The Dunder Mifflin Building in The Office: Beyond the Show

If you've ever watched The Office and wondered about the building that appears in its iconic opening credits, this is the article for you. The Dunder Mifflin building, as seen in the series, has a fascinating history beyond the fictional world it was placed in.

The Opening Credits Building: The Penn Paper Supply Company

When the camera pans over the impressive tower during the opening credits, the building in question is the Penn Paper Supply Company, located at 215 Vine Street in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This location is not just a setting but a real business in the heart of northeastern Pennsylvania. It stands as a leading distributor of paper, janitorial, sanitation, cleaning facility, and maintenance supplies to businesses in the area.

A Genuine Business in Scranton

The building's real identity is quite different from the fictional Dunder Mifflin. It still proudly displays the Penn Paper Supply Company's name on one side of its tower. Interestingly, the building has its roots in real-life business operations, making it an interesting landmark for both fans and locals.

The Show's Interior: Replicating the Office

While the exterior of the Dunder Mifflin building was real, the interior scenes in the show were not filmed on location. In the first season, the interior shots of the office were actually filmed in a nondescript office building in Los Angeles. The choice of the building might have been based on its generic nature, making it fit well within the fictional setting of the office environment.

Recreating the Office on a Soundstage

From the second season onwards, the office interiors were recreated on a soundstage at Chandler Valley Studios in Los Angeles. This decision was made to ensure consistency and to create a more controlled environment. The production offices of Chandler Valley Studios, which are located next door to the soundstage, served as a location for the showrunner and writers. While filming was happening on the soundstage, these writers and production staff continued their work in these offices nearby.

A Visit to the Actual Location

Poking your head out the window of a car on the way home from visiting your sister, the sight of the Dunder Mifflin building's tower still evokes a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the show. Fans of The Office often visit the actual building in Scranton, especially when they find out about its real-life identity. The building stands as a reminder of the show's magical blend of reality and fiction.

The history of the Dunder Mifflin building is a testament to the show's dedication to authenticity. Whether the outside appeared real or the inside was created through artistry, it all contributed to the immersive experience that The Office provided to its viewers. From the(nn)real-world office distribution in Pennsylvania to the fictionalized version filmed in Los Angeles, each location played its part in bringing the workplace comedy to life.