Jump with us through the beautiful locations in HBO’s The Time Traveler’s Wife!
Directed by Steven Moffat, The Time Traveler’s Wife offers a new look at the 2003 film by the same name. Henry (played by Theo James) was born with a genetic condition which causes him to spontaneously tumble through moments in his life, as Claire (played by Leslie Rose) patiently waits for his return. You too can travel through the timeless streets of New York and Chicago showcased in the six-episode series.
SPOILER WARNING!
Morrison Rockwood State Park
The series opens with a young Claire running through a seemingly limitless meadow, racing toward the woods that extend far beyond her childhood home. This area becomes a meeting spot throughout the years for Claire and Henry (all the different versions of him.) “The Clearing” as it so affectionately dubbed, in reality, is a sweep of land part of Morrison Rockwood State Park. Located in Illinois, according to its website, “Morrison-Rockwood is a popular spot for a family outing at the Lakeview picnic area, or watching birds among the hickory, ash, oak and walnut trees.” Sadly, the woods surrounding the state park are not filled with multiple Theo James’ or a young girl’s dress shoes, but will leave you mystified, nonetheless.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a staple in Manhattan. Used as a backdrop for Henry to learn to control his new impulses as an eight-year-old, he becomes a recurring visitor. This museum is a safe, happy memory for young Henry. History becomes a comfort to him, where his surroundings can be predicted therefore he is not overwhelmed by change. In the American Museum of Natural History, time is compartmentalized, from King Tut to the dinosaurs. Time travel is possible for anyone in this museum, without the general lawlessness that Henry displays.
The Newberry Library
As comfortable as Henry is with history, it is almost natural that he because a librarian and researcher inside The Newberry Library. The library is also where 28-year-old Henry meets an adult Claire for the first time. Henry steps forward to help his future wife find a classic Chaucer manuscript. The Newberry Library in Chicago holds, “highest usefulness to the greatest number.” And it certainly proved to be useful for the two lovebirds.
The L Train
The L Train in New York City is in the BMT Canarsie Line, similar to Henry in the improvements made with the passage of time: starting life as a steam train then becoming the speeding bullet it is today. Henry and Claire board the train for their second “date.” The train scene begins the ongoing conversation about destiny and fate that Henry and Claire often argue about. The decisions that Claire makes, trying to change her fate ends in Henry telling her that whatever “stop” she choose was always going to be where she was supposed to be. The L has numerous stops from Brooklyn to Manhattan, so you are welcome to follow it to your own destiny.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is used as a test for 8-year-old Henry to learn pickpocketing – a skill he utilizes religiously as an adult. The Metropolitan Museum of Art exudes luxury in its artwork as well as its architecture. This elegance highlights the way Henry frames his mother, leading him to see her for the first time since her death via a different timeline when she is still alive, galavanting around Central Park during the day and singing opera at night.
Charlie’s Bar and Kitchen
Charlie’s Bar and Kitchen is in the heart of the Bronx, serving as a constant in the Big Apple for all of Claire and Henry’s dates throughout various intervals of their relationship. Form first date to first fight, Charlie has witnessed it all. Charlie’s Bar and Kitchen has a “uniquely welcoming atmosphere among Bronx natives and newcomers alike” with an abundance of famous Charlies that welcome you for your own pivotal moments.
BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
BAM Howard Gilman Opera House is the opera house showcased in Henry’s happiest memories of his mother. According its website, “Designed and built at the turn of the 20th century, this elegant performance venue has hosted rentals by some of the world’s most prestigious artists.” Those artists include Henry’s mother and his father, who is a violin in the orchestra which supports the singer. It is an absolutely breathtaking sight with or without an operatic soundtrack in the background, one that will be replaying in your mind for years to come.
Stream the full season of The Time Traveler’s Wife now!
