The FRIENDS Experience NYC: an immersion in the cult series
Immerse yourself in the iconic world of the cult series Friends in the heart of New York! The FRIENDS Experience in New York offers you the unique opportunity to relive the most memorable moments of Monica, Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe. This immersive interactive exhibition, located in Manhattan, faithfully recreates the show’s legendary settings and lets you slip into the shoes of your favourite characters. A must-see experience for all fans of the sitcom that marked a whole generation!
1. What is The FRIENDS Experience?
The FRIENDS Experience is a permanent interactive exhibition dedicated to the famous TV series Friends. Opening in 2019 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the series, this immersive attraction has quickly become a must-see in New York. Spanning two floors, the experience takes visitors deep into the world of the show, with faithful reproductions of the iconic sets, original costumes and props, as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
This unique attraction, The FRIENDS Experience, allows visitors to relive cult scenes from the series in an authentic setting. Unlike other Friends experiences around the world, the one in New York is the only one to feature costumes and props actually used during the filming of the series.
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2. Emblematic settings to discover
Monica and Rachel’s flat
The heart of The FRIENDS Experience lies in the meticulous recreation of Monica’s purple flat. Every detail has been carefully reproduced: from the kitchen where Monica prepared her meals to the living room with its iconic coffee table. Visitors can sit on the sofa, rummage through the fridge and even discover Monica’s secret cupboards. The precision of this reconstruction is striking, giving the impression that the characters will appear at any moment.
Joey and Chandler’s flat
Opposite, the boys’ flat offers a completely different atmosphere, with its iconic armchairs and ubiquitous television. Fans can settle into Joey’s La-Z-Boy, discover the near-empty fridge and admire the more masculine, messy décor that characterised the two housemates’ den. Every accessory, from the answering machine to the scattered magazines, helps to recreate the authenticity of the place.
Central Perk and its legendary orange sofa
You can’t visit The FRIENDS Experience without visiting the recreation of Central Perk! The famous orange sofa sits at the centre of the space, surrounded by the café’s familiar décor. Visitors can order real drinks in this functional Central Perk, the only one of its kind in the world. The cosy atmosphere of the café, with its exposed brick walls and vintage posters, instantly transports visitors into the atmosphere of the series.
3. Authentic costumes and accessories
One of the highlights of The FRIENDS Experience in New York is its exceptional collection of authentic objects. More than 50 costumes worn by the actors are on display, including Monica’s wedding dress, Rachel’s iconic outfits and Phoebe’s colourful jumpers. These unique items allow fans to discover details that are invisible on screen.
Among the most sought-after accessories are Phoebe’s guitar on which she played “Smelly Cat”, Joey and Chandler’s duck and chick, and Monica’s famous yellow door frame. Each object tells a story and brings back memories of the show’s cult episodes.
4. Practical information for your visit
Location and access
The FRIENDS Experience is located at 130 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010 (rated 4.2/5 on Google for over 2000 reviews), on the corner of Lexington Avenue. This strategic location in the Gramercy district provides easy access to Manhattan’s main points of interest. The 23rd Street metro station (lines 4, 6, N, Q, R, W) is only a 2-minute walk away.
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To make the most of your stay in the Big Apple, let yourself be guided by an itinerary specially designed to discover the treasures of New York. This itinerary will allow you to explore the iconic districts of Manhattan, from Central Park to Times Square, via the legendary filming locations of numerous New York series and films.
Opening hours
The FRIENDS Experience is open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm (last entry at 6.30pm). The attraction is closed on Tuesdays. It is strongly recommended that you book your tickets online in advance, as slots fill up quickly, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
Prices and ticketing
Prices for The FRIENDS Experience vary according to the period and time of visit:
– Standard tickets: from $45 (around €42)
– Peak-time tickets: from $52.50 (about €49)
– Children under 3: free
– Group tickets: reduced rates for 6 people or more
5. Length of visit and advice
Allow around 60 to 90 minutes for a complete visit to The FRIENDS Experience. This includes the time needed to explore the different areas, take photos in each setting and discover the authentic exhibits. Enthusiasts can easily spend more time to savour every detail.
To make the most of your visit, arrive a few minutes before your reserved time slot. The experience does not allow return visits, so make sure you’ve seen everything before you leave the attraction. Cameras are allowed and even encouraged – this is your chance to create your own memories in the world of Friends! For an even richer experience of New York, don’t hesitate to visit New York with an audio guide who will reveal all the city’s secrets to you.
6. Highlights of the experience
The fountain in the credits
One of the star attractions of The FRIENDS Experience is the recreation of the famous fountain from the opening credits. Surrounded by colourful umbrellas, this faithful replica allows visitors to recreate the legendary opening scene of the series. A professional photographer is often on hand to capture this unique moment.
Interactive games
The experience features a number of fun activities inspired by the iconic episodes. Test your knowledge with the Friends quiz, try to lift the sofa by shouting “Pivot!” like Ross, or try to play “Smelly Cat” on Phoebe’s guitar. These interactions make the visit lively and entertaining for all ages.
The Las Vegas chapel
Don’t miss the reconstruction of the Las Vegas chapel where Ross and Rachel were married in a memorable episode. This detailed reproduction allows couples to take photos of each other in the kitsch and fun atmosphere so characteristic of the episode.
7. The official shop
Your visit to The FRIENDS Experience ends in the official shop, accessible even without an admission ticket. Here you’ll find an exclusive selection of merchandise: Central Perk mugs, t-shirts featuring the cult replicas, reproductions of Monica’s yellow frame, and even replicas of Hugsy, Joey’s teddy bear. Prices range from $15 for small souvenirs to over $100 for collector’s items.
8. What to do in the area
The FRIENDS Experience is ideally located in Gramercy. The Flatiron Building, one of New York’s most photographed skyscrapers, is a 10-minute walk away. Madison Square Park offers a leafy break just a 5-minute walk away, while theEmpire State Building is a 20-minute walk north.
The area is also full of excellent restaurants and cafés. Make the most of your visit to explore this authentic part of Manhattan, less touristy than Times Square but just as charming. To discover all the secrets of this area and many other Manhattan treasures, the Navaway tour itinerary will guide you through the must-see places and hidden nuggets of New York.
In conclusion, The FRIENDS Experience in New York represents a total immersion in the universe of the cult series that marked a whole generation. This unique attraction combines nostalgia, interactivity and authenticity to offer a memorable experience for fans and novices alike. Whether you want to relive your favourite scenes or go behind the scenes, this visit is a must during your stay in New York. To further enhance your discovery of the Big Apple and explore other iconic sites in the city, don’t hesitate to follow a guided tour itinerary that will reveal all the hidden treasures of Manhattan.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to The FRIENDS Experience last?
The average visit to The FRIENDS Experience lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. This time allows you to explore all the spaces, take photos in each setting and discover the exhibitions of authentic objects from the series.
Can I take photos in The FRIENDS Experience?
Yes, photos are not only allowed, they are strongly encouraged! In fact, it’s one of the highlights of the experience. Photographers are often on hand to help you get the best shots in the iconic settings.
Do I need to book in advance for The FRIENDS Experience?
It is strongly recommended that you book your tickets online in advance, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Slots fill up quickly and there is no guarantee of having seats available on site.
Is there an age limit for visiting The FRIENDS Experience?
There is no age limit. Children under 3 get in free, and those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult over 18. The experience is sure to appeal to fans of the series and those nostalgic for the 90s.
Does The FRIENDS Experience offer catering?
Yes, the recreated Central Perk is a fully functional café where you can order drinks and pastries. It’s the only place in the world where you can drink real coffee in an exact replica of the Central Perk from the series.
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