This is the actual filming location of Oppenheimer’s Trinity site, re-built by Christopher Nolan

30 Jan

Oppenheimer's and Christopher Nolan's “Trinity Site” are both real locations you can visit

By Erik Nachtrieb, SetJetters Founder

Christopher Nolan's IMAX 70mm masterpiece, Oppenheimer, immerses audiences in the life and work of scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy. With Nolan’s famous practical approach to filmmaking, cinemagoers (especially those who found an IMAX) were plunged into real-life sets built next to historical locations and treated to an actual explosion… no CGI! Which makes Oppenheimer a SetJetters delight! Oppenheimer Trailer here.

In the throes of World War II, the race for nuclear supremacy took center stage, prompting the United States to embark on a historic mission – the development of the atomic bomb. This quest culminated in the Trinity test, the first-ever detonation of an atomic bomb in 1945. Video of Trinity Test

The historic Trinity test marked the dawn of the atomic age. The actual Trinity test site (picture left) is located at the US White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico (latitude: 33.6771° N, 106.4755° W), which is open to the public twice a year, typically in April and October.*

Christopher Nolan's dedication to authenticity led the production to seek permission to film at the live missile range, which they were granted but the military wasn’t going to stop their operations! So the production recreated the test site (and their own explosion site!) in the stunning landscapes of Belen, NM.

Choosing Belen as the filming location proved to be a masterstroke.
The mountains and desolate landscapes of Belen mirrored the historic Trinity site, providing a visually striking backdrop for the film and transporting audiences into the secretive world of the atomic testing.
You can visit the exact filming location here, (latitude: 34.6284° N, -106.5686° W), it’s only 2 hrs by car from the Trinity test site so both can be visited in the one day!

With a disdain for computer-generated imagery (CGI), Nolan opted for actual pyrotechnics to capture the detonation of the atomic bomb on screen.
At SetJetters we love this dedication to practical effects as it not only enhances the film's immersive experience but leaves behind a tangible part of the film experience, allowing viewers to explore the world for themselves… feel the same New Mexico air across their face, stroll across the same ground that Oppenheimer and later Cillian Murphy did.

*It's important to note that the actual Trinity Site is restricted, however it offers a tour with special arrangements made to allow visitors onto the site under controlled conditions. If you plan to visit the Trinity Site, it's recommended to check the official White Sands Missile Range website or contact the range directly for the most up-to-date information on open house dates, times, and any specific requirements or restrictions. Additionally, be aware of security and safety regulations associated with visiting a military installation.