Due to the massive popularity of Ghostbusters and The Real Ghostbusters animated series, it made sense that a sequel would happen. In 1989, Ghostbusters 2 was released, with all the main cast returning. Again primarily filmed in New York City, a number of new locations were introduced in the film.
Ghostbusters 2 would be the last film in this GB universe for many years, until 2021 when Ghostbusters Afterlife was released.
The Firehouse
Just like in the original movie, the iconic Hook and Ladder 8 was used as the Ghostbusters Firehouse. The firehouse is located in Tribeca, and still gets many visitors wanting to get photos.
The building itself hasn’t really changed since the first film, although a new Ghostbusters sign was hung outside. This sign is actually still at the Hook and Ladder Station, and is hanging on the inside wall, as a nod to the buildings history.
Much like the original movie, the interiors of the firehouse were filmed at Station 23 in Los Angeles.
Dana Barrett’s Apartment
Much like the first film, Dana’s apartment involves a connection to the paranormal. In the beginning of this film, Dana is pushing her baby carriage along the sidewalk towards her apartment. When she stops to speak to someone outside the front door, the carriage starts to roll away on it’s own. Dana gives chase trying to catch the carriage.
The possessed carriage turns and crosses a couple intersections before coming to a sharp stop right before being run over by a bus. This is where Dana finally catches up and rescues baby Oscar.
Manhattan Museum of Art
In this sequel, Dana is no longer a musician, and now works restoring paintings at the Manhattan Museum of Art. This building is where the evil Vigo comes alive from his painting during the climax of the film. The building is actually the Alexander Hamilton US Customs House, which houses the National Museum of the American Indian.
The Party House
Near the start of the film, Ray and Winston are seen in Ecto-1 racing through the streets of New York. It turns out they are not racing to a paranormal emergency, but making an appearance at a child’s birthday party.
The house the visit is located on the Upper East Side. Ecto-1 was parked outside on the street. In addition to the party house, we also catch a glimpse of the houses across the street.
The interior of the birthday party was actually filmed on the third floor of the Los Angeles firehouse.
Ray’s Occult Books
As the team has disbanded since the original movie, Ray now runs a book store specializing in the paranormal. Ray’s Occult Books is located in a sketchy part of lower Manhattan on St. Marks Place. The businesses along this stretch have changed significantly since the filming. In addition, a staircase was installed leading people to the upper entrance, which was not present during filming.
The Central Park Jogger
One scene involves a ghost jogging through Central Park. This was filmed along the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir on the Upper East Side. There aren’t a lot of indications to where exactly the shot was filmed, but based on the background, plus the view of the South Gate House, I was able to approximate the location. It appears the bench Dr. Venkman was sitting on was removed, or perhaps just placed for the filming.
Washington Square Park
As ghosts take over New York City, one scene shows a ghost in Washington Square Park. He emerges through the large Archway as panicked drivers and pedestrians flee down 5th Avenue.
The Record Shop
In the montage of ghost hunting, the team is showing coming out of a record shop with a ghost trap. This location is actually right next to the museum, and is now a Chipotle.
5th Avenue
During the scene where the Statue of Liberty makes her way towards the Museum, she walks along 5th Avenue towards Central Park. This requires a bit of suspension of disbelief, as the Museum is actually located several miles in the opposite direction, in downtown Manhattan. However the film clearly depicts the Museum as being next to Central Park, so in the story, it makes sense.
The Courthouse
While the scenes in the courthouse were filmed on a set, footage of the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse in downtown New York City was used for establishing shots.
If you are interested in reading more about the making of Ghostbusters 1 and 2, check out the excellent Ghostbusters: The Ultimate Visual History book. You can read more about it on my Books page.
Also check out my page on the new Ghostbusters Afterlife film.
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