In 2019, director Todd Phillips made cinematic history with gritty comic book thriller “Joker.” The movie became a cultural phenomenon and is arguably one of the most-talked about films from the last decade. What made the movie so special was how Phillips transformed good ‘ol New York City into the grimy streets of the fictional Gotham City.
One of the most memorable moments in the film is when Joker (Joaquin Phoenix) is dancing on stairs near his apartment building. The stair scene has become extremely iconic. Many might think that the stairs were filmed in a studio, but you can actually visit the “Joker” stairs in real life.
The Joker Stairs Are In The Bronx, New York
The concrete steps are located in the Bronx, New York, one of the most fun and exciting boroughs in the city. Though the location of the Joker Stairs is pretty far from the bustling streets of Manhattan, the area the steps are located in is pretty darn accessible if you’ve got time to kill. You can find the “Joker” Stairs at the intersection of Shakespeare and Anderson Avenues in the Bronx’s Highbridge neighborhood. If you’re taking public transportation, you’ll need to hop on the “4” train.
What’s special about these stairs is how they weren’t really special before the movie. Prior to the release of “Joker,” these 132 steps were simply there to serve as a neighborhood connector between steep streets. The stairs, which climb a steep hillside, had long been a local feature, mostly unnoticed by those outside the immediate community.
You Can Visit The Joker Stairs
It’s no secret that the “Joker” Stairs are extremely popular. Following the film’s release, hundreds of fans and tourists went to the stairs to take photos and reenact scenes. As great as it is to see enthusiasm from fans, the stair’s recent popularity has been controversial. Local residents have complained that tourists and fans have turned their day-to-day lives particularly stressful. Many who come to visit decide to congregate there or film intricate dance videos, making the stairs inaccessible.
In fact, government officials have asked tourists and “Joker” fans to avoid the stairs because of how disruptive it is for locals. Ultimately, if you do decide to visit the “Joker” Stairs, we ask that you remain respectful and don’t turn the area into your personal Joker-themed Disney theme park. Feel free to take photos and have some fun but move out of the way for locals who are going to work or heading back home. Ultimately, be courteous and respectful when you’re visiting the “Joker” Stairs. And while you’re there, indulge in the Bronx’s innovative and bold food scene and visit some other iconic sites, like the Bronx Zoo.
