Superman – The Hall of Justice

In Superman (2025), James Gunn transports part of his story to Cincinnati, where the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal stands in for the iconic Hall of Justice, headquarters of the Justice Gang. This Art Deco masterpiece, with its grand semi-circular façade and soaring rotunda, serves as a majestic and authentic setting for scenes involving the League’s central command.

By filming both interior and exterior shots at Union Terminal, the production anchors the mythic Hall of Justice in a real-world architectural wonder. Most notably, the terminal’s Winold Reiss murals—originally depicting Cincinnati industry—are reimagined in the film to tell the history of metahumans in the DC Universe.

Cleveland as Metropolis

Cincinnati’s Union Terminal isn’t just a filming location—it’s deeply woven into superhero lore. Built between 1929 and 1933 in the Art Deco style, it’s one of the most iconic civic buildings in America.

Interestingly, this terminal was the inspiration behind the animated Hall of Justice first seen in the 1970s Super Friends series. Hanna‑Barbera artist Al Gmuer modeled the fictional headquarters almost directly after the terminal’s façade.

By choosing Union Terminal for the live-action Hall of Justice, the film pays homage both to the source of the Superman myth and Cincinnati’s architectural legacy

Behind the Scenes & Architectural Trivia

The Cincinnati Union Terminal is more than a stunning backdrop—it’s a piece of living history:

• Opened in 1933, this grand Art Deco train station was designed by Fellheimer & Wagner, boasting the largest half-dome in the Western Hemisphere, intricate mosaics, and stunning bas-relief carvings.
• The murals inside—created by Winold Reiss—depict Cincinnati’s industrial heritage. For Superman, these were recreated with DC‑centric visuals focusing on metahuman history for the Hall of Justice interiors.
• After decades as a train hub, the terminal was repurposed in the 1980s and officially reopened in 1991 as the Cincinnati Museum Center, housing multiple museums, an Omnimax theater, and more.
• A major restoration between 2016 and 2018—funded by public and private sources—restored its architectural splendor and historic artwork.

Filming here not only brings the Hall of Justice to life but also spotlights Union Terminal’s enduring cultural and aesthetic significance

How to Visit

Superman fans and architecture lovers, take note:

• Address: Cincinnati Museum Center, Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203.
• Access: Located in the Queensgate neighborhood, it’s well served by public transit (SORTA Route 49) and offers on‑site parking.
• What to see: Marvel at the semi-circular façade, step inside the rotunda with its towering half-dome and restored mosaics, explore the museums and the Omnimax theater
• Cultural events: Check out “1940s Day” in August—a celebration of the era when the terminal thrived—along with other tours and exhibitions hosted by the Museum Center.
• Many visitors now flock here to glimpse the real Hall of Justice after the film’s release: locals even report people popping in briefly to get a photo, then smiling and dash off like they’ve captured something legendary.

Symbolism of the Scene

Union Terminal as the Hall of Justice does more than look spectacular—it represents the intersection of history, heroism, and community. Its architecture embodies resilience, civic pride, and elegance—all values at the heart of the Justice Gang and Superman’s ethics

By placing the League’s headquarters in a real, beloved building—rich with narrative and artistry—the film asserts that heroism thrives not just in fantasy, but in physical places where stories are built and preserved.