The film was shot in the USA, in New York and on Cape Cod. The main scenes were filmed in New York, where the main action of the picture takes place. Footage shot on Cape Cod was used for scenes of Allan's childhood adventures when he first met the mermaid. Among the iconic locations in New York used in the film are: Liberty Island, Bloomingdale's department store, Marble Collegiate Church, as well as Madison Avenue and the American Museum of Natural History. There they filmed Madison's first appearance on land and her first shopping trip, as well as the wedding scene and the scenes of the mermaid's abduction when she was held by the authorities. The rest of the scenes were filmed at Cadman Plaza and Furman Street in Brooklyn, near the Brooklyn Bridge, and on some other streets in New York.

Filming Locations:

Liberty Island

In the Movie

The scene where the mermaid Madison comes ashore on Liberty Island right under the Statue of Liberty. The film begins with a childhood memory of Allen Bauer, who accidentally falls into the water off Cape Cod. In the water, he is saved by a young mermaid, unnoticed by his parents. The mermaid, unseen by anyone except Allen, prevents him from drowning and helps him to the surface. Many years later, Allen, who never learned to swim, falls into the water again and loses consciousness, and the same mermaid saves his life again. Wanting to find Allen, the mermaid Madison comes ashore right under the Statue of Liberty. The naked girl is arrested and, finding a wallet in Bauer's name, is sent to him.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Liberty Island in New York, where the Statue of Liberty is located. This famous landmark is a symbol of the USA and New York, and an embodiment of freedom and democracy. It is located three kilometers from the southern tip of Manhattan. The location was perfect for the beginning of the story for several reasons. This place symbolizes freedom and a new life, which perfectly matches the context of the story in which the mermaid Madison, naked and without belongings, leaves her underwater world and comes ashore to start a new life in the city with Alan. Also, Liberty Island is surrounded by water on all sides, making it a logical place where a mermaid would first swim to.

Bloomingdale's

In the Movie

The scene where Madison visits the luxury department store Bloomingdale's. Allen is forced to leave the mermaid alone in the hotel. Sitting alone, she turns on the TV and sees beautiful women in stylish clothes, much nicer than what she is wearing. Immediately, an advertisement for Bloomingdale's appears on the screen, and Madison decides to go there to buy those beautiful things. At Bloomingdale's, Madison's eyes widen at the variety of goods. First, she goes into a women's clothing boutique, where she is helped to choose several outfits, then accidentally ends up in the electronics department. She is amazed by human technology, and her attention is drawn to a fitness program playing on TV screens. She spends more than six hours near them, attracting the attention of store staff. At that moment, Allen runs to her to take her back to the hotel.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the famous Bloomingdale's department store. Bloomingdale's is one of the most famous and historic shopping centers in the USA. It was founded by brothers Joseph and Lyman Bloomingdale in 1861, and in 1872 the flagship store on 3rd Avenue was opened, which appeared in this and many other films. Bloomingdale's became the first store to offer customers a variety of goods under one roof, which was a revolutionary idea for American retail at the time. Over time, the department store became a symbol of luxury and fashion, attracting shoppers from around the world. It is logical that Madison went to this particular store: Bloomingdale's was one of the most popular department stores at the time and was often advertised on television. Moreover, the location perfectly reflects the contrast between the mermaid's underwater world and city life, making the scene especially memorable and visually appealing.

Museum of Natural History

In the Movie

The scene where Allen, his brother Freddie, and Dr. Walter Kornbluth rescue the mermaid Madison from captivity. At a party, Kornbluth splashes water on Madison, causing her to grow a mermaid tail, and she ends up in a research laboratory at the American Museum of Natural History. In this place, scientists conduct experiments on her, trying to find a rational explanation for the existence of mermaids. Seeing this, Dr. Kornbluth repents of his action and joins Allen and Freddie to save Madison.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. This is one of the largest and most famous natural history museums in the world, founded in 1869 and containing over 32 million exhibits, including marine life. The film shows the "Ocean Life" exhibition hall with a huge blue whale statue, which displays various marine creatures. Passing through it, the characters enter the museum's research facilities. This museum fit perfectly into the film's plot because it matches it: all information about marine creatures past and present is gathered here, and it is in such a place that scientists could study a mermaid. Moreover, the impressive architecture and extensive exhibits create an atmosphere of scientific significance, which also matches the film's storyline.