On the trail of “Only Murders in the Building”: A visit to The Belnord in New York City

The Only Murders in the Building series has quickly become a popular hit, and with it, the impressive apartment building known as ‘The Arconia’ also gained a lot of attention. But what many fans may not know: The real building behind the show’s facade is called The Belnord and is located in the heart of New York City’s Upper West Side. In this blog article, you can find out everything you need to know about this iconic building and how you can visit it yourself.

The Belnord — The real face behind “The Arconia”

The Belnord, which serves as the backdrop for the fictional “The Arconia”, is located on 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue and is one of the most famous residential buildings in New York City. The building was constructed in 1908 and boasts impressive architecture in the Beaux-Arts style. With its majestic arches, ornate facade and tranquil courtyard, it provides the perfect setting for the gripping crime series that follows the lives of three amateur detectives.

The building is not only cinematically impressive, but also an architectural jewel. The inner courtyard of the Belnord extends over more than 4,000 square meters and offers a haven of peace in the midst of bustling New York City life — an ideal retreat that one could only wish for in a series about mysterious murders.

It is no coincidence that some celebrities have lived in this building.

• Sophie Braslau, opera singer
• Bruce Davidson, photographer
• Lillian Genth, artist
• Art D’Lugoff, jazz impresario
• Alexander Lambert, piano teacher
• Walter Matthau, actor
• Marilyn Monroe, actress
• Zero Mostel, Actor
• Ona Munson, actress
• Isaac Bashevis Singer, writer
• Richard Stengel, journalist
• Alexis Stewart, television and radio presenter
• Martha Stewart, businesswoman
• Lee Strasberg, drama teacher
• Percival Wilde, playwright

Source: Wikpedia

The significance of “The Arconia” in the series

In Only Murders in the Building, “The Arconia” plays a central role. It is not only the place where the main characters — played by Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez — live, but also the scene of the mysterious murder that sets the events of the series in motion. The subdued lighting, winding corridors and impressive communal areas of the building create a unique atmosphere that perfectly suits the crime story.

The main characters rushing through the stairwell, the conversations in the courtyard and the clandestine investigations in the corridors — all these scenes almost make The Arconia itself seem like a character that embodies the mystery and nostalgia of the series.

How you can visit The Belnord

Even though The Belnord is portrayed in the series as a mysterious place full of secrets, it is actually a private residential building. This means that the inner courtyard and the residential units are inaccessible to the public. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at the building from the outside. The interior shots in the series were also filmed in a film studio and not in the building itself. On the Belnord website, you can get a small impression of what it actually looks like inside the building, and will probably also notice small and large differences to the series.

Directions:

The Belnord is located at 225 West 86th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. The nearest subway station is 86th Street Station, which is served by the 1 and B lines. From there, it is only a few minutes’ walk to the building.

Architectural highlights:

When you visit The Belnord, take a moment to admire the facade. The imposing arches and detailed stonework give you an idea of why this building was chosen as the backdrop for a series with such a special atmosphere.

Further tips for your visit to the area

The Upper West Side of Manhattan has much more to offer besides The Belnord. Here are some ideas for your visit to the area:

• Central Park: Just a few blocks away from Belnord, you will find the famous Central Park. A walk through the park is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
• American Museum of Natural History: Also nearby is the impressive Natural History Museum, which is not only exciting for fans of museums, but also for movie lovers (Night at the Museum was filmed here).
• Cafés and restaurants: The Upper West Side offers a large selection of cozy cafés and restaurants where you can fortify yourself after your visit. How about a typical American-style coffee to round off the day?

Conclusion: The Belnord — A place of film history

For fans of Only Murders in the Building, a visit to The Belnord is an absolute must. Even though the building is only accessible from the outside, it exudes the special charm familiar from the series. The visit also offers the opportunity to discover more of the fascinating Upper West Side, which serves as the backdrop for many films and series.

New York City is full of places familiar from movies and television, and The Belnord is a perfect example of how a building can become a real star — both on screen and in real life.

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