The Cosby Show House: A Greenwich Village Icon
For millions of viewers, the elegant brownstone shown in the opening credits of 'The Cosby Show' is synonymous with the Huxtable family's home in Brooklyn. However, the real building is located miles away at 10 St. Luke's Place in Manhattan's historic Greenwich Village. This detail is a classic example of television magic, using a picturesque New York facade to create a beloved, albeit geographically inaccurate, setting.
A Case of Mistaken Location
'The Cosby Show,' which aired from 1984 to 1992, was explicitly set in a Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. The fictional address given in the show was '10 Stigwood Avenue,' a street that does not exist anywhere in New York City. The actual building used for all the exterior shots is the Anglo-Italianate townhouse at 10 St. Luke's Place, chosen for its quintessential New York charm.
Architectural History
The residence is part of a distinctive row of fifteen townhouses, numbered 3-17 St. Luke's Place. Constructed between 1851 and 1852, these homes were part of a master design featuring shared architectural elements like high stoops and arched doorways. The street itself, a one-block section of Leroy Street, was renamed in 1851 to honor the nearby St. Luke's in the Field parish and add a sense of prestige to the new development.
A Street Steeped in History
St. Luke's Place has a rich history as a home to many notable figures. Past residents include Jazz Age Mayor Jimmy Walker at No. 6, poet Marianne Moore at No. 14, and novelist Theodore Dreiser at No. 16. Other famous inhabitants along the block have included painter Paul Cadmus, writer Max Eastman, and actor Robert De Niro. Across the street, James J. Walker Park was once the Trinity Parish Cemetery, a place where Edgar Allan Poe reportedly wandered for inspiration.
The House Today
Today, 10 St. Luke's Place remains a private residence and is not open to the public. While fans of the show often stop by to see the famous exterior, visitors are advised to respect the privacy of the current residents. The property has undergone meticulous restoration, reportedly including modern amenities like an elevator. Its value reflects the high-end reality of the West Village real estate market, with a four-bedroom unit in the building having been recently listed for rent at $75,000 per month.
FAQ
Where is the real house from The Cosby Show located?
The house used for exterior shots in 'The Cosby Show' is located at 10 St. Luke's Place in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, not in Brooklyn where the show was set.
Can you visit The Cosby Show house?
You can view the exterior of the house from the street, but it is a private residence and is not accessible to the public. Visitors should respect the privacy of the residents.
What was the Huxtable's address in the show?
The fictional address of the Huxtable family home was '10 Stigwood Avenue,' which is not a real street in New York City.
