Okay, let's talk about *the* Arconia. We all know it from Only Murders In The Building. But where *is* it, really?
Everyone says it's the Belvedere on the Upper West Side. Case closed, right? I'm not so sure!
The Obvious Clues (Or Are They?)
The show films exterior shots at the Belvedere. We see it all the time! It's grand, it's iconic, it screams "Old New York Money."
But here's my slightly unpopular opinion. The interior? It’s a whole different story.
Think about it. Those winding hallways? The cramped apartments? That secret passageway (or two!)?
My Crazy Theory (Hear Me Out!)
What if the *real* Arconia is a Frankenstein's monster of New York buildings? What if they stitched together the best (and weirdest) parts of several places?
Maybe the lobby is *sort of* the Belvedere. But the hallways? Could be some charming, slightly spooky pre-war building in Brooklyn Heights.
And those apartments? I bet they raided a vintage set designer's storage unit. Think mismatched furniture, questionable wallpaper, and a healthy dose of quirky charm.
Let's be honest. New York buildings have character. The Arconia has *characters* living inside of it. Big difference!
The Arconia's Personality
The building isn't just a backdrop. It's practically a character in the show. It creaks, it groans, it holds secrets.
Do you think the polished Belvedere *really* feels that lived-in? I'm skeptical.
I picture a team of set designers meticulously aging every detail. Adding layers of dust and stories. Creating a place that *feels* like it’s witnessed a century of drama.
The Real Answer? Maybe It Doesn't Matter
Ultimately, does it really matter if the Arconia is one specific building? Or a magical concoction of movie magic?
I'd argue no. It's about the *feeling* it evokes. That cozy, slightly unsettling atmosphere. The sense that anything can happen behind those ornate doors.
And let's be real. Doesn't everyone imagine their own apartment building has a hidden mystery or two?
Maybe Charles, Oliver, and Mabel just unlocked ours. Through the looking glass into a world of murder and podcasts.
So next time you watch Only Murders, don’t just look at the exterior. Close your eyes and imagine the *soul* of the Arconia. It's probably more interesting than any one building could ever be.
Besides, isn't it more fun to believe in a little bit of movie magic? I think so!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to check my own building for secret passageways. You never know!
Maybe my building hides a dead body AND a free streaming service. One can dream.
