Inside the Mole: where film history rises vertically
The Mole Antonelliana was never meant to be a temple to the silver screen. Originally planned as a synagogue in the mid-19th century, it was acquired by the city after architect Alessandro Antonelli blew through the construction budget. It is within this brick and stone structure, rising 167 meters (548 feet) high, that the museum settled in 2000, unfurling its collections across five spiraling levels.
Why visit the National Museum of Cinema in Turin?
Turin was the cradle of Italian cinema. This is where Giovanni Pastrone directed Cabiria in 1914, the greatest blockbuster of the silent era. The museum holds a direct record of this legacy with more than two million items in total, including 300,000 posters, 80,000 photographs, and 12,000 film reels. No other cinema museum in Europe has this level of depth.
In 2024, the museum surpassed 818,000 visitors, an all-time record. This figure is not just due to the fame of the Mole, but to the quality of the exhibition design itself. We believe it is one of the most striking museum experiences we have seen in Europe.
The permanent collection: five levels to cross a century
The Aula del Tempio, a spectacular core
The highlight of the museum is the Aula del Tempio, the former central hall of the Mole, as high as a cathedral. Along its walls, chapels are dedicated to major cinematic genres like the Western, horror, and film noir. Each alcove offers sets, props, and screenings. The lighting is dimmed and theatrical. You sit in vintage reclined seats on the floor and watch two giant screens playing film clips.
The helical ramp and the Galleria dei Manifesti
Leaving the Aula via the Rampa elicoidale (helical ramp), visitors slowly ascend toward the dome along a spiral dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Higher up, the Galleria dei Manifesti (Poster Gallery) displays hundreds of posters from around the world, ranging from the silent era to contemporary productions. It is a journey through the graphic evolution of cinematic marketing over several decades.
The Macchina del Cinema: behind the scenes
An entire level is dedicated to the crafts of cinema, including directing, screenwriting, costumes, set design, editing, and special effects. Original storyboards from major productions sit alongside vintage cameras and screen-worn costumes. A section highlights the contribution of Leo Catozzo, inventor of the tape splicer and editor for Federico Fellini, showcased in a space inaugurated in 2025.
The panoramic elevator: 85 meters in 59 seconds
From the ground floor, a glass-walled cabin crosses the central void of the Mole in one smooth motion to the Tempietto (small temple) at an altitude of 85 meters (279 feet). The ascent offers a dizzying perspective on the interior architecture of the building. Once at the top, the observation deck overlooks all of Turin, with the Alps visible on the horizon on clear days.
The elevator completed its regulatory overhaul in July 2025, one of the most thorough in its history, with cables, mechanical components, emergency pods, and backup power systems all checked and refurbished. The installation is fully operational.
Pro tip: Panoramic elevator tickets are released online 19 hours before the first slot of the next day. On a Saturday or Sunday, check availability starting at 10 PM the night before. This is often the only way to avoid leaving empty-handed.
Why it works
- A unique architectural setting that is impossible to replicate elsewhere.
- Interactive and immersive path, accessible to both cinema buffs and newcomers.
- Exceptionally rich collections, regularly updated with new acquisitions.
- Free audioguide downloadable via QR code at the entrance, available in several languages.
- High-level temporary exhibitions included with the museum ticket.
Things to consider
- The panoramic elevator often sells out, so online booking is essential on weekends.
- Walking up the dome is not recommended for those with vertigo or physical limitations.
- Closed on Tuesdays.
Estimated ticket prices
| Ticket Type | Full Price | Reduced Price |
|---|---|---|
| Museum only | 16 EUR (about $17) | 14 EUR (about $15) |
| Panoramic elevator only | 9 EUR (about $10) | 7 EUR (about $8) |
| Museum + panoramic elevator | 20 EUR (about $22) | 17 EUR (about $18) |
| Students (museum only) | 4 EUR (about $4) | |
| Free | Under 6 years old, Abbonamento Musei, Torino+Piemonte Card, ICOM members, disabled visitors + companion | |
Indicative prices subject to change.
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As a film fan, I couldn't miss this visit! I had already been to several film museums, in Lyon, or even Rome with Cinecittà, but this one remains incomparable! The building is magnificent and the collections are impressive. This museum immersed me in the evolution of cinema imagery, special effects, and very beautiful sets. I really loved the large poster gallery, which made me relive the history of cinema. A must-see for fans of the seventh art!