Exorcist Steps is a Romanesque Revival landmark in Washington, District of Columbia, and a filming location for The Exorcist (1973) and The Exorcist III (1990). Built in 1895, it was designed by Waddy Butler Wood, and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Location: 36th Street NW and Prospect Street NW (foot of the steps; adjacent to 3600 Prospect Street NW), Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Verified facts
- Located in Georgetown, Washington
confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-0877, SRC-0878 - Appeared in The Exorcist (movie, 1973)
confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-0877, SRC-0879 - Designed by Waddy Butler Wood
confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-0877, SRC-0878 - Built in 1895
confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-0880, SRC-0877 - Architectural style: Romanesque Revival
confidence 85/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-0878, SRC-0881, SRC-0877 - Historic designation: National Register of Historic Places; District of Columbia Historic Landmark
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-0877, SRC-0881, SRC-3122 - Appeared in The Exorcist III (movie, 1990)
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-12752, SRC-12753, SRC-0879
Evidence & sources
- SRC-0877 — U.S. National Park Service — Capital Traction Company Union Station / Exorcist Steps (Tier 1, official_archive; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-0878 — DC Historic Sites (DC Preservation League) — Capital Traction Company Union Station (Tier 2, institutional; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-0879 — Georgetown University Library — The Filming of "The Exorcist" (Tier 1, official_archive; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-0880 — National Register of Historic Places Registration Form — Georgetown Retaining Wall/Exorcist Steps (DC Historic Preservation Office) (Tier 1, official_archive; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-0881 — DCist (WAMU) — The Exorcist Steps Are Now A Historical Landmark (Tier 2, journalism; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12752 — https://movie-locations.com/movies/e/Exorcist-3.php (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12753 — https://www.set-jetter.com/ontheset/exorcistiii (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-3122 — Wikipedia — Georgetown Car Barn (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-4830 — Wikipedia (Tier 2, encyclopedia; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-4831 — Atlas Obscura (Tier 3, encyclopedia; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-5142 — CityDays (Tier 3, travel_guide; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-5143 — Trolley Tours (Tier 3, travel_guide; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-5611 — The Historical Marker Database (HMdb) (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
How we verify
Every fact above is independently corroborated by at least two reputable sources and
confidence-scored before publication. Claims that cannot clear that bar are withheld. We show the
street address only for non-residential public landmarks (museums, commercial and civic buildings,
publicly documented filming-location sites); the exact addresses of private residences and any
personal information are structurally barred from publication. Last reviewed June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Where was The Exorcist filmed?
Exorcist Steps, in Washington, District of Columbia, is a real-world filming location used for The Exorcist. This property has also appeared on screen in The Exorcist III.
Where was The Exorcist III filmed?
Exorcist Steps, in Washington, District of Columbia, is a real-world filming location used for The Exorcist III. This property has also appeared on screen in The Exorcist.
Can you visit Exorcist Steps?
Yes — Exorcist Steps is open to the public. Hours: Open 24/7; outdoor public stairway. Admission: Free.
Who designed Exorcist Steps?
Exorcist Steps was designed by Waddy Butler Wood.
Where is Exorcist Steps located?
Exorcist Steps is located in Washington, District of Columbia.