THE OFFICE: ICONIC SCENES AND LOCATIONS
During its nine-season run, The Office has accumulated a plethora of iconic and hilarious moments throughout the years. We have spent so much time with the Dunder Mifflin crew that we felt like we knew them and their world. Of course, though the series is fictional, many of the places the characters inhabited were rooted in reality, and some can even be visited in person, giving fans a true sense of immersion.
The American adaptation of The Office takes place in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a real city with its own iconic attractions and tourist sites. Even though much of the series was filmed in California to stand in for Pennsylvania, many of the show's locations outside the Dunder Mifflin office are genuine Scranton places you can visit today.
Ready to explore the wonderful world of The Office in real life?
Pennsylvania Paper & Supply Company - Scranton, PA: The very first scene you see when tuning into any episode of The Office is the classic exterior of the Pennsylvania Paper & Supply Company building, a real company still in operation today. Despite its on-screen absence, the building is an integral part of the show’s opening credits which rings loud in the ears of any fans.
Scranton Business Park - Panorama City, PA: Though The Office is set in Scranton, Dunder Mifflin's offices were, for production purposes, located within a studio in California, where both interior and exterior shots for "Scranton Business Park" were filmed. The building is still in use today, so you can't roam the corridors just like Michael Scott, but you can still take a selfie outside. However, do be aware that the studio –– now known as Quixote Studios Central Valley –– has undergone some changes since the show was produced.
Poor Richard’s Pub - Scranton, PA: The crew at Dunder Mifflin loves hanging out at Poor Richard's, a real spot also mentioned and depicted throughout the series. Whether it's being used as a casual hangout spot or the location for Michael's Dunder Mifflin television ad premiere (which was a flop), Poor Richard's remains a favorite among both regular customers and diehard Office fans. Conveniently, it is open all week, providing endless opportunities to visit and reminisce.
Alfredo’s Pizza - Scranton, PA: Just like its namesake restaurant from The Office, Alfredo's Pizza Cafe is a real establishment in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Unlike the foul-tasting Pizza by Alfredo from the show, Alfredo's offers a diverse menu of delicious dishes, including pizzas, pastas, burgers and various other entrees. However, be warned, avoid ordering the meatball parm as we've heard it's their worst sandwich by far.
Cooper’s Seafood House - Scranton, PA: To complete our triumvirate of popular establishments from Dunder Mifflin, there's Cooper's, a family-owned seafood eatery featured multiple times throughout the series. The restaurant has celebrated its 75th anniversary and it remains open for you to indulge in some delicious seafood—specifically lobster—in a style akin to Michael Scott.
Congregational Church of the Chimes - Sherman Oaks, CA: For every hardcore Office fanatic, visiting the scene of Jim and Pam's groundbreaking nuptials is a rite of passage. The couple's actual wedding took place in Niagara Falls—not hard to find if you know where to look. However, if you dream of experiencing the spectacle of the ceremonial proceedings, a trip across America is in order. Jim and Pam's wedding ceremony was filmed in the Congregation Church of the Chimes in Sherman Oaks, California, at the church's Staves Chapel, which has become a sought-after wedding destination for Office fans worldwide.
The Marketplace at Steamtown - Scranton, PA: Previously known as the Steamtown Mall, which is the name featured in the show, the Marketplace is the site of many significant Office references, including the infamous incident of Pam and Phyllis wearing the same outfit. Apart from that, you can visit Auntie Anne's Pretzels, try to replicate a look of Phyllis from Boscov's and take a photo in front of the "Scranton Welcomes You" sign featured in the opener.
Lake Scranton - Scranton, PA: In the cult-favorite Season 3 episode "Beach Games," Michael takes the entirety of the Scranton branch on an epic day of recreation and a not-so-friendly competition at Lake Scranton, where personal secrets are revealed and wills are challenged. In reality, the episode was filmed at the Hansen Dam reservoir in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, but you have the option to visit the actual location. Even though Lake Scranton in "Beach Games" was purposely made to appear dreary, the real one offers breathtaking views and a scenic walking trail.
Scranton City Hall - Scranton, PA: Similar to many other Scranton landmarks, City Hall gets a spot in the series' iconic intro and a few casual mentions throughout The Office. Nowadays though the location is worth visiting for a different reason. As a nod to the city's contributions to the show, City Hall was given a Dundie Award by NBCUniversal for being the "Best Hometown of The Office." For photo opportunities, a gigantic Dundie Award is certainly a must-see.
Anthracite Heritage Museum - Scranton, PA: The Anthracite Heritage Museum may not have had a primary role throughout The Office's run, but it still got its fair share of screen time. It was notably featured in Season 3's "The Merger," when Michael and Dwight had their notorious rap battle during Jim's barbecue. For any Office fan, that alone is a solid reason to visit, but there are more reasons to check out the museum.
As you can probably sense, there has been a significant theme in The American Office’s locations and that is Scranton, Pennsylvania. Scranton was chosen to be the American reciprocal for the UK’s, Slough, which was the home to the original Office and provided the perfect office backdrop for mundane hilarity. From Slough to Scranton, The Office is an iconic comedy that deserves to be remembered.
