When I wrote about the Seinfeld pop-up exhibit in New York last month, I said that I wouldn’t mind if it started a trend of other TV show-themed pop-ups. What I didn’t know at the time was that another NBC show was about to get the same treatment. If you’ve ever wanted to visit Central Perk or some of the most famous apartments in the television version of New York City, you’re going to get your chance:
The Friends 25th Anniversary celebration just keeps going, and you might not be able to be any more excited about this latest news.
Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler and Joey’s iconic New York City apartment is being brought back to life in the form of an immersive pop-up experience, officially open to the public from September 8 through October 9 and costing $29.50 per person, according to a press release.
Located in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, where the show was originally set, the apartment — called “The One with the Pop-Up” — features all the set re-creations, props and costumes that are seared into your brain from 10 seasons on NBC and endless rewatches on Netflix. Tickets for the event, which is sponsored by Superfly and Warner Bros., go on sale August 2 at friends25popup.com.
“It’s been nearly 25 years since Friends premiered, but the fascination and universal appeal of the hit TV series lives on with fans of all ages,” said Peter van Roden, Warner Bros. senior vice president of global themed entertainment and consumer products.
He added: “As we celebrate the show’s milestone anniversary, we are excited to bring the Friends experience to life for our fans in a way that pays homage to the remarkable cast of characters, iconic sets and instantly quotable moments.”
The apartment pop-up (which also includes a Friends merchandise store) will be open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This was one of the possible shows that I thought a pop-up exhibit would be an obvious fit for. People mentioned that when Courteney Cox shared a video on Instagram of herself outside the New York apartment building that was used as the exterior of Monica, Rachel, Chandler, and Joey’s building, people loved it. I’m sure the exhibit is going to be packed with fans who can’t wait to walk through Central Perk and Monica’s apartment or possibly get a glimpse of Joey and Chandler’s Foosball table (which, yes, was destroyed by Monica in the finale to rescue Chick Jr. and Duck Jr.). This is a great tie-in for the 25th anniversary. (I feel old.) I’d love to be able to go, though I bet that tickets are going to sell out quickly. If, like me, you want to go but won’t be able to get to New York, you can always pick up something from Pottery Barn’s Friends 25th Anniversary collection. (Not an ad.)
photos credit: via WENN and screenshots from Netflix
I saw this headline and laughed and was like, “no, who would pay that.” Then after reading it I was like…..well, maybe? That could be fun and nostalgic.
So clearly I’m the target audience for these things (she says as she adds the PB things to her cart…..all the things.)
I’d never see it but I have a feeling plenty of people will line up for it.
The Pottery Barn line is baffling to me. But if you’re into it, clearly the marketing team knows what it’s doing! 🙂
I’m too poor for the apothecary table lol, but I want the doormat and the mug that says “Joey doesn’t share food!” I’m such a sucker for marketing.
The PB line didn’t include any items from that episode except the apothecary table that would sell regardless of cross promotion. Most items are mugs, kitchen towels, pillows, etc. Things people who don’t want to spend PB prices but want Friends themed stuff will buy in truck loads.
I know! that’s why I love it. I need more Friends stuff in my house lol. But I get what you’re saying too – they made a big deal about bringing back the apothecary table but nothing else is from the episode. they at least could have brought back Ross’s sheets, lol.
I’m kinda obsessed with that apothecary table, I’m not gonna lie.
I thought the same for the Sex in the City tour. I would rather pocket my money and go get a good meal in NYC.
becks
me too lol
immediately went to the PB site
I wanted all the tings lol but ordered the purple pillow with the door 🙂
No. I liked the sitcom. Alongside bel-air and king of queens, it is my top three all time favorite. But no I would not pay 30 bucks for nostalgia. I am a cheep dude.
Maybe $20 and I would go.
I mean what can $20 get you these days?
I am gonna go check out all the things on PB.
Friends, some eps hold up better than others, but a few are always good..Thanksgiving eps, Bamboozle still makes me laugh. Joey and Chandler have some classic quotable lines that are favs.
The One Where Everybody Finds Out is perfection from beginning to end.
But they don’t know that we know that they know we know! Joey you cant say anything!!
Even if I wanted to!
I’m going to rip that sweater vest right off you!
I don’t think $30 is bad. I would do it
Nope.
No I would not pay to see it.
I am with you.I know I am the minority here but I really disliked that show.Even the opening song annoy’s me.
Nnope. I’d rather give that money to someone who needs it. It’s a lot. That’s like $40 in Canada. Loved the sitcom and still re-watch it.
Yeah, if it were $10 I might. My daughter is Gen Z and they love the series too.
Are all six of the friends going to be in the apartment? If yes, I’d pay. Otherwise, I’ll watch the show if I’m feeling nostalgic.
I would because I loved Friends. I live in NYC and will look into getting tix. I would LOVE to visit a pop up of the Golden Girls house. Those ladies were a riot.
YES the Golden Girls pop up can take my money!
Yeah I’d go see the Golden Girls apartment too.
Ok I would definitely pay to see the Golden Girls house. That would be so fun!
Ooohh yes with cheesecake available on the lanai, they could have all my money!
And lounge on the lanai!
Yeah….I’m so going to this I’m not even ashamed.
No way! One of the great mysteries of the 21st century is this bizarre obsession with Friends. I watched it occasionally in college and it was aight but there is and was far better TV shows.
I would like to see what the other side of the apartment would look like.
I really like Friends, but I wouldn’t pay to see a pop-up. It’s not really a fandom-y type of show to me, like Doctor Who or Star Trek or whatever, so it seems weird that they’re marketing it as such.
People will totally pay it – and if they really want to soak the public, they will make you lock up your phone, but have available a photographer, who of course will have your pics available for purchase. People will pay it, for the ‘gram.