SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — In the heart of Scranton, a paper company turned everyday office life into comedy gold.
The Office made Scranton more than just a city; it became television history through the show, where even the most ordinary workdays became legendary.
Visitors from around the world travel to Scranton to experience attractions inspired by all nine seasons of The Office. One of the most popular stops is the Everhart Museum, which opened its Office Exhibition six months ago. Chief Executive Officer Tim Holmes shared the story behind bringing the experience to life.
“We like to explore the connection, the unique connection that Scranton has to the show. So, way back in 2007, me and a small group of people, Michelle Dempsey, and a group of our friends put together a convention where we got a bunch of the cast members to come. We had them back again in 2013. So, we’ve maintained a relationship with them. It’s been very cool. They’re very excited. When I got this job here at the Everhart Museum, I reached out to Greg Daniels, who’s the creator of the American Office, and let him know that we found the perfect spot to have an exhibit for The Office,” said Holmes.
“He said nothing would make him more proud. So, we got it here. And they’ve been very helpful with helping us to set up the displays, the proper photos that we’re allowed to use, and all that kind of fun stuff. But also, we have authentic props and wardrobe from NBC here in Scranton,” said Holmes.
Inside the exhibit, fans and first-time viewers alike can explore interactive displays, authentic props from The Office, and highlights from events like the Office 5K. Holmes shared stories of visitors traveling from around the world, including the exhibit’s most recent guest.
“Every single week we’ll have people from England, from France, from Poland, from Israel, from everywhere. They’re huge fans of The Office and they love to really come and kind of scratch the itch, ‘Get their Scranton on,’ as they used to say on the show,” said Holmes.
“Last week, we got word to the governor of Alaska, who just happened to grow up in Scranton, which is the center of the universe. And he got word that nobody from Alaska had yet been here. So, he came here last week to put that pen on the map. So, we are officially full. We have every state in the nation up here,” said Holmes.
Holmes took us through the exhibit’s prop collection, showcasing one of the most popular original items from The Office while sharing the museum’s plans to rotate in new props.
“This is one of our most popular pieces of the Prison Mike bandana, actually worn by Steve Carell on the show, is a huge hit. We’ve got actual outfits, actual props. These are actual Dundies that they used on the show, not from the NBC store. So, folks really like to see that authentic stuff. That’s why we have the glass here. But fun thing is, this is all going to go in about a month from now. Our plan from the very beginning with it, is I want to switch out the props every six months or so. And that way people can come and see fresh stuff. The stuff we have coming next is outrageous. So, people are really going to be excited when they hear what we have coming next,” said Holmes.
Other Office landmarks across Scranton include the iconic Electric City sign, The Story of Us mural, the Dwight Schrute mural, and fan-favorite Cooper’s Seafood House, a popular hangout featured in the show. Visitors can enjoy a meal while browsing Dunder Mifflin merchandise in the restaurant’s expansive gift shop.
Server at Cooper’s, Brandon Peck, shared more.
“They turned 78 years old, so happy birthday to them. But it’s honestly one of the top hits in Scranton. And if you’re from here, or not from around here, you know what Cooper’s is,” said Peck.
“It has magnets, trophies, T-shirts, Cooper’s souvenirs, anything you can think of. Office, bobbleheads, Office merch, calendars, everything top to bottom. If any Office fans want any Office merch. The best place to come here is Cooper’s, said Peck.
Peck also noted the number of visitors eager to check out Cooper’s Seafood House.
“According to our map on the front, we have over thousands of people coming from out of out of the country, out of the state, all over, just coming in and finding out what The Office is and finding out what really Cooper’s is since it was mentioned,” said Peck.
Holmes reflected on why The Office holds such a lasting charm in Scranton, and how its influence continues to connect with people everywhere, whether they’ve ever visited the city or not.
“We believe that the show is very generous to Scranton. Scranton kind of became a character on the show. Even though it was very truthful about being a little behind the times or a little backward, there was always this endearing element that always came out. And I believe that’s why people feel such a great need to come here to Scranton and just kind of reconnect with it,” said Holmes.
The Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau also offers a self-guided tour of The Office in Scranton, highlighting even more local landmarks for fans to explore.