Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning fairytale about a mute woman who falls for an amphibious creature is set in 1960s Baltimore – but filmed in Toronto, whose grand old theatres and buildings gave the film its lush, retro glow.
Where was The Shape of Water filmed?
The Shape of Water was filmed in Toronto, Canada – its historic theatres and buildings – with scenes in Hamilton, Ontario.
Every Shape of Water location, explained
1
The city – Toronto
1960s Baltimore used Toronto, including the Elgin & Winter Garden theatre.
2
Elisa’s home – above a cinema
Elisa’s apartment sits above a grand old Toronto movie theatre.
3
The lab – Hamilton
The secret facility used buildings in Hamilton, Ontario.
4
The studios
The water tanks and sets were built at Toronto studios.
Planning a visit
Toronto – its historic Elgin theatre and old buildings – is a real, accessible city behind the film’s dreamlike world.
The Shape of Water Fun Facts
1
Toronto plays Baltimore The 1960s Baltimore story was filmed in Toronto, Canada.
2
A grand old theatre Elisa lives above Toronto’s historic Elgin theatre.
3
Best Picture The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
4
A del Toro fairytale It’s Guillermo del Toro’s adult fairytale romance.
5
Hawkins leads Sally Hawkins stars as the mute Elisa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The Shape of Water filmed?
In Toronto, Canada – its historic theatres and buildings – with scenes in Hamilton, Ontario.
Is it set in Toronto?
No – it’s set in 1960s Baltimore, but filmed in Toronto.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Toronto’s Elgin theatre and Hamilton are accessible.
Who directed The Shape of Water?
Guillermo del Toro.
Did it win Best Picture?
Yes – at the 2018 Academy Awards.
