
The Movie: Night at the Museum
Night at the Museum is a comedy-adventure film that was released in 2006. The movie follows the story of Larry Daley (played by Ben Stiller), a divorced father who takes on a job as a night security guard at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. However, Larry soon realizes that his job is far from ordinary when he discovers that an ancient curse has brought all of the exhibits to life.
The Setting: The Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and most visited museums in the world. Founded in 1869, this iconic museum is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. With over 33 million specimens and artifacts, including dinosaur fossils, meteorites, and cultural artifacts from around the world, it’s no wonder that this museum has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
The Truth: Was Night at the Museum Filmed at The Museum of Natural History?
Despite what many people believe, Night at The Museum was not filmed entirely on location at The American Museum of Natural History. While some scenes were filmed inside the museum’s galleries and exhibition halls, much of the movie was actually filmed on soundstages in Vancouver, Canada.
According to director Shawn Levy, filming inside an actual museum would have been impractical due to logistical challenges and limitations. Instead, they opted to recreate many of the museum’s exhibits and galleries on sets built specifically for filming.
Why Use a Soundstage?
Filming on a soundstage allowed the filmmakers to have greater control over the environment and lighting, which is essential for creating a movie that looks visually stunning. Additionally, filming on a soundstage allowed the cast and crew to work in a more controlled environment, without having to worry about disrupting museum visitors or damaging any of the exhibits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some scenes from Night at the Museum were indeed filmed at The American Museum of Natural History, much of the movie was actually filmed on soundstages in Canada. However, this doesn’t take away from the fact that the museum played an integral role in inspiring and shaping this beloved movie franchise. Whether you’re a fan of Ben Stiller’s comedic genius or simply love learning about history and culture, Night at The Museum is a must-see film that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.