Coming to America: A Tour of Iconic Film Locations
Hello, movie buffs! Today, we're going on a virtual tour of some of the most iconic Coming to America film locations. This classic comedy, released in 1988, has left an indelible mark on pop culture, and its film locations are just as memorable as the movie itself. So, grab your royal robes and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and coming to america film locations.
The Palace of Zamunda
Our first stop is the grand Palace of Zamunda, the fictional African kingdom where Prince Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy) hails from. While the palace is not a real place, it was brought to life through stunning set design and filming at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida.
The Biltmore, built in the 1920s, is a historic hotel that has hosted numerous celebrities and even served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during World War II. Its Mediterranean Revival architecture and lush gardens provided the perfect backdrop for Zamunda's royal palace.
The Throne Room
The throne room where Akeem's father, King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones), held court was actually the Biltmore's grand ballroom. With its soaring ceilings, ornate moldings, and massive crystal chandeliers, it's easy to see why this space was chosen to represent the opulence of Zamunda.
McDowell's Restaurant
No tour of Coming to America film locations would be complete without a visit to McDowell's, the fast-food restaurant owned by Akeem's friend and confidant, Semmi (Arsenio Hall). McDowell's was inspired by (and is a hilarious send-up of) a certain golden-arched fast-food chain, and its film location is just as iconic.
The exterior of McDowell's was filmed at a Burger King in New York City's Harlem neighborhood. The interior, however, was a set built on a soundstage. In a fun twist, the original McDowell's sign was actually a repurposed Burger King sign with the logo covered up!
Akeem's Apartment
During his time in New York, Akeem takes up residence in a small apartment above McDowell's. The exterior of Akeem's apartment was filmed at a building in New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood. The interior, however, was another set built on a soundstage.
The Soul Glo Beauty Salon
Akeem and Semmi's attempts to find a wife for Akeem lead them to the Soul Glo Beauty Salon, owned by the lovely and entrepreneurial Patrice (Lisa Bonet). The salon was filmed at a real beauty salon in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood.
The Soul Glo products featured in the movie are a fictional brand, but they've become so iconic that they've inspired real-life parody products and even a line of weed strains!
The Royal Tennenballs Match
In one memorable scene, Akeem and Semmi attend a royal tennenballs match in Zamunda. The film location for this scene was the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. The tennenballs match was actually a real sporting event, featuring a team of American football players and a team of African soccer players.
The Wedding
The movie's grand finale takes place at a royal wedding in Zamunda. The film location for this scene was the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, where we first visited for the Palace of Zamunda. The wedding scene was filmed in the hotel's grand ballroom, which provided the perfect backdrop for the lavish celebration.
Coming to America: Then and Now
Coming to America was released over 30 years ago, but its influence on pop culture is still felt today. Many of the film's iconic locations remain standing, offering a glimpse into the past and a chance to connect with the movie's enduring legacy.
So, the next time you're in New York City or Miami, keep an eye out for these Coming to America film locations. You never know when you might stumble upon a piece of movie history!
And there you have it, folks! Our tour of Coming to America film locations has come to an end. We hope you've enjoyed this virtual journey through one of our favorite comedies. Until next time, keep your eyes peeled for more movie magic in the world around you!