Unveiling the Glamour: Filming Locations for The Gilded Age
Hello there, history buffs and TV enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the luxurious world of filming locations for The Gilded Age. This HBO period drama, created by Julian Fellowes, has captivated audiences with its opulent sets and stunning visuals. So, let's put on our finest attire and explore where the magic of this show comes to life. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and filming locations for the gilded age.
The Real-Life Newport Mansions: Beresford's Opulent Home
The Gilded Age is set in the late 19th century, a time when the American elite built grand mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. The show's production team didn't have to look far to find the perfect filming locations, as many of these historic homes still stand today.
The Breakers - Cornelius Vanderbilt's Summer Cottage
The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo, serves as the primary filming location for the Beresford family's residence. Built in 1895 by architect Richard Morris Hunt for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, this Newport mansion is a testament to the extravagant lifestyle of the Gilded Age. With its grand ballrooms, opulent libraries, and stunning ocean views, it's no wonder the show chose this location to depict the Beresfords' lavish home.
Did you know? The Breakers is open to the public for tours, so you can step into the world of The Gilded Age yourself!
The Historic Marble House: A Socialite's Dream
Another Newport mansion that plays a significant role in the show is Marble House, built in 1892 for William K. Vanderbilt and his wife, Alva Vanderbilt. This French Renaissance-style chateau is the setting for many of the show's lavish parties and social events.
Alva Vanderbilt's Parlor Room: A Hub of Gossip and Intrigue
Marble House's parlor room, with its ornate decor and grand piano, serves as the perfect backdrop for the show's high society gatherings. Here, the characters of The Gilded Age engage in whispered conversations, share scandalous secrets, and plot their next social maneuver.
Fun fact: Marble House was the first large house in America to be entirely electrified, reflecting the Vanderbilt family's innovative spirit.
The New York Public Library: A Hub of Knowledge and Power
While much of The Gilded Age takes place in the opulent mansions of Newport, the show also shines a light on the power dynamics of New York City. The New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building serves as a filming location for various scenes set in the city.
The Rose Main Reading Room: A Symbol of Intellectual Pursuits
This iconic room, with its soaring ceilings, ornate carvings, and vast collection of books, is the perfect setting for the show's characters to engage in intellectual debates and forge political alliances. The library's grandeur serves as a stark contrast to the humble beginnings of some of the show's characters, highlighting the transformative power of knowledge and ambition.
Did you know? The Rose Main Reading Room is one of the largest and most beautiful public spaces in the United States, measuring 77 feet by 30 feet and featuring a stunning mosaic ceiling.
The Grand Central Terminal: A Hub of Commerce and Travel
Another iconic New York City location featured in The Gilded Age is Grand Central Terminal. This historic railway station, built in 1913, serves as a symbol of the city's bustling commerce and rapid growth during the Gilded Age.
The Main Concourse: A Stage for Grand Entrances
The terminal's magnificent main concourse, with its vaulted ceiling and expansive floorplan, provides the perfect backdrop for the show's characters to make dramatic entrances and exits. Here, they can be seen rushing to catch trains, meeting with business associates, or simply taking in the terminal's grandeur.
Fun fact: Grand Central Terminal is the world's largest train station by number of platforms, with 44 platforms serving 67 tracks.
The Gilded Age in Brooklyn: The Brooklyn Navy Yard
While much of the show takes place in the mansions of Newport and the bustling streets of New York City, The Gilded Age also shines a light on the working-class communities of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Navy Yard, a former shipyard that operated from 1801 to 2004, serves as a filming location for several scenes set in the city's industrial heart.
The Dry Dock: A Symbol of Industry and Labor
The show's characters can be seen walking along the navy yard's dry docks, providing a stark contrast to the opulence of Newport and the power dynamics of New York City. This location serves as a reminder of the hardworking men and women who built the ships that fueled America's growth during the Gilded Age.
Did you know? The Brooklyn Navy Yard was once the world's largest shipyard, employing over 70,000 people at its peak during World War II.
Conclusion: Exploring the Gilded Age Through Filming Locations
From the opulent mansions of Newport to the bustling streets of New York City, The Gilded Age has brought the glamour and intrigue of the late 19th century to life on our screens. By exploring the show's filming locations, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the history and architecture of this fascinating era.
So, grab your top hat and join us on a journey through time, as we delve into the world of The Gilded Age and the stunning locations that bring this captivating story to life.