The stairs from Joker (2019)

This is the location of the iconic stairs from the film Joker (2019).

It is situated beside 1165 Shakespeare Avenue in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx, New York.

This pedestrian step street connects Shakespeare Avenue and Anderson Avenue.

According to Google Maps, it has three different names: the Joker Stairs, the Shakespeare Steps, and the Guason Stairs.

Although the location appears multiple times in the movie, the most memorable scene occurs near the end, when Joaquin Phoenix's character, Arthur Fleck, dresses up as a clown and proceeds to dance down the steps.

While he is strutting around in his makeup and bright-red suit, the song "Rock and Roll Part 2" by Gary Glitter plays in the background.

The scene represents Arthur's transition into the Joker—a psychopathic criminal mastermind who terrorizes Gotham City.

Following the release of the film, the street quickly became a popular landmark for tourists, many of whom took pictures and videos of themselves attempting to recreate the scene.

The overcrowding became such a nuisance for local residents that the U.S. representative for the area, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, asked fans of the movie to stay away from the steps.

Fortunately, it seems as though the initial surge in interest has long since faded away. Judging by Google Street View images from 2021 and 2021, the street is usually empty.

Further information is available in the "Photos" section below.

Photos

Photos of the step street and other related images.

Shakespeare Steps

This Google Street View image was captured in March of 2022.

Looking down

The step street leads down onto Shakespeare Avenue.

Arthur Fleck

During the scene, Arthur Fleck dances down the steps wearing clown makeup and a bright-colored suit.

The scene represents the origin of Batman's nemesis, the Joker. This was the moment when the failed stand-up comedian decided to embrace his descent into madness.

Subway

The 167th Street subway station (line 4) is just a short walk away.