Ghostbusters Headquarters — Attraction in New York

Ghostbusters Firehouse – Hook & Ladder 8

When we booked our VIP coach tour in New York, there were dozens of landmarks and options to choose from, but for us one stop stood out above all the rest: Hook & Ladder 8 in Tribeca, better known to the world as the Ghostbusters firehouse. It was the deciding factor in picking the tour, and even after a hectic week exploring the city’s biggest icons, this was the one that left us grinning like kids.

The firehouse has been here since 1903, a proud red-brick Beaux-Arts building that was literally cut in half in 1913 when Varick Street was widened. Its slightly “squeezed” look is part of its charm. What most people know it for, though, is its starring role in the 1984 classic Ghostbusters. Dan Aykroyd, who co-wrote the film, chose this station because he knew the area, and its tall bay door and stoic façade became the cinematic headquarters of paranormal investigation. Exterior shots were filmed here, while interiors were re-created on a soundstage in Los Angeles. Even so, this corner of North Moore Street is forever tied to Ecto-1, proton packs, and “Who you gonna call?”

What makes it even more special is that this is not a museum—it’s an active FDNY firehouse. The firefighters here were among the first responders on 9/11, and the company nearly closed in 2011 before a public outcry and political support saved it. That mix of Hollywood magic and very real New York bravery makes visiting all the more meaningful.

If you’re lucky enough to pass when the doors are open, you’ll see more than the gleaming trucks inside—you can also buy Hook & Ladder 8 t-shirts directly from the firefighters. The proceeds go to charity, making it one of those rare souvenirs that actually means something. It’s a small way to support the men and women who serve here while also taking home a piece of Ghostbusters history.

Another recent highlight: fans gifted the station a replica of the original Ghostbusters sign, which is being properly mounted on a post outside to match the film. Between that and the existing fan-donated logo above the doors, the building feels alive with pop culture energy. On Ghostbusters Day each June, fans gather here in full costume, turning the quiet street into a celebration of both the movie and the firehouse itself.

Standing on the sidewalk, it’s easy to imagine the Ecto-1 screaming out of the bay doors with sirens blaring, heading off to another supernatural emergency. For film lovers, it’s a pilgrimage site. For visitors in general, it’s proof of how a working New York landmark became part of global culture without losing its authenticity.

For us, the stop was absolutely worth it. We picked the tour because of this firehouse, and it delivered everything we hoped—cinematic nostalgia, real New York history, and a sense of connection to something that blends fiction and reality in the most fun way possible. If you’re in Manhattan, especially anywhere near Tribeca, it’s worth the detour. Even if you’re not a Ghostbusters super-fan, you’ll leave with a smile, a photo, and maybe a t-shirt that helps...

It's an active firehouse (obviously). Not a film set or a museum, so respect that. For me as an European who doesn't know how American people tick, it was new to me coming here and just talking to firefighters. But it was damn worth it. Really really nice people working here, I had a great time. And as a fan of the Ghostbusters movies it was an unforgettable visit because I never thought I'm gonna see this place in real life.

But as much as you may love the movies, always keep in mind that the poeple who are working here are no tourist guides. They are firefighters who have to do their job and if they don't want to interact with people standing in front of the door right now, you have to respect that.

We were lucky to come around the corner and get to see the parking into the really narrow garage. After that they left the garage door open and just stretched a band so people don't just walk in. We had a nice conversation with two of fhe firefighters, awesome people.

And the cherry on top, which I know some people wonder when they come here, is the "merchandise". The firefighters are no store clerks, obviously. They won't ask you if you want to buy something. I forgot to ask them personally but I've read on the internet that the money they get from selling patches, shirts, coins etc. will help the FDNY or the firehouse itself, I don't know exactly. I bought a patch and a coin. For the people who want to know: The patch is 5$ and the coin is 15$. There are other things like hats, shirts and a ECTO-1 license plate from which i don't remember the prices. Cash only, no cards. So if you come here and you want to buy something, just ask them.

We walked away with a big smile finally been able to visit this place and meeting such nice people. We had a great time,...

Growing up I adored the movie Ghostbusters and loved the characters, especially Bill Murray. To be honest I did not know that its HQ is right there, I was going to Tamarind Tribeca and saw this sign in Google Maps and I was like, I can have lunch later, first explore this. I'm glad I did.

Fact: Hook & Ladder Company 8 is a fully functional firehouse, so respect their space and time. I can see their frustration when everyone asks the same questions. I just had a look, smiled, greeted them, and moved along.

The 1903 Beaux-Arts building, home to the real-life Hook & Ladder Company 8, was used for the exterior scenes of the fictional firehouse where Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston set up their ghostbusting operations. Although the Ghostbusters logo sign might not hang from the front of the building like in the movie, it’s still plainly recognizable today as the Ghostbusters firehouse. [the interior was shot in a Los Angeles studio]

it also appeared in the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot.

This building has been in service for over 100 years and is older than the Fire Department of New York.

Due to the high volume of tourists and fans who come to the firehouse, a few themed updates have been made. The Ghostbusers logo has been painted on the front sidewalk, and the Ghostbusers and Ghostbuster 2 logo signage hangs inside. There’s a subtle tribute to the movie, painted on the ground near the station house – a rendition of the...