Bell Labs Holmdel Complex – Atlas Obscura

This 2-million-square-foot, glass-exterior building in Holmdel, New Jersey, was once an epicenter for technological innovation.

Constructed between 1959 and 1962, the building, along with its elaborate landscaping, was one of the last projects designed by the Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen. It originally hosted Bell Laboratories’ research division of AT&T. For 44 years, Bell Works—formerly known as Bell Laboratories—employed thousands of engineers and researchers, including Steven Chu, who won a Nobel Prize for his work in laser cooling.

Today, the iconic structure—once dubbed the “The Biggest Mirror Ever” by Architectural Forum—serves as a modern office and retail space, as well as the set for the Apple TV+ series Severance. While the show is filmed at several locations, Bell Works’ distinct exterior serves as the fictional company Lumon’s headquarters. The entrance, parking lot, and skylit atrium are also featured on the show. Unlike the characters in Severance, the people who work in the complex today are free to come and go as they please.