When her family is murdered by a group of corrupt officers led by the tyrannical Norman Stansfield, a young 12-year-old girl enlists the help of an Italian-American hitman to seek revenge.
Crypte Archéologique du Parvis Notre-Dame, 7, Accès Crypte Archéologique, Quartier Les Îles, Paris 4e Arrondissement, Paris, Île-de-France, France métropolitaine, 75004, France
Hotel Chelsea, 222, West 23rd Street, Chelsea, Manhattan Community Board 4, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10011, United States of America
Scene: (interiors: Mathilda's hotel corridor and stairwell)
222, East 82nd Street, Upper East Side, Manhattan Community Board 8, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10028, United States of America
TD Bank, 155, Canal Street, Two Bridges, Manhattan Community Board 3, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10013, United States of America
El Museo Del Barrio, 1230, 5th Avenue, Manhattan Community Board 11, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10029, United States of America
222, East 82nd Street, Upper East Side, Manhattan Community Board 8, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10028, United States of America
David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building, 1, Centre Street, Five Points, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10007, United States of America
3816A, Broadway, Washington Heights, Manhattan Community Board 12, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10032, United States of America
Scene: (The controlled entry to the apartments, at this location, is where Leon was shot as he's exiting the building and does the ring trick. You can see the bank across the street as seen in the movie briefly before he walks out, and shot, and the VIM Drug store has been replaced with a McDonalds.)
Luc Besson’s hitman drama is set in the tenements of New York – shot on location in Manhattan, from Little Italy to the legendary Chelsea Hotel – with its intimate interiors built back in Paris.
Where was Léon: The Professional filmed?
Léon was filmed in New York City – Chelsea, Little Italy and Manhattan – with interiors in Paris.
Every Léon location, explained
1
Mathilda’s hotel – the Chelsea Hotel
The hotel where Mathilda and Léon hide used the famous Chelsea Hotel on West 23rd Street in New York.
2
Léon’s world – Little Italy
Tony’s restaurant and Léon’s world used Little Italy and Lower Manhattan.
3
The apartment interiors – Paris
Some intimate interiors were built and filmed in Paris, Besson’s home base.
4
Manhattan streets
The film uses real Manhattan, from the Upper East Side to East Harlem.
Planning a visit
The Chelsea Hotel on West 23rd Street is a genuine New York landmark, and the streets of Little Italy ground the film’s Manhattan world.
Léon Fun Facts
1
The Chelsea Hotel stars Mathilda’s hotel is the legendary Chelsea Hotel, a New York artistic landmark.
2
Portman's debut A young Natalie Portman made her film debut as Mathilda.
3
New York outside, Paris inside Exteriors used real Manhattan; some interiors were shot in Paris.
4
A Besson classic The film became one of Luc Besson’s most celebrated works.
5
The plant Léon’s beloved houseplant became an iconic character in its own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hotel is in Léon?
The Chelsea Hotel on West 23rd Street in Manhattan.
Is Léon set in New York?
Yes – it was shot on location in Manhattan, with some interiors in Paris.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Chelsea Hotel and Little Italy are real New York landmarks.
