X-Men was filmed in Toronto, Hamilton, and Oshawa, Canada, as well as in Los Angeles, USA.

Filming locations:

Concentration camp

In the movie

Scene where young Magneto is taken from his parents in a Nazi concentration camp during selection. He resists, and German soldiers grab him and try to pull him aside; at that moment, his mutation manifests, and he severely bends the metal gate.

In reality

The scene was filmed on one of the main streets running through the Distillery District in Toronto. This brick-paved street became pedestrian-only, and the area was redeveloped into a residential neighborhood from an abandoned distillery. This happened almost immediately after the film's shooting. The area was chosen because its brick walls perfectly suited the atmosphere of the scene.

Congress chamber

In the movie

Scene where Senator Robert Kelly speaks before Congress about the danger of mutants, proposing his Mutant Registration Act, which he believes will reduce risks and control people with superpowers. Professor Xavier and Magneto watch his speech from the gallery.

In reality

The scene was filmed at Metro Hall, a 27-story office building built in 1992 that houses municipal offices of the City of Toronto. On the main floor are council chambers, which were used only until 1998 when various levels of city government were amalgamated and moved to City Hall.

Congress corridor

In the movie

Scene where Xavier and Magneto talk after the congressional hearing, once again confirming that their views on the mutant problem are vastly different. Later, Mystique, disguised as Senator Kelly, gives a press conference.

In reality

The scene was filmed in the gallery of Roy Thomson Hall, a concert hall with 2,630 seats built in 1982. It has a circular glass structure. Interestingly, this is a completely different building from the one where the congressional hearing takes place.

Xavier's School (interior)

In the movie

Scene where Wolverine wakes up in the laboratory of Xavier's School. He is disoriented and follows a voice in his head that guides him. He steals clothes and goes upstairs to the first floor, where he accidentally enters a classroom where Professor Xavier is teaching young mutants.

In reality

The scene was filmed at Casa Loma, a Gothic Revival mansion built in 1914 for Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. Interestingly, this is not the same building that serves as the exterior of Xavier's School. It was more suitable for filming the school's interior due to its spacious corridors and halls resembling classrooms. The mansion is currently open for tours.

Xavier's School (grounds)

In the movie

Scene where students of Xavier's School relax on the school grounds. Some play basketball, some chat, and others spend time training their skills with the mutant teachers of the school.

In reality

The scene was filmed at Parkwood Estate, built in 1917. Since 1989, the estate has been a historic site and is now a museum. It was chosen for its excellent architectural appearance and large surrounding park. Also, this building resembles both an elite educational institution and a wealthy estate.