It’s a Wonderful Life was not filmed in Seneca Falls. Wikipedia reports that most of the film was shot at RKO studios in Culver City, California, and at the RKO ranch in Encino, and that some Seneca Falls residents believe Frank Capra modeled Bedford Falls on their town. A film historian who curates Capra’s archives says there is no evidence for that claim.
The town embraces the connection anyway. The It’s a Wonderful Life Museum says it is temporarily at 76 Fall Street, and as of October 2026 lists hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a suggested admission of $5 for adults. It warns that GPS directions lead to a back lot with no public entrance, so park on Fall Street instead. It also states that it does not know when its expanded museum will open.
For 2026 the museum lists an 80th Anniversary Celebration of the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival from December 9 to 13, with program details to be added later. Treat this as a fan pilgrimage, not a set visit. See our Christmas movie filming locations guide.