If you have been captivated by the intense drama, sharp dialogue, and academic intrigue of the Netflix series The Chair, you are not alone. The show, starring Sandra Oh as Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim, the first woman of color to chair the English department at the fictional Pembroke University, has sparked widespread curiosity about its setting. While the story takes place in a prestigious New England college, the actual filming locations are far more accessible and geographically diverse than many viewers assume.
Understanding where The Chair was filmed not only satisfies a natural curiosity but also offers a fascinating glimpse into how television production transforms real-world locations into fictional universes. In this comprehensive guide, we will down every primary and secondary filming site, explain why these locations were chosen, and provide practical tips for fans who want to visit these spots themselves. By the end, you will know exactly where the magic happened and how the production team brought Pembroke University to life.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ The primary campus for Pembroke University was filmed at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles south of Pittsburgh.
- ✓ Interior faculty offices and meeting rooms were built on soundstages in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, while the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh was used for administrative interiors.
- ✓ The iconic lecture hall scenes were filmed at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, requiring night shoots and special set treatments.
- ✓ Off-campus locations include The Coffee Tree Roasters in Shadyside, The Smiling Moose in South Side, and a private residence in Squirrel Hill.
- ✓ Pittsburgh was chosen primarily for its 25% film tax credit, established production infrastructure, and versatile architecture that could convincingly portray a New England college town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pembroke University a real school?
No, Pembroke University is a institution created for the series. The show’s creators wanted a name that sounded prestigious and classic, similar to Brown University (which has a Pembroke College) or Pembroke College at Oxford. The fictional university is meant to represent a top-tier liberal arts college in New England, but it does not exist in reality.
Can I visit the actual filming locations from The Chair?
Yes, most of the primary filming locations are open to the public. Washington & Jefferson College welcomes visitors to walk the campus grounds. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of are also accessible during regular hours. However, the soundstages and private residences are not open for tours. The Pittsburgh Film Office provides a free self-guided tour map.
Why did they film in Pennsylvania instead of New England?
The primary reason was financial. Pennsylvania offers a film tax credit of up to 25%, which significantly reduced production costs. Additionally, Pittsburgh has a strong film infrastructure with experienced crews and soundstages. The city’s architecture, which includes many historic buildings, could easily be dressed to look like a New England college town without the higher costs of filming in Massachusetts or Connecticut.
Were any scenes filmed on a green screen or with CGI?
, but sparingly. The production CGI to enhance the background of certain shots, particularly to add the fictional town of Pembroke’s skyline and to remove modern elements like satellite dishes and street signs from campus shots. The view from Ji-Yoon’s office window was a photographic backdrop. However, the vast majority of scenes were filmed on location or on practical sets.
Conclusion
The Chair masterfully used a combination of real academic institutions, historic museums, and constructed soundstages to create the convincing world of Pembroke University. From the red-brick charm of Washington & Jefferson College to the grand lecture hall at the Carnegie Museum, each location was chosen with care to support the show’s themes of tradition, change, and the human side of academia. Understanding these filming choices deepens our appreciation for the craft of television production and the economic realities that shape where stories are told.
If you are planning a trip to Pittsburgh to see these locations for yourself, start at the campus of Washington & Jefferson College, then head into the city to visit the Cathedral of Learning and the Carnegie Museum. Grab a coffee at The Coffee Tree Roasters and walk through the Squirrel Hill neighborhood spot Ji-Yoon’s house. Each location offers a tangible connection to the show and a reminder that the places we see on screen are often closer and more real than we imagine. Happy exploring
