Film in Columbus

Hollywood has discovered what locals already know—Columbus, Indiana is pure movie magic.

Lights, camera, Columbus! Our city has been stealing scenes on the big screen, and it’s easy to see why. With jaw-dropping modern architecture, charming small-town streets, and a mix of forests, lakes, and farmland just minutes away, Columbus is the kind of place that feels like a movie set waiting for its story.

In fact, it already has been. Film fans around the world know Columbus from kogonada’s 2017 masterpiece Columbus, which was filmed entirely here. Starring Haley Lu Richardson, John Cho, and Parker Posey, the movie turned the city’s modernist buildings into co-stars, showing how design can shape emotion and atmosphere. For many viewers, it was the first time they’d seen architecture used as a “character” in film—and it put Columbus, Indiana on the cinematic map.

Credit: Tony Vasquez

Want to walk in the footsteps of movie stars? Take a self-guided Columbus Film Tour!

The Columbus Area Visitors Center has you covered with a free Location Guide highlighting all the spots featured in the film Columbus.

With the guide in hand, you can stand where John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson shared quiet conversations framed by the city’s most iconic architecture, and you’ll get to explore the plazas, bridges, and hidden corners that filmmakers turned into unforgettable cinematic moments.

It’s a self-guided adventure that lets you relive your favorite movie scenes while also discovering the beauty of the city itself. Whether you’re a film buff, an architecture fan, or just someone who loves behind-the-scenes stories, the Columbus Film Tour adds a whole new layer to your visit.

Stop by the Visitors Center to pick up your guide—it’s free, it’s fun, and it’s your ticket to seeing Columbus the way Hollywood does.

Get Your Guide

And the story doesn’t stop there. In 2025, acclaimed director Kelly Reichardt (First Cow, Showing Up) chose Columbus for her latest feature, The Mastermind. The film stars Josh O’Connor (yes, from The Crown), Alana Haim of the band Haim, and Gaby Hoffmann. The Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, one of the city’s iconic buildings designed by architect I.M. Pei played a starring role too—transformed into an art museum and the scene of a daring crime. Imagine walking past the same spot where a major Hollywood thriller unfolded!

For visitors, that’s the magic of Columbus. You don’t just watch the movies—you can stand where they were filmed. Stroll past the library steps where the mystery unraveled, linger in the plazas and parks made famous by Columbus, or grab a coffee downtown and imagine bumping into your favorite actor on set.

So, whether you’re a movie buff, an architecture lover, or just curious to see where Hollywood magic has landed in Indiana, Columbus invites you to step into the frame. Who knows? The next time the credits roll, you might recognize more than just the stars.

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