Did you know that Nakatomi Plaza is actually Fox Plaza, a real skyscraper located at 2121 Avenue of the Stars in Century City, Los Angeles? This iconic building gained fame as the setting for the 1988 action film Die Hard, starring Bruce Willis as John McClane.
It was more than 20 years ago when I first saw Nakatomi Plaza – in our living room while watching a movie that will eventually become my favorite one.
Is Nakatomi Plaza a Real Building?
Yes! Nakatomi Plaza is indeed a real building, known as Fox Plaza. Completed in 1987, it quickly became a landmark due to its role in Die Hard. The building’s sleek, modern design made it the perfect backdrop for the film’s intense action sequences.
In fall of 2013 we were driving on W Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles when I saw it in flash.

Fox Plaza is a 35-story, 150 m (490 ft) skyscraper located at 2121 Avenue of the Stars in Century City, Los Angeles. It was built in 1987 and it’s owned and managed by Orange County-based The Irvine Company. Fox Plaza is also 20th Century Fox’s official headquarters.
Where Was Die Hard Filmed?
Die Hard was primarily filmed at Fox Plaza, which served as the fictional Nakatomi Corporation’s headquarters. The building’s unique architecture and location in Los Angeles made it an ideal choice for the film’s setting.
Behind the Scenes: Filming Die Hard
Do you remember the plot? On Christmas Eve NYC police officer John McClane arrives in L.A. to make peace with his wife Holly. McClane is driven to the Nakatomi Plaza building where he attends a company’s Christmas party. However, the party is disrupted by the arrival of Hans Gruber and his heavily armed group.

In the movie the building housed the headquarters of the California branch of the Nakatomi Corporation, a Japanese company. At the time of filming, the building was still under construction, and a scene with McClane exploring an unfinished floor complete with construction equipment was real.

Filming Die Hard at Fox Plaza presented unique challenges and opportunities. The building was still under construction during filming, which added authenticity to the movie’s setting. The filmmakers used the building’s unfinished floors to create realistic action sequences, making the film’s stunts even more thrilling.
Fun Facts About Fox Plaza
- Cultural Icon: Nakatomi Plaza has become a cultural icon, referenced in various films, TV shows, and video games. Its association with Die Hard has made it a must-see for fans visiting Los Angeles.
- Other Appearances: Beyond Die Hard, Fox Plaza has appeared in several other films and TV shows due to its distinctive design.
- Public Access: While Fox Plaza is not open for public tours, you can view it from outside. It’s located in Century City, a bustling area known for its entertainment industry connections.
Fox Plaza and a neighboring building are the main setting for the rock & roll comedy Airheads, and the lobby is featured in the opening scene of Speed. It was also used as one of the buildings brought down at the end of Fight Club. Recently it was featured in Grand Theft Auto V as Weazel Plaza, continuing the series’ parody of Fox News.
Can You Visit Nakatomi Plaza Today?
While you can’t tour the inside of Fox Plaza, you can certainly visit the area and see the building from the outside. It’s a popular spot for movie fans and tourists alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nakatomi Plaza
Nakatomi Plaza is located at 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, Los Angeles.
No, Fox Plaza is a private office building and not open for public tours.
Yes, you can view the building from the street, making it a popular photo spot for fans.
Fox Plaza is famously featured in Die Hard and has appeared in other films and TV shows due to its distinctive design.
Nakatomi Plaza is also a Brooklyn-based post-hardcore trio and the best band ever named after a location in Die Hard.
Check more famous filming locations from Los Angeles.
The original article was first published on BrandsAndFilms.com in October, 2013.