Highlights
The secret of the Mole: a museum inside a masterpiece
The Mole Antonelliana was originally designed in 1863 as a synagogue by the Turin Jewish community, on a project by the architect Alessandro Antonelli.
The costs soared to such an extent that the Municipality of Turin took over the property in 1878, completing the construction in 1889 and transforming it into the symbolic monument of the city.
For decades it was the tallest brick building in the world.
The exhibition itinerary: a journey through the history of images
The museum itinerary unfolds on several levels around the imposing Hall of the Temple, the heart of the Mole Antonelliana, more than 85 metres tall.
On the ground floor, the Archaeology of Cinema section introduces visitors to the origins of vision: shadow plays, pre-cinema, dioramas, phantasmagorias and the first optical devices that paved the way for the invention of the Lumière brothers.
Each display case tells a piece of a fascinating and surprising story.
The panoramic lift: Turin at your feet
Among the unmissable experiences of the Museo Nazionale del Cinema there is undoubtedly the climb with the famous see-through panoramic lift, which crosses vertically the entire height of the Mole Antonelliana up to the outdoor terrace at 85 metres above ground.
The transparent cabin climbs along the central shaft of the building offering a breathtaking perspective over the Hall of the Temple and the elliptical dome, in an absolutely unique visual and sensory experience.
Screenings, events and the Cineteca
The Museo Nazionale del Cinema is not just a static exhibition venue, but a lively and pulsating cultural centre that hosts all year round screenings, film series, meetings with directors and actors, educational workshops and high-profile temporary exhibitions.
The museum is closely linked to the Torino Film Festival, one of the most prestigious Italian cinematic events, and hosts some of its main events every autumn.
With more than 40,000 pieces in its collection - cameras, costumes, posters, props and rare archival documents - the museum offers a moving, surprising journey through the evolution of film language. Turin boasts a deep, ancient connection with cinema: it was right here, in the early 20th century, that the Italian film industry was born, with production companies such as Cines and Ambrosio Film.
Related experiences
The exhibition route: a journey through the history of images
The museum route unfolds across multiple levels around the Mole's imposing Tempio hall, more than 85 metres tall. On the ground floor, the Archaeology of Cinema section introduces visitors to the origins of vision: shadow play, pre-cinema, dioramas, phantasmagorias and the first optical devices that prepared the ground for the Lumière brothers' invention. Each display case tells a piece of a fascinating, surprising story.
Climbing along the helical ramps wrapping the great dome, you reach the thematic galleries dedicated to film genres: horror, western, melodrama, science fiction, comedy. Each room is staged with almost theatrical care, with chaise longues, special seating and audiovisual installations that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of every genre. Original costumes, period posters and objects belonging to great international film stars also abound.
The route is completed with the section dedicated to film production: from screenplay to editing, from set design to special effects. Interactive stations let visitors experience some of the fundamental techniques of the craft first-hand.
The panoramic lift: Turin at your feet
Among the unmissable experiences of the National Cinema Museum is undoubtedly the famous panoramic glass lift ride, which crosses the entire height of the Mole Antonelliana vertically up to the outdoor terrace at 85 metres. The transparent cabin climbs along the building's central shaft, offering a breathtaking perspective on the Tempio hall and the elliptical dome.
Once on top, the panoramic terrace offers one of the most beautiful and complete views over the entire city of Turin: the historic centre, the Po, the Turin hill with the Basilica of Superga in the background, and on clear days the Alpine arc embracing the horizon from the Aosta Valley to the Maritime Alps. A spectacle that is itself worth the price of admission and leaves an indelible memory.
The panoramic lift is included in the combined museum and terrace ticket but is also available as a separate experience for those who simply want to enjoy the panorama without visiting the exhibition rooms.
Screenings, events and the Cineteca
The National Cinema Museum is not just a static exhibition space: it is a living, beating cultural centre that hosts screenings, film seasons, meetings with directors and actors, educational workshops and high-level temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The museum is closely linked to the Torino Film Festival, one of Italy's most prestigious film events, and hosts part of its main events every autumn.
The museum's Cineteca preserves thousands of films and audiovisual documents of extraordinary historical value, many of which are undergoing constant digital restoration. The film heritage includes reels dating back to the dawn of Italian silent cinema, unreleased materials and rare copies of masterpieces from world film history.
The museum also has a well-stocked bookshop specialising in cinema, photography and visual arts, and a refreshment area. Educational activities for schools of every level are particularly developed, with creative workshops that introduce younger audiences to film language in a playful, stimulating way.
The Mole's secret: a museum inside a masterpiece
The Mole Antonelliana was originally designed in 1863 as a synagogue by the Turin Jewish community, with architect Alessandro Antonelli. Costs spiralled to such an extent that the City of Turin took ownership in 1878, completing construction in 1889 and turning it into the city's symbol monument. For decades it was the world's tallest brick building. Today it houses the most spectacular film museum on the planet, in a marriage of architectural and film history without parallel anywhere in the world. The face of the Mole Antonelliana appears on the Italian two-cent euro coin.