Visit the “Ghostbusters” Firehouse in Manhattan New York

There’s something striking, in the neighborhood.

Discover the legendary Ghostbusters’ Firehouse, a New York City landmark located at 14 North Moore Street in the trendy neighborhood of Tribeca. This iconic building was erected as the headquarters for Hook and Ladder fire company 8, following the creation of the FDNY. It was one of the first firehouses built in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, designed by Alexander H. Stevens, the city superintendent of buildings. Initially featuring two vehicle doors, the building underwent a reduction in size in 1913 due to the widening of Varick Street.

The 1984 Ghostbusters film brought worldwide fame to the firehouse, as it was transformed into the fictional headquarters for a team of quirky paranormal investigators we grew to love. The movie and its sequel made this historic building an instant pop culture icon, drawing fans worldwide.

Remarkably, the building was in disrepair when the filmmakers discovered it, but they saw its potential and renovated it to its former glory. Today, the firehouse is not just a fire station but also a must-see destination for those who love Ghostbusters and historical architecture.

The brave firefighters of Hook & Ladder No. 8 were among the first to respond to the September 11, 2001 attacks. However, in 2011, the beloved firehouse faced the threat of closure due to city budget cuts. But thanks to a heartfelt public campaign supported by Mayor Bill de Blasio and actor and former New York City firefighter Steve Buscemi, the firehouse was saved and remains in service today. Recently, from 2016 to 2018, the firehouse underwent a much-needed renovation, costing $6 million, to ensure it can continue to serve the community for years to come.

While it’s unlikely that visitors can tour the firehouse due to its active status; you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the fire engines racing out on a call and get a peek inside.

I didn’t see the fire station in action on the day of my visit, but it still gives me the thrill to be up close to the fire station. Visit in the morning to capture unobstructed views of the station—crowds mushroom after 10:30 am. But most are pretty polite, taking turns to take pictures.

To take the station in its entirety, stand across the road and set your camera mode to a wide angle. Then cross over to the station and grab some closeups of the facade’s details and the floor graffiti.

It’s easy to get to the Ghostbusters HQ. The nearest subway station is Franklin Street Station, only 98 m from it. After you exit the station, take the route via Varick Street, which will take approximately 1 minute.