Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1979.
Veterans Affairs Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, 16111, Plummer Street, North Hills West Neighborhood Council District, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 91343, United States of America
JO Pass Trail, Tulare County, California, United States of America
Decatur County, Kansas, United States of America
Virginia
Ben Affleck’s tense true story of a CIA rescue disguised as a fake movie shoot recreated revolutionary Tehran in the streets of Istanbul – with Los Angeles playing Hollywood and Washington, and the real Turkish capital of the Ottomans standing in for Iran.
Where was Argo filmed?
Argo was filmed in Istanbul, Turkey (as Tehran), across Los Angeles (Hollywood and the embassy), and in Washington, D.C.
Every Argo location, explained
1
Tehran – Istanbul
Revolutionary Tehran was recreated in Istanbul, using landmarks like the Grand Bazaar area and Sultanahmet.
2
Hollywood – Los Angeles
The fake-film scenes used Los Angeles, from Burbank studios to Beverly Hills.
3
The US embassy – Los Angeles
The besieged American embassy used a facade at a Los Angeles veterans’ centre.
4
Washington, D.C.
The CIA and State Department scenes used Washington, D.C. and nearby Virginia.
Planning a visit
Istanbul – which doubled for Tehran – is a magnificent, accessible city straddling Europe and Asia, and the Hollywood scenes live in the real Los Angeles film world.
Argo Fun Facts
1
Istanbul plays Tehran Revolutionary Iran was recreated in Istanbul, Turkey.
2
A fake movie, for real The CIA really did use a bogus sci-fi film as cover for the 1980 rescue.
3
'Argo f--- yourself' The film’s running gag line became its most quoted moment.
4
Best Picture Argo won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
5
Affleck directs and stars Ben Affleck directed the film and played CIA officer Tony Mendez.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Argo filmed?
In Istanbul, Turkey (as Tehran), across Los Angeles (Hollywood and the embassy), and in Washington, D.C.
What city played Tehran?
Istanbul, Turkey.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Istanbul and Los Angeles are both accessible.
Is Argo a true story?
Yes – the 1980 CIA rescue of US diplomats from Tehran.
