The Hunger Games Filming Locations
Ten years ago, the Hunger Games rose on screens and captivated audiences worldwide. With its futuristic setting, incredible actors, and overall enchanting story, it was no surprise that it became one of the biggest fantasy movie franchises. The movies became a part of film history but also a huge pop culture movement. The upcoming prequel made me remember the harsh world of the nation Panem and its intriguing setting. So, I made some popcorn and prepared for the Hunger Games marathon. I watched and rewatched until I had successfully compiled a list of all the Hunger Games filming locations!
The film sets are divided into movies with a map of all Hunger Games filming locations at the end so you can navigate them more easily.
Table of Contents
The Hunger Games (2012) Filming Locations
The first installment of the Hunger Games franchise captivated audiences worldwide in 2012. Set in a “post-apocalyptic future,” the story introduced us to the fictional nation of Panem, which comprises a Capitol and twelve impoverished districts.
The film centers around Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) from District 12, who volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in the brutal Hunger Games. Alongside Katniss is Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), a fellow tribute. The first film was shot in the USA, so let’s look at the haunting Hunger Games filming locations!
DuPont State Forest, North Carolina, USA
The first film set from our list of the Hunger Games filming locations is the DuPont State Forest in North Carolina, USA. This natural gem is famous for its lush forests, waterfalls, and picturesque trails. In the movie, we can spot the area where Katniss and Peeta, the film’s main characters, navigate the arena during the 74th Hunger Games. You can visit Triple Falls to see where Katniss discovers wounded Peeta hidden against the rocks. Also, nearby are the Bridal Veil Falls where Katniss escapes the fire.
Hildebran, North Carolina, USA
Hildebran is a charming small town in North Carolina, USA. In “The Hunger Games” (2012), Hildebran played a vital role with its distinctive architecture and historic ambiance, which depicted the poor District 12. The nearby Henry River Mill Village also served as the backdrop for District 12, including the “Hob” area. Namely, the village was once the hub for textile manufacturing. Sadly, the production stopped in the mid-80s, which led to the house’s abandonment. If you visit the area, make sure to find Peeta’s bakery.
Shelby, Cleveland County,North Carolina, USA
Shelby, located in Cleveland County, North Carolina, USA, is a charming southern town known for its rich history and vibrant community. In the Hunger Games film series, a private warehouse complex nestled between Blanton and Smorgon Streets in Shelby played a crucial role. This unassuming location transformed into the Hall of Justice, a significant setting in the dystopian world of Panem. Additionally, the same complex was utilized for the Reaping Ceremony scenes, adding a touch of realism to the film’s portrayal of District 12.
Goat Farm Arts Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
The Goat Farm Arts Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, is a distinctive creative enclave set within an industrial complex. This unique space houses a community of artists and hosts a wide array of cultural events, exhibitions, and performances. In “The Hunger Games” film series, the Goat Farm was utilized as the filming location for the District 12 Justice Building. This added an authentic and gritty atmosphere to the portrayal of Katniss Everdeen’s hometown.
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, USA
Encompassing over 500,000 acres, Pisgah National Forest is a sprawling expanse of protected wilderness known for its stunning natural beauty. With its dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and scenic trails, the forest has become a favored spot for people who enjoy outdoor activities. Pisgah National Forest played a significant role in “The Hunger Games” film series, particularly as the backdrop for the District 12 forest scenes where Katniss and Gale hunt. The rocky creek that surrounded Katniss and Peeta’s shelter was also featured in the scene.
North Fork Reservoir, Black Mountain, North Carolina, USA
The North Fork Reservoir, located in North Carolina, USA, is an artificial lake known for its scenic beauty and recreational potential. It was the backdrop for the Cornucopia scenes in the Hunger Games movie. While the reservoir is off-limits to the public, you can catch a glimpse of the lake by hiking the Craggy Pinnacle Trail. The trail starts from the Craggy Gardens visitors center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, northeast of Asheville.
Knight Theatre, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Next on our extensive list of Hunger Games filming locations is the Knight Theatre in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. The distinguished performing arts venue is known for its elegant design and exceptional acoustics. As part of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, it hosts cultural events, including concerts, theater productions, and dance performances. In the movie, you can see the center as the backdrop in a scene with the Tribute interview.
Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
If you are visiting the Knight Theatre, you simply cannot miss the nearby Charlotte Convention Center. This sprawling modern facility is renowned for hosting a wide range of events, from conferences and trade shows to exhibitions and conventions. In the Hunger Games movie, the Convention Center played a pivotal role during the scenes of the Tribute presentation.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) Filming Locations
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” the 2013 sequel to the original film, continues the gripping saga of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Directed by Francis Lawrence, this installment expands the world of Panem, delving deeper into the political unrest and rebellion sparked by Katniss’ defiant victory in the previous Games.
This film, like its predecessor, was predominantly shot in the USA, with various locations chosen to depict the diverse landscapes of the districts and the Capitol.
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
The Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire, was primarily filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. This included the grandeur of the Georgia World Congress Center, which stood in for pivotal Capitol scenes. Filming also took place in the parking lot area beneath the convention center for the chariot parade. Moreover, this is also the place where Katniss finally meets a Hunger Games victor from District 4, Finnick Odair.
Swan House on Andrews Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
The Swan House, located on Andrews Drive in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, is an elegant historic mansion built in 1928. It is known for its neoclassical architecture and beautiful gardens, and today serves as a museum showcasing the city’s history and culture. In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the house is transformed into President Snow’s estate. Also, in the movie, you can spot the house in a scene with the president’s extravagant party.
The Goat Farm on Foster Street, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
From a former cotton factory to a vibrant creative hub -who could have guessed the Goat Farm on Foster Street would also become District 12? Namely, the Goat Farm on Foster Street in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, is a unique arts complex housed in a historic industrial space. It provides studios and exhibition spaces for local artists and hosts cultural events, performances, and workshops.
Sweetwater Creek State Park, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a picturesque natural area in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It is known for its rugged terrain, scenic trails, and the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill destroyed during the Civil War. It was its rugged terrain that appealed to the movie producers. As a result, the park was transformed into District 12, the smallest and poorest of the thirteen districts of Panem.
Dekalb Peachtree Airport, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
In “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” DeKalb Peachtree Airport transformed into the Capitol’s party scene for Katniss and Peeta’s Victory Tour. The film’s production team utilized the airport’s sleek and modern architecture to create the extravagant atmosphere synonymous with the Capitol. Furthermore, this backdrop allowed the filmmakers to capture the essence of the Capitol’s futuristic and luxurious aesthetic.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Have you wondered where the living quarters are for the tributes in the movie? The answer is the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, a renowned hotel in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It is known for its distinctive modern architecture, including the impressive 47-story atrium. Another notable aspect of the venue is its transparent elevators. Here, Katniss and Peeta first met Johanna Mason, a victor from District 7.
Clayton County International Park (Jonesboro), Georgia, USA
The park, also known as “The Beach,” was created for the beach volleyball competitions during the 1996 Summer Olympics. In Catching Fire, it was used as the Cornucopia for the 75th Hunger Games. Furthermore, it is shown during the bloodbath at the start of the games and also during the fight against the Career tributes. Luckily, the park is very close to Atlanta. This means only one thing, and that is the Hunger Games filming locations tour!
Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Oahu, known as the ‘Gathering Place,’ is a vibrant Hawaiian island renowned for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes. Furthermore, it is also a popular filming location with the Avatar movie filming there. In the Hunger Games, the scenes of the Tributes’ arrival at the Cornucopia are in two spots. The first location was at Kawela Bay in Oahu, Hawaii. The second location was in Waimea Valley on North Shore, depicting the Arena’s treacherously rigged jungles.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) Filming Locations
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1,” released in 2014, is the penultimate chapter of the franchise. Directed by Francis Lawrence, this installment sees Katniss Everdeen becoming the reluctant symbol of a burgeoning revolution against the oppressive Capitol.
This time, the production did not stop in the USA but moved its filming to Europe. The result is astounding, as the new locations vividly portray the districts’ struggle for freedom. From urban settings to remote wilderness, the film’s locations serve as a powerful backdrop to the unfolding rebellion.
Martha Mills, Thomaston, Georgia, USA
In the last two movies, we have extensively seen districts 12 and 13, along with The Capitol. This time we get the chance to explore deeper into the world of nation Panem. One example is District 8, portrayed by Martha MIlls in Thomaston, Georgia. In the movie, Martha MIlls transformed into the District 8 Hospital.
Southeast Atlanta, Georgia, USA
As we have established earlier while listing the Hunger Games filming locations, the majority of shooting took place in Atlanta. This was no exception for the sequel, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.“ However, this time, Atlanta depicted District 13, a well known “rebel district”. The town also featured a hangar for Katniss’s hovercraft in one of the town’s warehouses, with the help of CGI.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Next on our list of Hunger Games filming locations is the one I have already mentioned. I am talking, of course, about the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, which was featured in Catching Fire. However, in Mockingjay — Part 1, the hotel transforms into a shadowy tribute training center, accessed by a rescue team rappelling in during their mission to save a captured Peeta.
Château de Voisins, France
The Château de Voisins, located in France’s Yvelines region, is a stunning historic castle renowned for its elegant architecture and picturesque surroundings. Dating back to the 18th century, it exudes a rich history and cultural significance. I should know, as my fellow architecture students and I had to learn several times about it! In the earlier installments, President Snow’s mansion was shot at the Swan House in Atlanta. This time, however, the filming took place at this neoclassical masterpiece.
Chemiewerk Rüdersdorf, Germany
As you have probably noticed, many Hunger Games filming locations are old factories or historical buildings. The Chemiewerk Rüdersdorf in Germany is notably one of them. In the late 19th century, it became a vital chemical production site in Germany. On the other hand, in the movie, it had no less crucial role. Here, the exterior shots of District 8 hospital were filmed, the interior being in Atlanta.
Kraftwerk, Berlin, Germany
Who could have guessed that the Kraftwerk in Berlin would become the famous Beetee’s underground lab in the Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1? Interestingly, the building looks almost exactly like the lab Katniss and Gale visit to procure weapons for Peeta’s rescue from the Capitol. A little context, Kraftwerk Berlin is an old power plant located in the district of Mitte in Berlin. It was established in the 1960s but has been out of operation since 1997. Nowadays, it is repurposed as a venue for arts and entertainment, with a new name, Tresor. Pretty elegant if you ask me!
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015) Filming Locations
Directed by Francis Lawrence, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” takes Katniss Everdeen and her companions on a harrowing journey through the treacherous Capitol. Like its predecessor, this film ventured beyond American borders, filming in locations like Berlin, Germany, and Paris, France.
This meticulous attention to detail enhanced the film’s realism, immersing audiences in the heart of the rebellion. The combination of American and international locations added depth to the series’ climactic ending.
Espaces d’Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, France
Many times in film history, architecture played a significant role in depicting the overall ambiance and direction of the movie. A perfect example is Blade Runner 49 by Christofer Nolan. Another great example is Richard Bofill’s influence in the Netflix show Squid Game. But little people know of his masterpiece that shaped the picture of the Capitol. This amazing brutalist complex is the 1970s Espaces d’Abraxas in Noisy le Grand.
Ivry sur Seine, France
Like Espaces d’Abraxas in Noisy le Grand, the next Hunger Games film set is a brutalist, social-housing suburb area close to Paris. In the movie, the area showcases one of the Capitol’s neighborhoods. Moreover, this was also a place where Tigris, a former Hunger Games stylist, provided refuge to the rebels.,
Château de Rambouillet, France
We are slowly closing on the Hunger Games filming locations in France with the remarkable Château de Rambouillet. Although this extraordinary building has a royal caliber, in the movie, it portrays a greenhouse where we can spot Katniss and President Snow. Filming of the exterior and ground scenes took place here, with snow later added with the CGI. However, shooting of the interior scenes were at the Atlanta Soundstage in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Tempelhof Airport, Berlin, Germany
Tempelhof Airport in Berlin, Germany, was one of the world’s first commercial airports and played a significant role during the Cold War. Nestled just a few kilometers south of the city center, it makes the trip to the city center convenient. This iconic airport appears as a dystopian backdrop in some of the movie’s most intense scenes! An interesting tidbit is that the production team constructed an entire set in the Tempelhof Airport to depict the Capitol’s sewer system.
Babelsberg, Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
Did you know that a military complex near Potsdam appears in numerous iconic movies? Some of them include Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, Singer’s Valkyrie, The Monuments Men, and Enemy At The Gates. With its versatile setting, it is not a surprise that movie producers return to this incredible location to film captivating scenes. The Hunger Games franchise was no exception, with numerous scenes filmed here.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) Filming Locations
Many fans have patiently waited for the upcoming prequel “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” (2023), and frankly, they are in for a treat. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the movie ventures back in time, depicting the early days of the Hunger Games. Unlike in most Hunger Games films, filming of this prequel took place predominantly in Germany.
The movie already looks promising with amazing film sets and world-renowned actors such as Rachel Zegler (Lucy Gray Baird), Hunter Schafer (Tigris Snow), Peter Dinklage (Casca Highbottom), and Viola Davis (Dr. Volumnia).
Centennial Hall, Wrocław, Poland
Centennial Hall, located in Wrocław, Poland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural marvel. Designed by Max Berg, this historic structure is renowned for its innovative construction and stunning acoustics. Unfortunately, many filming locations have not been revealed yet. However, the trailer left us with a lot of clues for speculations. In the trailer, we can see a fighting scene in the middle of Centennial Hall in Poland.
Landschaftspark, Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
After watching and rewatching the trailer, I noticed the very familiar Landschaftspark in the background during the scene where Lucy Gray bows to the public of District 12. I believe everyone should discover the Landschaftspark and admire its remarkable industrial heritage site. This sprawling park is built on the grounds of a former ironworks and is renowned for its imaginative repurposing of industrial structures.
Völkerschlachtdenkmal, Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany
The Völkerschlachtdenkmal in Leipzig is an iconic monument commemorating the Battle of the Nations. Standing tall at over 90 meters, it is one of the largest war memorials in Europe. This monumental structure pays tribute to the soldiers who fought in the historic 1813 battle against Napoleon’s forces. The animators kept the design almost the same in the movie but added CGI brutalist buildings in the backg
Krematorium Baumschulenweg, Berlin, Germany
One of the prime examples of modernist architectural design in Germany has to be the Krematorium Baumschulenweg in Berlin. Perhaps it’s interesting beton brute columns with the unusual ceiling windows caught the eyes of the Hunger Games movie producers. Designed by Axel Schultes and Charlotte Frank, it combines minimalist aesthetics with functional efficiency. The interior was left almost completely unchanged, with the exception of speacially designed circular glass shelves.
Olympiastadion, Charlottenburg, Berlin, Germany
One of the most impressive buildings in the movie, after the Altes Museum, has to be the Olympiastadion in Berlin. The Olympiastadion in Berlin is a historic sports arena built for the 1936 Summer Olympics. I believe the changes animators made with the CGI were perfect for the Panem world. Namely, they have added two stories and an additional dome, all supported by the futuristic buttresses. Also, the production team left the two existing columns at the front of the building. The only addition to them was the Capitol emblem suspended in the middle.
Britzer Garten, Berlin, Germany
Britzer Garten, located in Berlin, Germany, is a sprawling 90-hectare park that offers a haven of natural beauty and recreational activities. This meticulously landscaped garden boasts a diverse range of flora, themed gardens, and serene water features. With its numerous playgrounds and open spaces, Britzer Garten is a perfect place if you wish to enjoy a peaceful time in nature. In the upcoming movie, the garden was transformed into the Capitol Zoo.
Altes Museum, Berlin, Germany
Every architecture student has come across this masterpiece by Schinkel at least once during his college years. I was no exception, and I still remember drawing the floor plans and the revolutionary dome. Therefore, you can understand my excitement when I recognized the building at the beginning of the movie trailer. However, with the help of CGI, the animation team added another story in a modernist style and an imposing statue at the front of the building. Interestingly, they decided to leave the two equestrian statues marking the stairs.
Bärensaal, Altes Stadthaus, Berlin, Germany
The Bärensaal, housed within the Altes Stadthaus in Berlin, Germany, is a magnificent historical venue known for its grandeur and cultural significance. Dating back to the early 20th century, it’s a prime example of neoclassical architecture. The Bärensaal has served as a venue for various events, including concerts, ceremonies, and cultural gatherings.
Its ornate decor, intricate detailing, and impressive acoustics make it a cherished space for both formal and artistic occasions, including filming.
Tieranatomisches Theater, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
The Tieranatomisches Theater is a notable theater at Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. Moreover, this historic anatomical theater is renowned for its unique architecture and scientific significance. From the 18th century, it was a venue for studying animal anatomy. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich scientific heritage of Berlin. In the movie, we can see Coriolanus Snow sitting in the auditorium.
