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Exploring the Real-Life Inspiration Behind Severance

Your affinity for adventure defines you. You shun the middle seat on flights and raise an eyebrow at fellow passengers who remove their shoes mid-air. Moreover, as a fan of the acclaimed series Severance, you’re likely eager to explore the real building that inspired the show’s fictional Lumon Industries, located just a short trip from New York City.

For those who may be unfamiliar, the term “outie” in Severance refers to the characters’ split identities—”outies” represent their lives outside the office, while “innies” exist solely for their workplaces. This innovative premise has captivated audiences and invited discourse about work-life balance and personal identity.

The series centers around the enigmatic Lumon company, where unsettling experiments on employees take place within a striking yet ominously designed building, echoing the surreal and sterile environments found in our worst workplace nightmares. If you’re an ardent admirer of the show, you have the opportunity to visit this very structure nestled in New Jersey.

The Bell Works building in Holmdel, New Jersey, was once a hub for Bell Labs, the groundbreaking research facility for AT&T. Today, it has been transformed into a dynamic space hosting various businesses and activities.

The building, now known as Bell Works, boasts a rich history; it was designed by the renowned architect Eero Saarinen and opened as an expansive office complex in 1962. During its heyday, it witnessed the development of key technologies, including cell phones and microwaves. After being abandoned in 2007, it underwent revitalization in 2013 under developer Ralph Zucker’s guidance, and since then, its lobby and outdoor areas have doubled as the fictional backdrop for Lumon Industries in Severance.

“Severance is not the first production to utilize this landmark,” Zucker noted. The building has also appeared in other notable series like American Horror Story and Emergence. Yet, it’s the buzz surrounding Severance that has led to a significant increase in visitors, as fans flock to capture the building’s essence.

“We’ve noticed a substantial uptick in people coming to take photographs,” Zucker shared. “Our social media team is continually managing the influx.”

Despite this surge in interest, it is essential to mention that there are currently no official tours of Bell Works. The site functions as a workplace, necessitating visitor respect for those who conduct business there. Access to upper floors is restricted, so fans are encouraged to capture their memories in the outdoor areas or lobby instead.

Zucker emphasized the contrast between the show’s portrayal of Lumon as an eerie, lifeless entity and the reality of Bell Works, stating, “We always recognized that audiences would understand this is not an authentic depiction of life here. Contrary to the show’s emptiness, our space is vibrant and alive.”

For more information about the Bell Works building and its fascinating transformation, visit curbed.com.

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www.travelandleisure.com