The eerie, maze-like corridors of Severance may be fictional, but the exterior of Lumon Industries is very real. The Apple TV+ psychological thriller, which follows employees who have “severed” their memories between work and personal life, uses an actual location for its corporate headquarters. That building is Bell Works, formerly known as the Bell Labs Holmdel Complex, located in Holmdel, New Jersey. Designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen, this mid-century modern structure once served as a research hub for AT&T and played a crucial role in technological advancements. Today, it is a thriving mixed-use complex that welcomes visitors—especially fans eager to see Lumon’s headquarters in person.
The Real-Life Lumon Industries: Bell Works in New Jersey
The building used for Severance’s Lumon Industries headquarters is Bell Works, a landmark originally constructed between 1959 and 1962. It was home to Bell Labs, the research division of AT&T, where some of the most groundbreaking technological discoveries took place. This includes the invention of the transistor, which paved the way for modern electronics, and the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation, a key piece of evidence supporting the Big Bang theory.
After being abandoned in 2007, the building was revived in 2013 by developer Ralph Zucker, who transformed it into a modern workspace with offices, restaurants, retail shops, and event spaces. Its vast glass atrium and sprawling interiors provide a unique aesthetic, making it an attractive location for film and television productions. In addition to Severance, Bell Works has been featured in American Horror Story and Emergence.
READ MORE: Why Reacher Didn’t Cry Over Kohl’s Death in Season 3
What Visitors Need to Know Before Going
Fans of Severance who want to visit Lumon’s real-life headquarters should know that Bell Works is open to the public, but it is an active business complex. While you can freely explore the main lobby and outdoor areas, access to the upper levels is restricted. The eerie hallways and basement offices seen in Severance were not filmed on-site but rather recreated on a soundstage in New York.
While there is no official tour dedicated to Severance, Bell Works has embraced its connection to the show. Visitors frequently take photos in front of the building’s exterior, and the complex has acknowledged the influx of fans on social media. Developer Ralph Zucker has noted that Severance has significantly increased visitor interest, stating, “We have a whole team that works on social media, and they’re inundated with fan interactions.”
READ MORE: How Gabby Petito Was Found: The Investigation’s Key Details
Why Bell Works Was the Perfect Choice for Severance
The choice to use Bell Works as the exterior for Lumon Industries was no coincidence. The building’s brutalist architecture, symmetrical design, and isolated location contribute to the unsettling corporate dystopia depicted in Severance. Unlike traditional office buildings, Bell Works has a futuristic yet retro aesthetic, aligning perfectly with the show’s unsettling, timeless atmosphere.
Throughout Severance, Lumon is portrayed as a corporation that values control, secrecy, and rigid structure. The sterile, geometric layout of Bell Works enhances this imagery, making it an ideal stand-in for a company conducting morally ambiguous experiments on its employees.
Planning Your Visit to Bell Works
If you’re planning to visit Bell Works and experience the real-life Lumon headquarters, here’s what you need to know:
- Location: 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, New Jersey.
- Accessibility: Open to the public, but upper floors are restricted.
- Best Spots for Photos: The main entrance and lobby offer the most recognizable views from Severance.
- Nearby Attractions: Holmdel Park and PNC Bank Arts Center are close by for those looking to explore more of the area.
- Hours of Operation: Check the official Bell Works website for updated visitor hours and events.
READ MORE: Reacher: What Really Happened to Jack’s Mother & Brother?
Bell Works is more than just a filming location—it is a historic building with deep ties to scientific progress. While Severance paints it as a dystopian corporate headquarters, in reality, it is a bustling hub of innovation and creativity. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the show or simply appreciate architectural landmarks, visiting the real-life Lumon Industries is an experience worth having. Just don’t expect to find Mr. Milchick waiting for you at the entrance.
Source: Travel + Leisure
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
