The film's climax at Mount Rushmore was the first time the landmark had been used as a major filming location since 1959's North by Northwest . The fabled treasure was "found" at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, about five miles away.
In the film, the Book of Secrets is found in a balcony area of the Library of Congress . While the scene was filmed in the real building, the specific bookshelves were a temporary prop built in a vacant balcony and later dismantled. Filming and Locations
The literal "Book of Secrets" used in the film was a highly detailed prop that included a leather case with hand-cut lining and weathered pages. It contained specific historical "Easter eggs" for eagle-eyed viewers, such as Marilyn Monroe ’s autopsy report, blueprints for a flying saucer, and a letter from Woodrow Wilson. subtitle National Treasure: Book of Secrets
While the crew filmed outside the real gates, interior scenes of the palace were shot at Lancaster House in London.
The massive City of Gold set was built on Stage 12 at Universal Studios over 12 weeks—before the script was even finalized. Technicians used materials like styrofoam and steel to create believable gold structures, complete with integrated water and fire hoses for spectacular effects. The film's climax at Mount Rushmore was the
The scene where Ben kidnaps the President was filmed on the east lawn of George Washington's Mount Vernon . Although the secret tunnels in the film are fictional, a basement comprised of several connecting rooms does actually exist at the estate. Trivia and Historical Context National Treasure: Book of Secrets Explained
The production utilized a real, smaller scale Statue of Liberty located on the Seine River in Paris. While the scene was filmed in the real
National Treasure: Book of Secrets expands the franchise's scope with globe-trotting action and deeper historical mysteries, such as the true story behind the Lincoln assassination. Key features of the production include massive physical sets, a heavy reliance on real historical locations, and several "easter eggs" hidden within props and dialogue. Production and Set Design