Fans of Apple TV+’s Severance experienced a surreal, tangible event this past weekend as the Bell Works building in Holmdel, New Jersey — the actual filming site for Lumon Industries in the show — transformed into an engaging, time-limited occasion.
On April 5, the iconic mid-century modern structure was re-envisioned as a live-action Lumon experience, featuring museum-style displays that vividly brought the unsettling universe of Severance to life. Attendees wandered through intricate set recreations, enjoyed themed food and beverage selections inspired by the series, shopped for exclusive merchandise, and even took part in a real-life rendition of the notorious “waffle party.”
Running for just one weekend, the event encapsulated the show’s eerie aesthetic and offered fans a rare glimpse into the meticulously crafted realm of Severance. The Bell Works building, which once housed the famous Bell Labs and is now under Nokia’s ownership, proved to be much more than a mere backdrop for the series. Production designer Jeremy Hindle, in an interview with CNBC Make It, remarked that the venue was ideally suited for the show’s atmosphere. He referred to the building as “mind-blowing,” emphasizing that it was initially intended to be a welcoming space for scientists and their families — a vision that echoes Lumon’s corporate facade, albeit with a significantly darker angle.
Saturday night featured a special VIP gathering, including a cast Q&A hosted by The Late Show’s Stephen Colbert. Several cast members were present, heightening the excitement for fans who could connect with the stars behind the series.
The event blurred the boundaries between fiction and reality, providing a uniquely immersive experience that translated the haunting world of Severance from the screen to the physical realm — if only for a weekend.