When most people think of Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth, they picture the eccentric, crotchety inventor from Futurama who delights in creating bizarre gadgets and launching questionable missions into deep space. But did you know that many real-world locations have inspired or been humorously linked to the world of Farnsworth and Futurama? From the studios where his animated adventures were born to science hubs that echo his futuristic vision, here are five real-world spots that bring the spirit of Professor Farnsworth to life.

New York City – The Birthplace of Futurama

It all started in New York City. Matt Groening, the creator of Futurama, developed the show while working out of the Big Apple, and the city’s fast-paced, futuristic skyline inspired much of New New York seen in the series. From the towering buildings to the underground mutants, the essence of NYC pulses through the show’s DNA. Fans can visit places like the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, which occasionally hosts exhibits on animation history, including behind-the-scenes looks at Futurama.

Los Angeles – Where the Futurama Magic Was Made

The real-world labs of animation were based in LA, where the team at Rough Draft Studios and later at different production houses brought Professor Farnsworth and his universe to life. Though not open to the public, the studios where the show was animated are nestled in the heart of the entertainment industry. Nearby, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in North Hollywood celebrates the show’s legacy, and you might catch a special exhibit featuring concept art or scripts from the series.

MIT – The Academic Roots of Farnsworth’s Genius

Professor Farnsworth is a scientist at heart — and his brilliance (and occasional madness) feels right at home at institutions like MIT. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is known for pushing the boundaries of science and technology, just like Farnsworth does in the year 3000. The campus often showcases futuristic robotics, AI experiments, and wild engineering feats that wouldn’t seem out of place in Planet Express’ lab. The MIT Museum has featured exhibits on robotics and artificial intelligence that feel like they were plucked straight from Farnsworth’s lab.

Seattle – Futuristic Architecture Meets Sci-Fi Visions

Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) regularly features exhibits on sci-fi culture, including nods to Futurama. The city itself, with its Space Needle and tech-driven skyline, mirrors the futuristic aesthetics of the show. MoPOP has hosted panels and retrospectives on animated sci-fi, and it’s easy to imagine Professor Farnsworth giving a guest lecture on interstellar physics in one of their theaters.

Area 51 – For the Ultimate Futurama Conspiracy Theorist

Okay, this one’s a stretch — but come on, who doesn’t imagine Farnsworth secretly hiding a wormhole generator or alien DNA experiment near Area 51? While not officially connected to the show, the mystique of this Nevada military base feeds into the kind of mad science Farnsworth thrives on. The nearby Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel, Nevada, is a popular stop for UFO enthusiasts — and a perfect place to speculate on what Farnsworth might be up to in a secret underground lab.

If you’ve ever wondered what Professor Farnsworth thinks of these places — or what he’d say about MIT’s latest robotics breakthrough — you can ask him yourself. On HoloDream, he’s always eager to share his theories, whether about time travel, bending matter, or why everyone under 80 is clearly ruining the future.