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Cobb meets architecture student Ariadne
London, UK
Still in University College, Miles hesitantly introduces Cobb to star student Ariadne (Ellen Page) in UCLâs Flaxman Gallery, which contains sculptures and paintings by artist John Flaxman.
The Gallery is open to the public on weekdays from 1pm to 5pm. Youâll find it in the Universityâs Main Library, beneath the dome of the famous building that overlooks the Gower Street quadrangle. Itâs accessed via the Strang Print Room.
Kyoto
London, UK
The sleekly modern 'Kyoto' airport where Cobb and Saito land is the operational center of Farnborough Airport in Hampshire.
Farnborough Airport is famous for hosting the Farnborough International Airshow. While it's not an international airport like LAX, it serves as a convincing stand-in for the film. Fans can visit this location to see where some of the movie's airport scenes were filmed.
Samsung House
London, UK
The glass-fronted atrium where Arthur demonstrates 'paradoxical architecture' with the 'Penrose steps' is located in Samsung House in Surrey. The illusion of never-ending staircases was achieved through movie magic by adding false steps to the existing stairway. Fans can appreciate the architectural feat that inspired this mind-bending scene.
Wilshire Boulevard and Hope Street
Los Angeles, USA
The deserted city center where the team discusses how to 'plant' an idea into Fischer's mind is the junction of Wilshire Boulevard and Hope Street in Downtown Los Angeles. This location is used to create the dream world where the team meets to strategize.
Semi-submerged buildings
Los Angeles, USA
This virtual city is revisited later by Cobb accompanied by Ariadne when they venture to the lowest dream state to confront Mal. From this covered walkway, the pair discover a strange area of semi-submerged buildings â recreated from Cobb and Malâs shared past.
Japanese palace beach
Los Angeles, USA
The opening scene of "Inception" features Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) washing up on the shore beneath a 'Japanese' castle. The castle itself is digitally added, but the shoreline is Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, a beautiful coastal area on the Pacific coast south of Los Angeles.
Fans of the movie can visit this location to stand on the same shore where Cobb's journey begins, even though the castle is added through movie magic.
Nijo Castle
Osaka, Japan
The interior of the 'Japanese' castle in Cobb's dream, where he meets the elderly Japanese gentleman, is inspired by Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Nijo Castle is a historical site and a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line in Kyoto.
Visitors can explore the real Nijo Castle and appreciate the connection to the movie.
Cobb meets Miles
Paris, France
Cobb consults his former tutor, Miles, in Paris at a fictitious academy. The entrance to the fictitious academy is the entrance of Palais Galliera, which houses the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris (City of Paris Fashion Museum).
Fans can explore the museum and possibly catch an exhibition showcasing French fashion design and costume, including iconic pieces like Audrey Hepburn's dress from "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
Café Debussy
Paris, France
In this scene, Cobb and Ariadne are sitting outside a Parisian café called 'Café Debussy,' which is now Il Russo, a charming terrace restaurant in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. This location was used for the explosive sequence where high-pressure blasts of nitrogen were used to create the cafe explosion.
Inception
2010
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