Iconic Doors That Became Cultural Symbols

In films and real life there are 10 iconic doors. We use them every day without really noticing, but there are some that will be remembered for a long time in our minds.

We thought we would have a bit of fun and show some of the most memorable doors we can think of here at ADC, we would love to hear your suggestions.

Monsters Inc

The door is how the monster go from room to room in the Monsters, Inc. factory from the movie Monsters, Inc.. Scarers use this technology to enter the Human World and scare children. The doors tend to match their target’s design in terms of appearance. Boo’s is the iconic door that Sully has to fix to get her back to her room.

Ghostbusters

Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8, the New York firehouse used as the exterior of the Ghostbusters’ base in the Ghostbusters films. After a public campaign to save it, supported by the later Mayor Bill de Blasio and the actor Steve Buscemi, who also was a New York City firefighter from 1980 to 1984, the firehouse remains in service today and visited by Ghosthead fans.

Sherlock Holmes

It is most famous for its connection to the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, who lived at 221B Baker Street, an address that did not actually exist in Sherlock Holmes’ era. Created by author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The address is now home to the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Tardis

The TARDIS is a machine that can travel through space and time. An invention of the Time Lords from the planet Gallifrey, the Doctor stole their own version to escape from their home world and travel the stars. In a universe full of weird and wonderful technology, the TARDIS stands out – it’s no ordinary spaceship. “Vworp!” or “Vwoorp!” is the sound we all recognise.

Downing Street

The front door was redesigned by architect Kenton Couse in a six-paneled Georgian style and was made from black oak. Installed in the 1770’s, the door featured a centre door knob, lion head door knocker, and brass letter plate which bore the inscription ‘First Lord of the Treasury’. The black oak door is replaced by a blast-proof steel door.

Jurassic Park

The infamous Jurassic Park main gates were constructed at the base of Mount Wai’ale’ale deep in the middle of Kauai. The gates have since been removed but there are two poles that were left standing to mark the famous entrance. Steven Spielberg wanted it to look like King Kong’s (1933) gate, hence Dr. Malcom’s line about King Kong when they entered.

The Hobbit

The home of Bilbo Baggins and later Sackville-Bagginses and then Sam Gamgee, could be called a Smial, as it was an expansive Hobbit-hole with many windows; a large circular green front and back door, and a large number of rooms; as well as the famously renowned pantries which supplied food for many a party or celebration. Hobbits like a party!

Notting Hill

280 Westbourne Park Road may be the most photographed door in West London. In Notting Hill, it was the door to the home of Hugh Grant’s character, bumbling bookseller William Thacker.

It became a paparazzi magnet thanks to William’s unlikely romance with Hollywood star Anna Scott (Julia Roberts).

Star Wars

The closest we could get to an automatic door! A blast door, alternatively referred to as a shielded door or safety door, was a type of door found on many starships and high-security facilities.

The sound of the doors opening and closing was created via paper sliding into and out of an envelope.

The Shining

Jack arrives and tears down the door with the axe and peaks inside while saying the now famous line “Here’s Johnny!”. The props department built a door that could be easily broken. However, Jack Nicholson had worked as a volunteer fire marshal and tore it apart far too easily so they had to build a stronger door for the scene for Jack to break through.

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