The film, with a budget of $110 million, began with large-scale shooting in the heart of New York City on March 26, 2010. For five consecutive nights, the crew worked at the legendary toy store «FAO Schwarz», turning it into a magical playground for the Smurfs. Other notable locations include Belvedere Castle, Rockefeller Center, the Russian Tea Room, and the green paths of Prospect Park in Brooklyn. For scenes with Gargamel, a miniature replica of the castle was built, and his dungeon with the sinister «Smurfalator» was created at the studio, with parts gathered from garage sales and eBay. To make the animated Smurfs look natural, the set was lit with future CGI graphics in mind, using figurines and special markers. Over 260 specialists from «Sony Pictures Imageworks» worked on the visual effects, spending nearly 360,000 hours creating the magical world.

Filming Locations:

Gargamel's Headquarters

In the Movie

In Reality

Park

In the Movie

Scene where Clumsy accidentally leads the evil wizard Gargamel into the heart of Smurf Village. In panic, the Smurfs scatter, and Clumsy, unknowingly, heads toward the mysterious Forbidden Waterfalls. He is immediately followed by Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Grumpy, Brainy, and Clumsy to save him from trouble. It is at this moment that a mystical Blue Moon appears in the sky, releasing a magical vortex that sucks the Smurfs in and transports them straight into the center of bustling New York City. Following them through the portal are Gargamel and his cunning cat Azrael.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the boathouse in Prospect Park, Brooklyn — one of the most picturesque spots in New York City. The building was constructed in 1905 in the Beaux-Arts style with a white facade and elegant colonnade that reflects in the pond waters. This place is not only an architectural gem but also historic: since 1964, it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Winslow's Apartment

In the Movie

Scene where the Smurfs end up in the apartment of Patrick and Grace Winslow, a married couple expecting their first child. After they explain their situation, the Winslows accept the situation and give them shelter for the night.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at 111 East 7th Street, between First Avenue and Avenue A — in the heart of the East Village, Manhattan. This area is known for its bohemian atmosphere, narrow streets, and brick buildings with historic facades. The architecture reflects old New York: low-rise buildings, external fire escapes, street graffiti, and cozy cafes on the ground floors.

Central Park

In the Movie

Scene where Gargamel and his cat Azrael sit on an empty bench in a dark park. It is already evening, no one is around, only rare lantern lights illuminate the paths. Gargamel mutters irritably to himself, trying to figure out how to track down the Smurfs.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the Mall in Central Park — a wide pedestrian path that stretches from Center Drive to Bethesda Terrace. It is the only straight path in the park, lined with rows of American elms planted in the mid-19th century. The Mall passes by the Naumburg Bandshell and the famous Literary Walk, where statues of classic writers are installed.

Castle

In the Movie

Scene where Gargamel, wandering through New York in search of the Smurfs, comes across an abandoned building resembling an ancient castle. Inside is a dusty but intact laboratory, full of strange flasks, artifacts, and piles of books. He looks around the room with delight, immediately feeling at home.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Belvedere Castle in Central Park, Manhattan. The castle is located atop Vista Rock, one of the highest points in the park, and was built in 1869 according to the design of architects Calvert Vaux and Jacob Mould. Originally intended as a decorative element, it was later used as a meteorological station. The building is in a romantic Gothic style with crenellated turrets and balustrades, and its observation decks offer panoramic views of the park. With its fairy-tale atmosphere, the castle perfectly fits the magical storyline, especially in films with fantasy elements.