SPIRITED AWAY
Hunt down storied ‘Ghostbusters’ locations around the city
GRAB your proton pack — your reallife NYC ghostbusting adventure is about to begin. On the heels of the “Ghostbusters” franchise’s latest in-theater release in March, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” New York City Tourism and Conventions has partnered with Sony Pictures to showcase some of the film series’ most famous locations in and around the city.
“Film tourism is a major draw, particularly in a pop culture hub like New York City,” said Nancy Mammana, chief marketing officer of NYC Tourism. “The long-standing popularity of film tourism coupled with the ‘Ghostbusters’ deep NYC roots and ‘love letters’ to the destination over the years were a major driver for this collaboration.”
In celebration of the latest film, the city tourism agency launched a “Ghostbusters” content hub at NYCTourism.com, providing fans with film-related attractions across the five boroughs.
On top of the free fun, for those seeking a premium experience, “we suggest taking the private two-hour ‘Ghostbusters’ sites tour with On Location Tours,” said Mammana. ($135 per person; three-person minimum.)
Here’s what you can expect to see on a “Ghostbusters” supernatural quest.
Ladder Company 8
Fans flock to Ladder Company 8 (14 N. Moore St.), otherwise known as Ghostbusters’ HQ , where the movie’s team gathered to pursue the paranormal.
Youngsters will savor the chance to see New York’s Bravest at this working firehouse, and Ghostbusting geeks can snap pictures of the ephemera from the movie franchises that line the firehouse, such as a Lego model of Ladder 8, the Ecto-1 license plate, “Ghostbusters” logo and more.
New York Public Library
A staple in the “Ghostbusters” franchise, the flagship NYPL at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at 476 Fifth Ave. is best known for being the setting of the opening scene of the original 1984 film.
These days, the kid-friendly free public space remains a great spot for families to visit. Along with the dizzying collection of books, be sure to appreciate the jawdropping architecture and pay a visit to the library’s marble lions, Patience and Fortitude.
Lincoln Center
Mom and dad love it for date-night, but kids can have a ball seeing one of the many family-friendly live performances at this storied venue such as ongoing music series and dance programs.
When weather allows, picnic on the plaza and reminisce over the meeting between characters Dana Barrett and Peter Venkman that took place here in the original film.
Coney Island
Children don’t need convincing to beeline it to this kid-centric wonderland, where Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and Luna Park recently reopened for the season (see page 39 for details).
Fans of the new movie can stroll along the beach depicted in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” where a sunshine-filled day turns into an apocalyptic ice storm after an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force.
Washington Square Park
For the grandmasters in training, bring ’em to this beloved downtown park that’s the setting in the latest film for a chess showdown with a friendly ghost. While here, let kids roam free under the famed fountain or burn off energy at one of two playgrounds.
Columbia University
Let little lions roar on the bucolic campus of this Ivy League institution, which makes several cameos in the original film and its sequels. Home of the fictional Weaver Hall Psychology Department and where character Egon Spengler later works, kids will rejoice in climbing the steps of Low Memorial Library, scoping out the sundial and grabbing a milehigh sub at Hamdel (née, Hamilton Deli).
55 Central Park West
Dubbed the “Ghostbusters building,” this edifice was constructed in 1929 and is located between 65th and 66th streets. In the first movie, it’s where Dana Barrett, the love interest of Peter Venkman, resides, and “Spook Central” — the apex of the paranormal.
These days the art deco co-op makes for a beautiful pit stop if you’re touring little ones through the Central Park West Historic District.
The gloriously preserved building facades date from the end of the 19th century to the 1940s, spanning 61st to 97th streets.