The Jeffersonian Institute, the central scientific hub in the popular TV series Bones, has a dual existence: its meticulously crafted interior sets are primarily located in Century City, California, while its exterior facade is represented by iconic real-world buildings in Los Angeles.
Specifically, the extensive indoor sets of the Jeffersonian, including its distinctive forensics labs, offices, and numerous other departments, were meticulously built and housed on the Fox lot in Century City, California. This studio setting provided the necessary space and flexibility to create the intricate environment where Dr. Temperance Brennan and her team solved complex cases.
For its grand and imposing exterior, the show utilized the facades of real-world landmarks to lend credibility and scale to the fictional institute. These include the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the Wallis Annenberg Building at the University of Southern California (USC). These impressive structures provided the architectural gravitas required for a leading national forensic institution.
The Fictional Setting vs. Filming Location
It's important to distinguish between the actual filming location and the fictional setting depicted in the series.
- Fictional Setting: Within the narrative of Bones, the Jeffersonian Institute is understood to be located in Washington D.C. This makes logical sense given its close working relationship with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its involvement in high-profile national cases.
- Filming Location: For practical production reasons, the show's main sets were constructed in Los Angeles, California. This is a common practice in television and film production, where a studio lot serves as a base for interior scenes, and real-world exteriors are used to establish location.
Anatomy of the Jeffersonian Set
The Jeffersonian Institute's interior sets were designed to be a character in themselves, evolving over the show's 12 seasons. Built on the Fox lot, these sets were home to a vast array of extraordinary objects, from ancient artifacts to contemporary evidence, underscoring the institute's role as a repository of scientific and historical knowledge.
| Aspect | Filming Location (Real World) | Fictional Setting (In-Show) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Interior Sets | Fox lot in Century City, California | N/A (implied within the fictional D.C. structure) |
| Exterior Facade | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; Wallis Annenberg Building at USC | Washington D.C. |
| Operational Base | Los Angeles, California | Washington D.C. |
| Purpose | Studio for filming; prop storage | Forensics laboratory; anthropology research institute; museum |
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference between a show's filming location and its fictional setting provides insight into the magic of television production. It highlights how visual storytelling utilizes existing architecture to create a convincing sense of place, even when the bulk of the action occurs on a soundstage hundreds or thousands of miles away. The Jeffersonian is a prime example of this synergy, blending a detailed studio environment with iconic real-world backdrops to create a memorable and believable institution.
