Where It Is Set Versus Where It Was Filmed
The story unfolds in New York City's sewers and streets, but the film was primarily shot in Wilmington, North Carolina studios, with only limited New York exteriors. After the production designer was denied access to real NYC sewers, an abandoned Brooklyn subway line was scouted for sewer design inspiration instead, and the sewer sets themselves were built on soundstages down South.
The Studio Side
EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington served as the main production base. The turtle suits weighed about 70 pounds each, and actors overheated in the North Carolina summer humidity while wearing them on set. Many of the backlot sets were later demolished to make room for larger soundstages, but the studio still operates and welcomes visitors on weekend tours.
Tours That Visit These Locations
Most of the North Carolina locations cluster around Wilmington, and a guided walking tour is the simplest way to see the downtown sites without guessing at addresses.
Historic District Film Walk
Wilmywood Movie and TV Location Walk Tour
A movie and TV location walk through Wilmington's Historic District, including a stop at Dock Street, where the film's news station exterior still stands, sharing screen trivia from one of Hollywood's busiest small-city studios.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles filmed in New York?
Only partly. The film shot establishing shots and select exteriors in New York City, including Hoyt-Schermerhorn Station, Columbus Circle and a rooftop on Lafayette Street. The bulk of the production, including the sewer and fight scenes, was filmed at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Can you tour the studio where the film was made?
Yes. EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington offers weekend tours, though many of the original backlot sets were demolished and replaced by larger soundstages after filming.
Where is the Foot Clan headquarters in real life?
The interior was shot at a disused cement plant in Castle Hayne, North Carolina. The site is closed to the public and cannot be visited.
Is the farmhouse where the turtles trained open to visitors?
No. The farmhouse and training field in Currie, North Carolina, are private property. The exterior can be viewed from the road, but visitors should not enter.
Which New York filming locations can you visit for free?
Columbus Circle at Central Park West, the corner of 9th Ave and W 45th St, and the street outside 270 Lafayette Street are all public and free to see. Hoyt-Schermerhorn Station requires only a standard subway fare.
When was the movie filmed?
Filming took place from July to September 1989, mostly at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina, ahead of the film's 1990 release.
Wilmington delivers the studio story, New York delivers the street-level scenes, and between them they cover nearly every frame of the 1990 film. The studio tour and the Manhattan corners are the practical highlights; the cement plant and farmhouse remain tantalizingly off limits. Pair the two cities in one trip and you will have walked the whole production.
