ActionSci-FiAdventureDystopian

🎬 Where Was Divergent Filmed? Complete Chicago Location Guide

2014

Neil Burger

Added January 15, 2024

5 Locations

Explore dystopian Chicago through 'Divergent's' real-world locations. An epic adventure awaits fans!

About 🎬 Where Was Divergent Filmed? Complete Chicago Location Guide

🎬 Where Was Divergent Filmed? Complete Chicago Location Guide

Ready to dive into a dystopian future right in the heart of the Midwest? "Divergent" brought Veronica Roth's thrilling world to life, and much of its gritty, faction-divided society was built upon the iconic skyline and hidden corners of one vibrant city: Chicago!

Forget CGI backdrops; this film embraced Chicago's distinct architecture and energy, transforming it into the ruined, isolated city where Tris Prior's journey unfolds. From soaring skyscrapers to serene lakefronts, the real Chicago became a character in itself.

The locations aren't just pretty backdrops. They're woven into the very fabric of the story, defining the factions and shaping the characters' struggles. Visiting them lets you step directly into Tris's shoes!

So, grab your faction uniform (or just your walking shoes!), because we're about to explore the real-world spots where the future of humanity hung in the balance. Get ready for a cinematic adventure!

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🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) - Soaring to the Summit of Erudite 🧠

Scenic view of Willis Tower from Lake Michigan, showcasing its iconic black facade and towering height.

🏛️ The Location

The Willis Tower, known globally for its immense height and distinctive black structure, dominated the Chicago skyline for decades. It's a landmark of engineering, offering breathtaking views from its Skydeck.

🎥 In the Film

This architectural marvel served as the imposing headquarters for the Erudite faction. Its upper floors and imposing exterior were used to symbolize the intellectual, yet calculating, nature of the Erudite.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

🕒 Hours: Skydeck typically 9 AM - 10 PM daily (seasonal variations)

💰 Admission: Adults $30-40 for Skydeck entry

🌐 Website: theskydeck.com

💡 Pro Tip: Visit during sunset for incredible golden hour views and watch the city lights come alive! 🎬 Fun Fact: At its completion in 1973, it was the tallest building in the world, holding the title for nearly 25 years.

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🎬 12th Street Beach, Northerly Island - Dauntless Dips & Dares 🌊

Scenic view of 12th Street Beach at Northerly Island, often seen with Chicago's skyline in the distance.

🏛️ The Location

Located on Northerly Island, 12th Street Beach offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. It's a popular spot for locals seeking a tranquil escape or refreshing dip.

🎥 In the Film

This beautiful lakefront was transformed into a training ground for the brave Dauntless initiates. It's where we see them engage in intense combat training, proving their mettle against the elements.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 1200 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

🕒 Hours: Beach open seasonally from dawn to dusk (usually May-Sept for swimming)

💰 Admission: Free

🌐 Website: chicagoparkdistrict.com

💡 Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy the sweeping skyline views – it’s a perfect spot for relaxation after your film tour! 🎬 Fun Fact: Northerly Island used to be the site of Meigs Field, an airport that was famously demolished overnight by Mayor Richard M. Daley.

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🎬 Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, University of Chicago - Erudite's Enlightened Entrance 📚

Stunning architecture of the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library dome at the University of Chicago, showcasing its modern glass facade.

🏛️ The Location

A triumph of modern architecture, the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library boasts a striking transparent dome that shelters a vast, automated storage and retrieval system for books. It’s a research hub on the University of Chicago campus.

🎥 In the Film

The library's futuristic dome served as the entrance and part of the interior for the Erudite faction's headquarters, blending seamlessly with the intellectual and technologically advanced theme.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 1100 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637

🕒 Hours: University library hours vary; exterior accessible during campus hours.

💰 Admission: Free to view exterior; interior access typically restricted to UChicago affiliates or by special arrangement.

🌐 Website: lib.uchicago.edu

💡 Pro Tip: Explore the surrounding University of Chicago campus – its stunning Gothic architecture is an attraction in itself! 🎬 Fun Fact: The Mansueto Library's groundbreaking design allows for rapid retrieval of millions of books from underground storage.

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🎬 Wacker Drive - The Urban Labyrinth of Divergent 🚗

Impressive street scene of Wacker Drive in Chicago, capturing its multi-level structure and bustling city life.

🏛️ The Location

Wacker Drive is a unique thoroughfare in Chicago, famous for its multi-level design and impressive views of the Chicago River and surrounding architecture. It’s a key artery of downtown.

🎥 In the Film

This iconic road featured heavily in "Divergent," appearing in several establishing shots and chase sequences as the characters navigated the desolate city. Its distinct elevated structure perfectly captured the film’s post-apocalyptic feel.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL (spans several blocks connecting various downtown areas)

🕒 Hours: 24/7 (public street, so traffic can vary)

💰 Admission: Free (it's a public street)

🌐 Website: N/A (city street)

💡 Pro Tip: Walk along the Chicago Riverwalk, which runs parallel to Wacker Drive, for great views and photo opportunities of the city's unique infrastructure. 🎬 Fun Fact: Wacker Drive was named after Charles H. Wacker, who chaired the Chicago Plan Commission in the early 20th century.

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🎬 Federal Center Plaza (outside Dirksen Federal Building) - Abnegation's Humble Home 🕊️

Authentic street scene of the Federal Center Plaza in Chicago, highlighting the iconic Flamingo sculpture by Alexander Calder.

🏛️ The Location

The Federal Center Plaza is a significant architectural complex designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, featuring the Dirksen Federal Building. Its minimalist design and open plaza are iconic, home to Alexander Calder's "Flamingo" sculpture.

🎥 In the Film

The austere and minimalist structure of the Federal Center Plaza, particularly the Dirksen Federal Building, served as a key backdrop for the Abnegation faction's sector. Its stark lines represented their simplicity and selflessness.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 219 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604

🕒 Hours: Outdoor plaza, 24/7 access

💰 Admission: Free

🌐 Website: gsa.gov (for building info)

💡 Pro Tip: Look for the vibrant "Flamingo" sculpture by Alexander Calder, a famous public art piece that contrasts with the building's starkness. 🎬 Fun Fact: The Dirksen Federal Building is part of a complex that is a prime example of Mies van der Rohe's modernist architecture.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Bringing "Divergent" to life involved some serious cinematic magic, especially when turning real-world Chicago into a post-apocalyptic landscape. The filmmakers faced unique challenges and opportunities leveraging the city's gritty beauty.

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Neil Burger chose Chicago not just for its iconic skyline, but for its diverse architectural styles, allowing different parts of the city to naturally represent distinct factions. He wanted the city itself to feel like a character, worn down yet still imposing.

🎨 Visual Style: Burger aimed for a desaturated color palette, especially in the Abnegation and Erudite sectors, to emphasize the starkness and lack of individuality. This visual approach was enhanced by the concrete and glass structures of Chicago.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 Towering Challenges: Filming around the Willis Tower required careful planning and coordination with the city to ensure safety and minimize disruption.

🎭 Lakefront Logistics: The beach training scenes involved rigorous stunt choreography and managing natural elements like wind and water, pushing the cast to their physical limits.

🎨 Urban Transformation: Production designers worked tirelessly to "ruin" parts of the city for the film, adding debris and dystopian touches without causing permanent damage.

🎯 Authentic Dystopia: Many of the interior shots for the factions were built as sets in a massive soundstage within Chicago itself, allowing seamless transitions from outdoor locations.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 The Net Jump: The famous Dauntless net jump was filmed on location with Shailene Woodley, offering a truly immersive experience for the actors and a thrilling visual for audiences.

😮 Weather Woes: Chicago's notoriously unpredictable weather meant the crew had to be ready for anything, from scorching summer heat to sudden downpours during outdoor shoots.

🎉 Local Talent: The production hired thousands of local Chicagoans as extras, particularly for the faction choosing ceremony and various crowd scenes, adding to the film's authentic feel.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to embark on your own Divergent-inspired journey through Chicago? Here’s how to make the most of your film-themed tour.

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: Freehand Chicago - $100-150/night - A stylish hostel/hotel hybrid in River North, great for mingling and close to public transport.

🏛️ Mid-Range: Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection - $200-300/night - Centrally located near the Chicago Riverwalk, offering comfort and easy access to Wacker Drive.

✨ Luxury: The Langham Chicago - $400-600+/night - Overlooking the Chicago River with luxurious amenities, perfect for a high-end stay near key filming locations.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro: Chicago's 'L' train system is excellent for getting around downtown and to the University of Chicago. Purchase a Ventra card for easy tap-and-go access.

🚗 Car: While convenient for reaching further locations, downtown Chicago traffic and parking can be challenging and expensive. Consider ride-sharing services instead.

🚶 Walking: Many of the downtown locations (Willis Tower, Wacker Drive, Federal Center Plaza) are within reasonable walking distance of each other, allowing for a self-guided stroll.

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon golden hour offers the best light for architectural shots, and fewer crowds at popular spots like Willis Tower.

📱 Instagram Spots: Capture the scale of Willis Tower from Millennium Park. Frame the Mansueto Library dome with the University of Chicago's historic buildings.

🎬 Movie Moments: Recreate Tris's run through the streets along Wacker Drive, or pose contemplatively by the minimalist structures of Federal Center Plaza.

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

No, "Divergent" is a dystopian science fiction story based on the novel by Veronica Roth, but it uses real-world Chicago as its setting.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

It's ambitious but possible! Focusing on downtown locations by foot and using the 'L' to get to Northerly Island and University of Chicago would be efficient. Allow at least 6-8 hours.

💰 How much should I budget?

Excluding accommodation, budget $50-70 for attractions like the Skydeck, plus transportation (a Ventra card is $5), and meals ($20-50 per person per day depending on dining choices).

📱 Are there guided tours?

While there isn't a dedicated "Divergent" tour, Chicago architecture tours often cover areas like Wacker Drive and provide historical context for downtown buildings. Check city bus tours too.

🎭 When was this filmed?

Principal photography for "Divergent" took place primarily in Chicago from April to July 2013, capturing the city during its spring and summer seasons.

🌍 Is Chicago safe for tourists?

Chicago is generally safe for tourists, especially in the main downtown areas and tourist attractions. Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night, and use common sense travel precautions.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

"Divergent" not only delivered a thrilling storyline but also showcased Chicago as a dynamic and versatile setting. From the towering ambition of Erudite to the gritty determination of Dauntless, the city's real landmarks brought the fictional world to life in spectacular fashion.

Stepping onto these streets, gazing up at the very skyscrapers Tris scaled, or standing on the shores where initiates trained, offers an unparalleled connection to the film. It's more than just sightseeing; it's walking through a cinematic dream.

So, when you plan your next trip, let Chicago be your destination. Explore its iconic locations, feel the pulse of the city, and rediscover "Divergent" in a whole new dimension. Don't forget to share your own faction-inspired photos!

Year Released

2014

Director

Neil Burger

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Director Neil Burger masterfully transformed familiar Chicago landmarks into a believable dystopian society. The film's production team embraced the city's unique architectural landscape, requiring extensive planning and ingenuity to weave the narrative into real-world settings. This choice gave 'Divergent' an immersive, grounded feel that audiences resonated with.

Original author Veronica Roth is from the Chicago area, making the city a natural fit for the story.
Many interior shots were completed using sets built in a former production facility in Chicago.
The iconic 'net jump' scene was filmed on location with a combination of practical effects and CGI.
Shailene Woodley (Tris) performed many of her own stunts, enhancing the film's raw action sequences.
The production deliberately chose real buildings to give the futuristic world a sense of history and scale.
Chicago's unpredictable weather often posed challenges, from blizzards to intense heat waves.
Over 6,000 extras were used for the faction ceremonies and crowd scenes.
The team worked closely with the city to secure permits for filming on busy streets like Wacker Drive.
The film utilized both modern and historical parts of Chicago to represent different factions.
The Faction HQ for Candor was filmed inside the Cadillac Palace Theatre.
The costume design collaborated heavily with the location choices to reflect each faction's environment.
Neil Burger aimed for a gritty, realistic feel, opting for natural light whenever possible in outdoor scenes.

Location Gallery

Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)

12th Street Beach, Northerly Island

Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, University of Chicago

Wacker Drive

Federal Center Plaza (outside Dirksen Federal Building)

Travel Tips

Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), 12th Street Beach, Northerly Island, Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, University of Chicago in one day.