Decoding the Locations- Unveiling the Filming Spots of The Breakfast Club Classic Movie

Where was Breakfast Club Shot?

The iconic 1985 film “The Breakfast Club” has left an indelible mark on the hearts of moviegoers worldwide. Directed by John Hughes, this coming-of-age drama explores the lives of five high school students from different social cliques who are forced to spend a Saturday detention together. One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the question of where it was actually shot. Let’s delve into the secrets behind the filming locations of “The Breakfast Club.”

1. The Main High School Setting

The film’s primary setting, the high school, was actually shot at the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, New York. This renowned institution is known for its exceptional programs in the arts and has been the backdrop for many iconic films and television shows. The school’s grand architecture and diverse student body provided the perfect setting for the film’s portrayal of a typical American high school.

2. The Detention Room

The detention room where the students spend most of their time together was filmed at the now-defunct P.S. 109 in the Bronx, New York. This school, which closed in 1982, served as the perfect backdrop for the film’s gritty and intense atmosphere. The room itself was a converted classroom, complete with desks, a chalkboard, and the iconic poster of a breakfast club.

3. The Cafeteria

The cafeteria scene in “The Breakfast Club” was shot at the same location as the detention room, P.S. 109. The cafeteria’s open space and modern design allowed for the film’s depiction of the students’ interactions and the gradual breakdown of their social barriers.

4. The Library

One of the pivotal scenes in the film, where the students share their deepest secrets, was filmed at the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, also known as the “Main Branch.” This iconic building, located in Midtown Manhattan, provided the perfect setting for the film’s emotional climax.

5. The Principal’s Office

The principal’s office was filmed at the now-demolished P.S. 109, which also served as the detention room and cafeteria. The office’s traditional design and the principal’s stern demeanor added to the film’s dramatic tone.

In conclusion, “The Breakfast Club” was shot at various locations across New York City, each contributing to the film’s unique atmosphere and memorable scenes. The combination of these iconic settings helped to create a timeless coming-of-age story that continues to resonate with audiences today.