One of the key elements that captivated viewers in Bones was the setting, specifically Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan’s professional life at the fictitious Jeffersonian Institute. From the show’s inception, Dr. Brennan insisted she led the forensic anthropology department there, showcasing a lab equipped with unparalleled technology and facilities. This representation underscored her status as a leading figure in her field, where the Jeffersonian consistently attracted top-tier talent.
Throughout the series, we observe Dr. Brennan collaborating with her graduate students, known as squinterns, such as Wendell, Fisher, and Daisy. These characters often appeared more as seasoned professionals than interns, transitioning smoothly into significant roles in the investigations alongside the FBI. Over the span of 12 seasons, it became evident that the Jeffersonian was not merely a forensic lab; it also served as a prominent landmark in Washington D.C. Despite this, most audiences experienced the institution primarily through its medico-legal lab.
Is the Jeffersonian Institute Real?
Can Audiences Visit the Real Jeffersonian?
Although fans of Bones would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to explore the lab where Dr. Brennan and her colleagues conducted their investigations, it is important to note that the Jeffersonian Institute is a fictional entity. The show’s portrayal draws inspiration from real museums and research centers that promote scientific advancement. While forensic anthropologists and other specialists typically operate within universities, certain museums also focus on cutting-edge research.
The series expanded on the idea of diverse departments at the Jeffersonian, including Egyptology and the study of ancient weaponry. Viewers witnessed professors restoring historical artifacts, examining Egyptian mummies, and researching models of ancient creatures such as mastodons. However, the scale of the Jeffersonian Institute, along with its specific exhibits and their relevance to Dr. Brennan’s work, remained somewhat ambiguous.
What is The Jeffersonian Based On?
Audiences Can Visit the Museum The Jeffersonian is Based On
While the fictional Jeffersonian does not exist, it is inspired by the Smithsonian Institution, located in Washington D.C. The Smithsonian comprises various museums and sites spread throughout the capital, contrasting with the centralized imagery of the Jeffersonian in the series. Numerous parallels exist, facilitating the audience’s connection between the fictional representation and its real-life counterpart.
Speculations regarding a potential Bones revival abound, although no official announcements have been made. Notably, Dr. Jack Hodgins was infamous for his unconventional experiments, often “borrowing”items from the Jeffersonian’s museum exhibits for his projects. One memorable instance involved him taking apart a TV set from the iconic series All in the Family for dubious experimental purposes, although the original exhibit featured Bunker’s iconic armchair, now displayed at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum.
In season 10, the series showcased an exhibit devoted to J. Edgar Hoover, illustrating how the controversial former FBI Director shrouded government dealings in secrecy. While this representation does not correlate directly with any real Smithsonian exhibit, it illustrates the potential for forensic anthropology at institutions like the Natural History Museum, where one could easily envision a professional akin to Dr. Brennan contributing to research.
The Lab at the Jeffersonian Was Still Real (Kind of)
The Set Originated As a Filming Location
In the Boneheads rewatch podcast, Emily Deschanel revealed that the medico-legal lab depicted in Bones was initially filmed at the California Science Center, the same location where Agent Seeley Booth and Dr. Brennan celebrated their wedding in season 9. For the pilot episode, on-site filming occurred, but the lab was subsequently recreated on a soundstage for the remainder of the series.
While it is unfortunate that the Jeffersonian Institute exists only in fiction, fans can still visit noteworthy locations depicted in Bones. A remarkable aspect of the lab set was its functionality; all rooms were interconnected, a rarity in television production. Deschanel noted that this provided a seamless walking experience for the actors, making the environment feel genuine and immersive. Although the Jeffersonian itself is fictional, the real-world settings still allow fans to engage with the spirit of Bones.
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