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J. Robert Oppenheimer

Debuted in July 2023, the Academy Award-winning film “Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan, tells the true story behind the historic events that happened in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Partially filmed in Los Alamos in the spring of 2022, the film cast includes several A-list actors, including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Gary Oldman, Kenneth Branagh, and Rami Malek, and is based off the book, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer. It was promoted as the “story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.”

Visit Los Alamos to discover the historic events and places that were part of the Manhattan Project, including Historic Fuller Lodge, the Women’s Dorm, Oppenheimer’s House, and the United Church – to name a few.

The Movie. The Man. The Manhattan Project.

Oppenheimer Film Tour

Take a self-guided “Oppenheimer” tour with the help of this interactive map. Use it to find your way around Los Alamos and see public locations featured on film. While you’re at it, check out some of the community’s related activities and nearby attractions.

Learn more by downloading an Oppenheimer Film Tour brochure or pick one up around town or at one of our visitor centers.

FAQs

Are Oppenheimer movie locations open to the public?

The public may visit some of the movie locations.

Fuller Lodge (2132 Central Ave, Los Alamos) is owned by Los Alamos County. It is free and open to the public.
The Civilian Women’s Dormitory (1725 17th St, Los Alamos) is owned by Los Alamos County. It is currently not open to the public, but the public is welcome to look outside the building.
The Oppenheimer House (1967 Peach St, Los Alamos) is owned by the Los Alamos Historical Society. It is not currently open to the public, but the public is welcome to look outside the house.

Where can I find more information about each of the filming sites?

Aside from our tour brochure, you can learn more about the filming sites of Oppenheimer on the Manhattan Project National Historical Park's website.

Is the National Laboratory still in operation and can I visit?

Los Alamos National Laboratory is still in operation today. You can learn more about their current mission online. The public is not allowed in most laboratory buildings, with the exception of the free Bradbury Science Museum, which is “your window into Los Alamos National Laboratory.” The Manhattan Project National Historical Park offers limited behind-the-fence tours at LANL during select times each year.

Please note aside from the Bradbury Science Museum, taking photos is not allowed on laboratory property.

Local Oppenheimer Themed
Souvenirs, Drinks, & Experiences

Seeking a unique experience or souvenir?

Check out all of these local gifts, beverages and more!

Look for the “Oppie” icon at participating businesses and organizations!

Oppenheimer Trivia

Oppenheimer Documentary from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

This documentary was created to show the connection and influence of our first director, J. Robert Oppenheimer, with LANL and our work today. His story is ours to tell. And, we’re in a unique position to do so. LANL’s National Security Research Center began as Oppenheimer’s wartime library; our collections include materials from him and about him. Many of these photos, film, and audio are being shared publicly for the first time ever.

Additionally, the documentary includes the Laboratory’s past and present leadership, historians, physicists, and biographers, including:

Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm
Oppenheimer’s grandson Charles Oppenheimer
Author of the Oppenheimer biography “American Prometheus” Kai Bird
Current Laboratory Director Thom Mason
Author of “The General and the Genius” Jim Kunetka
Retired U.S. Senate staffer Tim Rieser, who was instrumental in vacating the revocation of Oppenheimer’s security clearance

Telling this story was a yearlong effort and the result of many hardworking, creative people, but special recognition goes to LANL filmmaker Dave Tietmeyer. These efforts are validated by all the widespread interest in the documentary, including from DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm, NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby, and JRO’s grandson Charles Oppenheimer, who traveled to the LANL to watch it with LANL staff.

Watch the Three Part Documentary Now

National Park Service: 360 Photos

Explore 360 images of historic Manhattan Project sites in Hanford, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge.

Explore the Manhattan Project

The Oppenheimer House

The Oppenheimer House, today owned by the Los Alamos Historical Society, was initially built for the sister of the Director of the Los Alamos Ranch School. J. Robert Oppenheimer, his wife Kitty, and their very young children Peter and Toni lived there during the Manhattan Project. In this video, Heather McClenahan outlines the history of the Oppenheimer House before and during the Manhattan Project.

Life at the Oppenheimer's

J. Robert Oppenheimer lived in this house from 1943 to 1945. Jerry and Helene Suydam moved into the Oppenheimer House in 1958. The house eventually will become part of the Los Alamos History Museum. In this video, J. Robert Oppenheimer recalls his daily schedule at Los Alamos.

Oppenheimer House Fund

Thanks to a generous gift from Helene and Jerry Suydam, the Oppenheimer House, often called the “crown jewel” of the Manhattan Project, is in the process of historic preservation, renovation, and exhibit development.

The Oppenheimer House Fund will support the urgent infrastructure needs of the house, including electrical upgrades, code and accessibility improvements, repair and rehabilitation, hazardous materials abatement, and a fire protection system. After these updates are complete, funds will support the development of innovative exhibits and ongoing maintenance.

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