Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630, West 168th Street, Washington Heights, Manhattan Community Board 12, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10031, United States of America
11, Sylvan Terrace, Washington Heights, Manhattan Community Board 12, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10032, United States of America
Stuyvesant Heights Christian Church, 69, Tompkins Avenue, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Kings County, City of New York, New York, 11216, United States of America
Edwin Booth, Gramercy Park North, Gramercy, Manhattan Community Board 6, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10010, United States of America
HBO’s Prohibition-era epic is set on the glittering boardwalk of 1920s Atlantic City – which no longer exists as it was, so the production built its own. A roughly 300-foot boardwalk was constructed in Brooklyn, with period streets filled in across New York’s outer boroughs.
Where was Boardwalk Empire filmed?
Boardwalk Empire was filmed in New York – a purpose-built boardwalk in Brooklyn, plus period streets across Staten Island and Queens.
Every Boardwalk Empire location, explained
1
The boardwalk – built in Brooklyn
Because 1920s Atlantic City no longer survives, the production built a long boardwalk set in Brooklyn, in New York.
2
Staten Island – the period streets
Well-preserved neighbourhoods on Staten Island stood in for 1920s streetscapes.
3
Queens – the interiors
Warehouses and buildings in Queens supplied speakeasies and interiors.
4
The outer-borough backdrop
The wider Prohibition world used period-friendly corners across New York.
Planning a visit
The show’s Atlantic City was a set, but its real filming grounds – the historic streets of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York – are all accessible.
Boardwalk Empire Fun Facts
1
They built their own boardwalk Since 1920s Atlantic City is gone, the show built a roughly 300-foot boardwalk set in Brooklyn.
2
Scorsese directed the pilot Martin Scorsese directed the lavish first episode, setting the show’s cinematic tone.
3
Based on real history The series draws on the true story of Atlantic City political boss Nucky Johnson.
4
A costly first episode The pilot was one of the most expensive ever made for television at the time.
5
Real gangsters appear Historical figures like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano feature as characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the boardwalk real?
No – the production built a roughly 300-foot boardwalk set in Brooklyn.
Can you visit the locations?
The boardwalk was a set, but the historic Staten Island and Brooklyn filming areas are accessible.
Who directed the pilot?
Martin Scorsese.
Is Boardwalk Empire based on a true story?
It draws on the real story of Atlantic City boss Nucky Johnson.
