I entered the world of Grey’s Anatomy through the "front doors" of Grey Sloan Medical Center to find myself in the living room of Derek and Meredith in 2014. Our group received a welcome from Jessica Capshaw (Arizona Robbins) as we navigated through sets with overhead breakaway walls and medical equipment that seemed so real it made you check for a heartbeat. The building lacked hospital status yet it created a hospital atmosphere. The TV magic of soundstages in Los Feliz transforms into operating rooms and nurses' stations and recognizable spaces from Thursday night television shows. The following post reveals my observations from that time about authentic elements and special effects along with current information about occasional real-life access to these locations.
Originally published in 2014; lightly updated in October 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The article describes an experience at the Grey's Anatomy set tour in LA, highlighting the realistic design of the set.
- Jessica Capshaw guided the tour, explaining the show's context and the importance of various set pieces.
- The set is not a real hospital; it uses realistic props and medical equipment for authenticity.
- Visitors can occasionally access the set through special events, though it's generally closed to the public.
- The show airs Thursdays on ABC and has won numerous awards since its debut.
I know this long-running ABC TV show has been in production and has won plenty of awards; so what better way to get introduced to the show than to take a Grey's Anatomy studio tour.
Grey's Anatomy Set Tour
Recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Television Series and nominated for multiple Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series, "Grey's Anatomy" is considered one of the great TV shows of our time.
The high-intensity medical drama, now beginning its tenth season, follows the personal and professional lives of a group of doctors at Seattle's Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
First, Jessica Capshaw (Dr. Arizona Robbins) explains a little bit about Grey's Anatomy as well as the cast from outside the Seattle Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital front doors.
From there, we made our way into the home of Drs. Derek Shepard and Meredith Grey. This was the first time I had ever been on any type of set tour. I was amazed by its realistic value compared to a real home.
But with all the break-away walls and the removable ceiling, it felt as though I was actually standing inside Derek and Meredith house.
Is Grey's Anatomy Set in a Real Hospital?
Short answer: No. The hospital you see is a network of soundstages with real medical gear mixed with film-grade props. Medical consultants help keep procedures and terminology believable. That’s why the nurses’ station and ORs felt so convincing on my visit even though we were on a lot in Los Feliz.
On Set Grey's Anatomy
I was able to get a good feel of how Grey's Anatomy runs and was able to get a grasp of the importance of each little piece inside Derek and Meridith's house. Just like on the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital set, everything had a place on the TV show.
The nurses' station was pretty cool and seemed like it was really a part of an actual children's ER.
Where is the Grey's Anatomy Set Tour Located?
Interiors film at The Prospect Studios (aka ABC TV Center) in Los Feliz, LA (4151 Prospect Ave). Many Seattle “exteriors” are actually LA locations or stock/2nd-unit plates, though fans can still visit iconic Seattle spots for vibe shots.
- "Grey's Anatomy" hosted leading role stars like:
- Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey
- Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd
- Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang
- Justin Chambers as Alex Karev
- Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey
- James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber.
- Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres
- Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt
- Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins
- Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery
- Sarah Drew as April Kepner
- Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson
- Gaius Charles as Shane Ross
- Jerrika Hinton as Stephanie Edwards
- Tessa Ferrer as Leah Murphy also played a huge part in pulling the story together.
What’s New With the Show Right Now?
Grey’s Anatomy is in Season 22 (premiered Oct 9, 2025), continuing the fallout from last season’s hospital explosion storyline. Expect Thursday-night episodes on ABC and next-day streaming on Hulu.
Can You Visit the Grey’s Anatomy Set in 2025?
There’s no regular public tour. Access typically happens via special events, auctions, or limited studio opportunities—and even then, photography and access can be restricted based on what’s shooting. If you see “set tour” claims, verify they’re tied to a legit charity or studio-approved event.
About Grey's Anatomy
The show was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes ("Scandal," "Private Practice," "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge"). Betsy Beers ("Scandal," "Private Practice," "Casanova"), Mark Gordon ("Saving Private Ryan"), Rob Corn ("Chicago Hope"), Tony Phelan and Joan Rater ("Law & Order: Trial by Jury"), Zoanne Clack and Stacy McKee are executive producers. an ABC Studios production.
Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC; episodes stream the next day on Hulu (also on Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers).
Grey's Anatomy Set and Tour - FAQ
Where is the Grey's Anatomy set located?
The main filming location for "Grey's Anatomy" is at the Prospect Studios in Los Angeles, California. Some exterior shots, including those of the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, are filmed at various locations around Los Angeles. Can fans visit the set of Grey's Anatomy?
Not regularly. The set isn’t open for public tours. Rare access can pop up via charity auctions or special studio events, and rules vary (often no photos, access subject to shooting schedules). How realistic is the medical equipment and setup on the Grey's Anatomy set?
The show uses a combination of real medical equipment and realistic props to create an authentic hospital environment. Medical consultants are also on hand to ensure the accuracy of medical procedures and terminology used in the show. Are the surgeries and medical scenes performed on real people?
No, the surgeries and medical scenes are performed on realistic prosthetics and mannequins designed to mimic human anatomy. Special effects and makeup are used to enhance the realism of these scenes. What happens to the sets and props when they are no longer needed?
Sets and props from "Grey's Anatomy" are often repurposed or stored for future use. Some items are auctioned off for charity, while others may be recycled for use in other productions. 6. How do they film the high-intensity scenes, like disasters or emergencies, on the Grey's Anatomy set?
High-intensity scenes are carefully choreographed and planned. They often involve special effects, stunts, and detailed set designs to create a realistic and dramatic atmosphere. Safety protocols are strictly followed to ensure the well-being of the cast and crew during these scenes. What season of Grey's Anatomy is airing now?
Season 22 (launched Oct 9, 2025) airs Thursdays on ABC; streams on Hulu the following day.
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Update: Grey's Anatomy Set Tour Tickets 2021
If you are looking to take the Grey's Anatomy Set Tour Tickets 2021, you are in luck.
