During the Cold War, an American lawyer is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court, and then help the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet captured American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers.
Spielberg’s Cold War drama recreates the 1960 U-2 spy-swap between East and West – and filmed its climax at the very place it happened: the Glienicke Bridge in Berlin, the real “Bridge of Spies.” Ruined post-war East Berlin was rebuilt in the Polish city of Wroclaw.
Where was Bridge of Spies filmed?
Bridge of Spies was filmed in Berlin (the real Glienicke Bridge), Wroclaw, Poland (as East Berlin), and New York.
Every Bridge of Spies location, explained
1
The Glienicke Bridge – the swap
The climactic prisoner exchange was filmed on the actual Glienicke Bridge between Berlin and Potsdam – the genuine site of Cold War spy swaps.
2
Wroclaw as East Berlin
The divided, war-scarred East Berlin was recreated in Wroclaw, Poland, whose old market square dressed back to 1960.
Interiors used the film studios around Potsdam near Berlin.
Planning a visit
The Glienicke Bridge between Berlin and Potsdam is a real, crossable bridge steeped in Cold War history – and standing on it is the ultimate Bridge of Spies pilgrimage.
Bridge of Spies Fun Facts
1
Filmed on the real bridge The spy-swap climax was shot at the actual Glienicke Bridge, where real Cold War exchanges took place.
2
Poland played East Berlin The ruined divided city was recreated in Wroclaw, Poland.
3
The Coens wrote it The screenplay was co-written by Joel and Ethan Coen.
4
Based on a true swap It dramatises the real 1962 exchange of pilot Gary Powers for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel.
5
Rylance won an Oscar Mark Rylance took Best Supporting Actor as the spy Rudolf Abel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it filmed on the real bridge?
Yes – the spy-swap climax was shot on the actual Glienicke Bridge between Berlin and Potsdam.
Can you visit the bridge?
Yes – the Glienicke Bridge is a real, crossable bridge rich in Cold War history.
