Did you know these famous films were shot at Freemasons’ Hall?
When you think of Freemasons’ Hall the first things that don't spring to mind are superheroes, international spies and puppets. Little do people know that Freemasons’ Hall has actually appeared in a wide range of blockbuster movies as a variety of backdrops from places like Iraq and Shanghai to even an alien spaceship. We have highlighted some well-known movies in which Freemasons’ Hall has appeared as an Oscar-worthy background actor.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
The most recent blockbuster filmed at Freemasons’ Hall was Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While a significant amount of the action for this movie took place in New York, some of the filming occurred in England. In April 2021, Freemasons’ Hall was used as the backdrop for part of the movie. The building was used as the headquarters for the superhero group known in the film as the “Illuminati”. While many places where filming took place were altered with special effects and digital technology, Freemasons’ Hall was left relatively untouched so it is very easy to spot some well-known areas such as the Vestibules.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
In 1887 world-renowned author and Freemason Arthur Conan-Doyle introduced society to Sherlock Holmes. Over 122 years later, Guy Ritchie’s 2009 movie adaption of Sherlock Holmes was filmed at Freemasons’ Hall. Forget about Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law, the real star of the film was the Grand Temple Doors. The giant bronze doors acted as the backdrop for a secret meeting for Holmes’ enemy Lord Blackwood.
Spectre (2015)
With all the action films shot at Freemasons’ Hall we couldn’t leave out 007’s Spectre (2015). The movie sees James Bond (Daniel Craig) setting off on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation named Spectre. During the film M (Ralph Fiennes) arrives at a top government meeting, only to find it has already taken place. Eagle-eyed viewers will see the scene takes place in one of the many corridors at Freemasons Hall.
Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
Some of the most famous faces to be filmed at Freemasons’ Hall are made of felt, thread and feathers…The Muppets! During filming for the musical comedy caper, Freemasons’ Hall was turned into Spanish Art Gallery, Museo del Prado. In these scenes, shot in the Vestibules, Interpol is investigating an art theft carried out by Kermit the Frogs’ doppelganger.
The 355 (2022)
The all-star cast for the female-centred spy thriller The 355 was filmed in various locations across London, including Freemasons’ Hall. The movie focuses on a group of international agents on a mission to hunt down a top secret weapon, the agents include stars such as Penelope Cruz and Lupita Nyong'o. In one particular part of the movie, the women arrive at a gala type event to retrieve secret information, this was filmed at Freemasons’ Hall. You can easily spot the vestibules and the building’s corridors as the gown wearing agents carry out their mission.
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is a 2008 science fiction comedy based on the novel series of the same name. The story follows Arthur Dent (Martin Freeman) as he journeys into space after Earth is destroyed by aliens. The Grand temple took on one of its first starring roles in this movie as a spaceship and headquarters for John Malkovich’s character Humma Kavula.
Green Zone (2010)
This high-octane war thriller starring Matt Damon transformed Freemasons’ Hall into a Baghdad palace. This movie gave the building a significant make-under, showing debris everywhere with blown-out wires dangling from the walls. Despite the set and props, Freemasons’ Hall can still be recognised.
In 2013 the then head of events at UGLE Karen Haigh spoke to Freemasonry Today about filming at Freemasons’ Hall.
She said: “Green Zone was a great example of how even when a huge Hollywood production is here, our first priority is that the Hall can function for its members.
“So while Matt Damon was running around saving the world downstairs, there was a big provincial meeting going on upstairs.”
Keep an eye out for all of the places mentioned above during your next visit to Freemasons’ Hall, you can also book a tour around the building. Freemasons Hall was open to the public for Open House London on September 10 and 11, which saw over 4,000 people visit the building across the two days.
