Oppenheimer

The big screen has landed in Los Alamos, New Mexico! Learn the true stories behind the historic events featured in “Oppenheimer,” a film by Christopher Nolan that debuted in July 2023.

Partially filmed in Los Alamos in the spring of 2022, the film cast includes several A-list actors, including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Gary Oldman, Kenneth Branagh, and Rami Malek, and is based off the book, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer. It is being promoted as the “story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.”

In Los Alamos, discover the historic events and places that were part of the Manhattan Project, including Historic Fuller Lodge, the Women’s Dorm, Oppenheimer’s House, and the United Church – to name a few.

OPPENHEIMER FILMING LOCATIONS IN LOS ALAMOS

FAQS

LOCAL OPPENHEIMER-THEMED SOUVENIRS, DRINKS & EXPERIENCES

Seeking a unique experience or souvenir? Check out all of these local gifts, beverages and more!

Look for the “Oppie” icon at participating businesses and organizations!

OTHER LOCAL ATTRACTIONS ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES

For specific information about Los Alamos County’s “Project Oppenheimer,” including a growing calendar of events,
website links of education resources, contact information, a list of local assets, and much more, visit:

• Atomic City Self-Guided Spy Tour
• Los Alamos ScienceFest

Oppenheimer Documentary from Los Alamos National Laboratory

This documentary was created to show the connection and influence of our first director, J. Robert Oppenheimer, with LANL and our work today. His story is ours to tell. And, we’re in a unique position to do so. LANL’s National Security Research Center began as Oppenheimer’s wartime library; our collections include materials from him and about him. Many of these photos, film, and audio are being shared publicly for the first time ever.

Additionally, the documentary includes the Laboratory’s past and present leadership, historians, physicists, and biographers, including:

• Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm;
• Oppenheimer’s grandson Charles Oppenheimer;
• Author of the Oppenheimer biography “American Prometheus” Kai Bird;
• Current Laboratory Director Thom Mason;
• Author of “The General and the Genius” Jim Kunetka;
• And recently retired U.S. Senate staffer Tim Rieser, who was instrumental in vacating the revocation of Oppenheimer’s security clearance, among others.

Telling this story was a yearlong effort and the result of many hardworking, creative people, but special recognition goes to LANL filmmaker Dave Tietmeyer. These efforts are validated by all the widespread interest in the documentary, including from DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm, NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby, and JRO’s grandson Charles Oppenheimer, who traveled to the LANL to watch it with LANL staff.

 

View Part 1 of the documentary below, or visit here for all three videos. 

The Oppenheimer House, today owned by the Los Alamos Historical Society, was initially built for the sister of the Director of the Los Alamos Ranch School. J. Robert Oppenheimer, his wife Kitty, and their very young children Peter and Toni lived there during the Manhattan Project. In this video, Heather McClenahan outlines the history of the Oppenheimer House before and during the Manhattan Project.

J. Robert Oppenheimer lived in this house from 1943 to 1945. Jerry and Helene Suydam moved into the Oppenheimer House in 1958. The house eventually will become part of the Los Alamos History Museum. In this video, J. Robert Oppenheimer recalls his daily schedule at Los Alamos.

OPPENHEIMER AND MANHATTAN PROJECT TRIVIA

Challenge yourself and others with trivia about Dr. J. R. Oppenheimer, those he knew, and the Manhattan Project!

Explore 360 images of historic Manhattan Project sites in Hanford, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge.

REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS

Science and Technology Trail

OPPENHEIMER HOUSE FUND