Bothel and Threapland, Sunderland, Blindcrake, Cumberland, England, CA7 2JN, United Kingdom
Harris
Utah
Arizona
Stanley Kubrick’s landmark of science fiction was built almost entirely inside British studios – vast spacecraft sets and a giant rotating centrifuge near London – with real deserts of Namibia and the American West used for its dawn-of-man and star-gate visions.
Where was 2001: A Space Odyssey filmed?
2001 was filmed mainly in England – Shepperton, Elstree and other studios near London – with location plates from Namibia and the American West.
Every 2001 location, explained
1
The spacecraft – British studios
The Discovery, the centrifuge and the pod bay were built at studios near London, including Shepperton and Borehamwood.
2
The Dawn of Man – Namibia
The prehistoric African scenes used photographic plates from Namibia, around the Spitzkoppe.
3
The Star Gate – the American West
The psychedelic finale used aerial plates of Monument Valley and Utah.
4
The alien surface – Scotland
Some ‘alien planet’ plates used the landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
Planning a visit
The film’s cosmos was built in England‘s studios, but its earthly landscapes – Namibia and Monument Valley – are real, spectacular, accessible places.
2001 Fun Facts
1
Built near London The spacecraft were built at British studios, including a giant rotating centrifuge.
2
Namibia's Dawn of Man The prehistoric scenes used photographic plates from Namibia.
3
Pioneering effects The film’s groundbreaking effects won its only Oscar.
4
HAL 9000 The soft-spoken computer HAL became one of cinema’s great villains.
5
A Kubrick landmark The film reshaped what science fiction could be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was 2001: A Space Odyssey filmed?
Mainly in England – Shepperton, Elstree and other studios near London – with location plates from Namibia and the American West.
Was the spaceship a real set?
Yes – including a giant rotating centrifuge built at a British studio.
Can you visit the locations?
The studios are gone, but Namibia and Monument Valley are accessible.
