When Bram Stoker wrote Dracula in 1897, he probably didn’t realize how much of a cultural impact it would have or that people would still be fascinated by vampires more than a century later. From Anne Rice’s famous Interview with the Vampire to shows like The Vampire Diaries and its spinoff The Originals, the allure of vampires continues to capture our imaginations. Interestingly, many of these stories are set in New Orleans, a city where first impressions count. Its unique atmosphere makes it the perfect backdrop for these captivating tales. Here’s a closer look at must-see filming locations in New Orleans for vampire fans.
Popular Filming Locations in New Orleans for Vampire Fans
There’s something about New Orleans that seems to bring the supernatural to life. It might be the warm nights in the historic French Quarter or the flickering gas lanterns overhead. Renfield director Chris McKay said, “It’s the only city in the States that looks and feels like a European city, so I wanted something modern and new but still connected to Dracula’s past.” This Nicolas Cage film is just the latest in a long line of vampire movies filmed in New Orleans, and you can visit many of the spots you’ve seen on screen.
Hermann-Grima House
This 19th-century mansion is in the heart of the French Quarter. On a tour last year, visitors were told there was filming happening, but the guide couldn’t say what it was. A strange black furnace in the courtyard wasn’t original to the house, so it was exciting to spot it in AMC’s new Interview with the Vampire series. The house’s interiors were also used as the setting for the Lalaurie mansion in American Horror Story: Coven. The house museum is managed by the Woman’s Exchange, and you can book tour tickets for the Hermann-Grima and Gallier House online.
Gallier House
This 1860 house is so perfectly suited to supernatural stories that Anne Rice once said, “I’ve toured the Gallier House many times, thinking, ah, this is where Louis and Lestat and Claudia live in my heart.” This was kept in mind when AMC created the Interview with the Vampire series, and the scenes of the three vampires at home were filmed here.
Beauregard-Keyes House
In the heart of New Orleans, this well-preserved house from 1826 is a stunning example of Creole and American architectural styles. It served as the interior for the Fair Play Saloon and Azalea Hall in season one of Interview with the Vampire. The courtyard was turned into an entertainment area where Louis and Lestat could be seen enjoying a musical performance.
Pirate Alley
Located in the French Quarter, Pirate Alley extends from Chartres Street at Jackson Square to Royal Street. This narrow pedestrian alley has a dark history that tour guides love to share. You’ve likely seen it in many New Orleans-based films, and fans of The Originals and Interview with the Vampire will recognize it from several scenes.
St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square
St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square are in almost every New Orleans-based film or show. The cathedral, founded in 1720, is one of the oldest in the U.S. and is still in use. You’ll recognize it from The Originals and Interview with the Vampire, and more recently, it was featured in Renfield, where Nicolas Hoult and Awkwafina sit in an outdoor cafe overlooking Jackson Square.
Hotel Royal
Fans of The Originals will recognize this building as Marcel’s home. Built in 1833, it became a public laundromat in the 1940s before turning into a hotel in the 1960s. It’s been renovated several times to preserve its old-world charm, and you can stay there or just visit.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
New Orleans cemeteries are unique because everything is built above ground due to the swampy land. These cities of mausoleums attract historians, tourists, and film directors alike. While St. Louis Cemetery is the most famous (especially with the grave of voodoo queen Marie Laveau), it’s now closed to the public. Directors often choose Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, located in the Garden District, for filming instead.
Saenger Theatre
Whether you’re a vampire fan or not, this historic theater is worth a visit. It was a movie palace dating back to 1927 and is now used for live theater, including Broadway in New Orleans. Lestat loves the opera, and those scenes of him enjoying performances in Interview with the Vampire were shot at the Saenger.
Gallier Hall
Locals were surprised when the former 19th-century city hall was decked out in gold with gold lions during the filming of Renfield in May 2022. It also appears during a Mardi Gras parade in Interview with the Vampire. This Greek Revival building is still used as a civic building, but you can easily see it from the outside.
Charity Hospital
This creepy-looking abandoned building was a hospital from 1736 until it was closed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. There are plans to revive it by 2025, but until then, its gothic facade makes it one of the great filming locations in New Orleans. Instead of a Transylvanian castle, Dracula’s new home in Renfield used Charity Hospital for its imposing silhouette.
Mulate’s
On a normal day, this New Orleans restaurant serves traditional Cajun food and live zydeco music. But in Renfield, it becomes a bar where a wild fight scene takes place. The exterior was altered with a giant creepy-looking head added to the Mulate’s sign at the entrance.
The Garden District
Located west of the French Quarter, the Garden District was once home to Anne Rice and inspired much of her work. With its picturesque streets lined with historic homes, the Garden District offers a timeless backdrop that exudes elegance and Southern charm. Countless movies and TV shows have used this area to transport audiences to different eras and stories. It’s been featured in American Horror Story: Coven, The Originals, Interview with the Vampire, and AMC’s The Mayfair Witches, which combined exteriors from Anne Rice’s old home with interiors from a nearby mansion at 3102 Prytania Street.
.jpg){kind=link}
