Fans of Apple TV+’s hit psychological thriller Severance have long been captivated by the eerie, dystopian office setting of Lumon Industries. But did you know that the show’s headquarters isn’t just a set—it’s a real building with a rich history? The Bell Labs Holmdel Complex, a mid-century architectural masterpiece, serves as the real-life Lumon Industries HQ. As Severance gears up for its highly anticipated second season, more fans are flocking to this fascinating location. Here’s a deep dive into the real-world Lumon Industries, the building’s history, and why it’s the perfect setting for the show’s unsettling office dystopia.
The Bell Labs Holmdel Complex: The Real Lumon Industries HQ
The Bell Labs Holmdel Complex, located in Holmdel, New Jersey, was originally constructed in 1962 as a research facility for Bell Laboratories, a division of AT&T. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, the building is a striking example of modernist corporate architecture. With its massive mirrored glass exterior and cavernous interior spaces, the complex exudes an air of futuristic mystery—making it the perfect stand-in for Lumon Industries.
Table: Quick Facts About Bell Labs Holmdel Complex
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Holmdel, New Jersey |
| Year Built | 1962 |
| Architect | Eero Saarinen |
| Original Use | Bell Laboratories Research Facility |
| Current Use | Redeveloped as Bell Works (offices, retail, event space) |
| Featured In | Severance (Apple TV+) |
Why Was Bell Labs Chosen for Severance?
The creators of Severance needed a filming location that felt both futuristic and corporate, yet oddly timeless. Bell Labs checked all the boxes:
- Brutalist Architecture: The building’s stark, geometric design perfectly aligns with Severance’s theme of corporate control and dehumanization.
- Vast, Empty Spaces: The open interiors create a surreal, dreamlike setting that enhances the show’s unsettling atmosphere.
- Historical Significance: Bell Labs was once a hub of technological innovation, mirroring Lumon Industries’ secretive and futuristic operations in the show.
Director Ben Stiller has stated that the location was chosen for its ability to make employees feel small, reinforcing the theme of corporate dominance over individual identity.
The Fan Experience: Visiting the Real Lumon Industries
With the growing popularity of Severance, fans are making pilgrimages to Holmdel, New Jersey, to see the real Lumon HQ for themselves. The Bell Labs complex, now known as Bell Works, has been redeveloped into a mixed-use space with offices, restaurants, and event venues. While some areas have been modernized, much of the original architecture remains intact, allowing visitors to step into the world of Severance.
What Can Fans See at Bell Works?
- The mirrored glass facade, which reflects the sky and surrounding trees, creating an otherworldly effect.
- The endless hallways and stark office spaces that resemble the eerie corridors of Lumon Industries.
- The atrium and communal spaces, where many of the show’s key moments were filmed.
- Occasional themed events and fan meetups celebrating Severance.
- Exhibits featuring historical insights into Bell Labs’ groundbreaking innovations in technology and telecommunications.
Many fans report feeling a strange sense of déjà vu when walking through Bell Labs—an uncanny reminder of the show’s reality-bending themes.
The History of Bell Labs: A Legacy of Innovation
While Severance has given Bell Labs a new pop-culture identity, the facility has long been known as a hub of scientific and technological advancements. Some of the most groundbreaking innovations in computing and communications were developed at Bell Labs, including:
- The invention of the transistor in 1947, which laid the foundation for modern computing.
- Early research in radio astronomy and satellite communications.
- Pioneering developments in fiber optic communication.
- The development of UNIX, one of the most influential operating systems in computing history.
The transformation of Bell Labs into Bell Works allowed this architectural icon to be preserved while serving a new purpose in the digital age.
Severance Season 2: What’s Next for Lumon Industries?
As anticipation builds for Severance Season 2, speculation is growing about what’s next for Lumon Industries and its enigmatic employees. Several theories have emerged based on set leaks and cast interviews:
- The Testing Floor Mystery: Fans believe that Season 2 will explore the infamous Testing Floor, where employees like Gemma undergo mysterious procedures.
- Rebellion from the Innies: With Mark and Helly discovering shocking truths about Lumon, could we see an uprising within the company?
- The Outside World’s Role: Season 1 focused heavily on Lumon’s internal workings. Will Season 2 show us more of how the outside world perceives the company?
- The Origins of Lumon Industries: Could Season 2 reveal the deeper history of the company and its long-standing influence on society?
- New Characters and Power Struggles: Will we meet higher-ranking executives who control Lumon from behind the scenes?
With Bell Labs continuing to serve as Lumon HQ, expect even more haunting office scenes and corporate intrigue in the upcoming episodes.
The Influence of Severance on Corporate Dystopia Narratives
The unsettling themes of Severance—corporate surveillance, identity fragmentation, and workplace control—echo classic dystopian narratives. Similar works include:
- 1984 by George Orwell – The omnipresent control of Big Brother mirrors Lumon’s corporate grip on employees’ lives.
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley – The concept of conditioning individuals to accept their predetermined roles aligns with Severance’s innie-outie divide.
- The Truman Show (1998) – The eerie realization that one’s world is controlled by an unseen force is central to Severance’s themes.
By tapping into these powerful ideas, Severance has cemented itself as a modern psychological thriller with deep philosophical underpinnings.
Final Thoughts: The Intersection of Fiction and Reality
The fact that Severance chose a real building for Lumon Industries adds another layer of depth to the show’s psychological horror. Bell Labs Holmdel Complex, once a place of cutting-edge innovation, now stands as a symbol of corporate dystopia. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Severance or simply fascinated by architectural history, visiting this location offers a unique glimpse into a world where fiction and reality eerily intertwine.
Would you step inside the real-life Lumon Industries? If you’re brave enough, Bell Works is waiting.