Mole Antonelliana: History, Museum, and Turin Panorama

The Mole Antonelliana is the symbol of Turin, impossible to miss. At 167.5 meters tall, it towers over the entire city center with its slender spire that seems to touch the sky. Every year it attracts around 560,000 visitors, and as soon as you see it you understand why: it’s a perfect mix of history, architecture, and culture. Today it houses the National Cinema Museum and a panoramic elevator that takes you up to 85 meters high. A must-see for anyone wanting to understand the soul of Turin.

The Mole Antonelliana is the symbol of Turin, impossible to miss. At 167.5 meters tall, it towers over the entire city center with its slender spire that seems to touch the sky. Every year it attracts around 560,000 visitors, and as soon as you see it you understand why: it’s a perfect mix of history, architecture, and culture. Today it houses the National Cinema Museum and a panoramic elevator that takes you up to 85 meters high. A must-see for anyone wanting to understand the soul of Turin.

The history of the Mole began in 1863, when the Jewish community commissioned architect Alessandro Antonelli to design a synagogue. The initial project was 47 meters, but Antonelli extended it to 113 meters, causing costs to soar. The community abandoned the construction site, and the city took it over in 1878. Completed in 1889 by his son Costanzo, it became the tallest masonry building in Europe. It suffered damage in 1904 (a lightning bolt knocked down the statue of the winged genius) and in 1953 (a storm brought down 47 meters of the spire, rebuilt in 1961). Since 2000, it has housed the National Museum of Cinema, and since 2002, it has featured Mario Merz’s light installation ‘The Flight of Numbers’.

The history of the Mole began in 1863, when the Jewish community commissioned architect Alessandro Antonelli to design a synagogue. The initial project was 47 meters, but Antonelli extended it to 113 meters, causing costs to soar. The community abandoned the construction site, and the city took it over in 1878. Completed in 1889 by his son Costanzo, it became the tallest masonry building in Europe. It suffered damage in 1904 (a lightning bolt knocked down the statue of the winged genius) and in 1953 (a storm brought down 47 meters of the spire, rebuilt in 1961). Since 2000, it has housed the National Museum of Cinema, and since 2002, it has featured Mario Merz’s light installation ‘The Flight of Numbers’.

Inside the Mole you’ll find the National Cinema Museum, one of the most visited in Italy. The route develops vertically over several floors: starting from the archaeology of cinema with magic lanterns and optical machines, passing through the Temple Hall, and arriving at props from Italian films, posters and billboards. There is also a film library with over 7,000 titles. The museum is interactive and engaging, suitable for all ages. Don’t miss the collection of pre-cinematographic devices and the reconstruction of famous sets. The combined ticket (museum+elevator) costs about 15€ (reduced 12€).

Inside the Mole you’ll find the National Cinema Museum, one of the most visited in Italy. The route develops vertically over several floors: starting from the archaeology of cinema with magic lanterns and optical machines, passing through the Temple Hall, and arriving at props from Italian films, posters and billboards. There is also a film library with over 7,000 titles. The museum is interactive and engaging, suitable for all ages. Don’t miss the collection of pre-cinematographic devices and the reconstruction of famous sets. The combined ticket (museum+elevator) costs about 15€ (reduced 12€).

The crystal panoramic elevator takes you up to the small temple at 85 meters in 59 seconds. During the ascent, you catch glimpses of the museum installations, then you reach the top and the view is breathtaking: all of Turin at your feet, the winding Po River, and on clear days, the snow-capped Alps on the horizon. The elevator was inaugurated in 1961 for the Centenary of Italian Unification and renovated in 1999. On Saturdays, it’s open until 11 PM, perfect for seeing the city lit up. Note: Not accessible for children under 6 and people with vertigo or claustrophobia.

The crystal panoramic elevator takes you up to the small temple at 85 meters in 59 seconds. During the ascent, you catch glimpses of the museum installations, then you reach the top and the view is breathtaking: all of Turin at your feet, the winding Po River, and on clear days, the snow-capped Alps on the horizon. The elevator was inaugurated in 1961 for the Centenary of Italian Unification and renovated in 1999. On Saturdays, it’s open until 11 PM, perfect for seeing the city lit up. Note: Not accessible for children under 6 and people with vertigo or claustrophobia.

Reason 1: The National Cinema Museum is unique in Italy for its setup and collections. It alone is worth the visit. Reason 2: The panoramic view from the elevator is incredible: on a clear day you can see from Monviso to Monte Rosa. Reason 3: The Mole is an architectural masterpiece: its troubled history and the tallest masonry structure in the world make it an icon. And then there is ‘The Flight of Numbers’ installation by Mario Merz, which lights up red at night with the Fibonacci sequence. Truly evocative.

Reason 1: The National Cinema Museum is unique in Italy for its setup and collections. It alone is worth the visit. Reason 2: The panoramic view from the elevator is incredible: on a clear day you can see from Monviso to Monte Rosa. Reason 3: The Mole is an architectural masterpiece: its troubled history and the tallest masonry structure in the world make it an icon. And then there is ‘The Flight of Numbers’ installation by Mario Merz, which lights up red at night with the Fibonacci sequence. Truly evocative.

The best time is from spring to autumn, but every season has its charm. Late afternoon is the ideal moment: go up around 5-6 PM and watch the sunset over the city as the lights come on. In winter, if there’s snow on the Alps, the scenery is spectacular. Saturday evening is crowded but lively, with opening until 11 PM. Avoid Tuesday (closed) and heavy rain days (the view is limited).

The best time is from spring to autumn, but every season has its charm. Late afternoon is the ideal moment: go up around 5-6 PM and watch the sunset over the city as the lights come on. In winter, if there’s snow on the Alps, the scenery is spectacular. Saturday evening is crowded but lively, with opening until 11 PM. Avoid Tuesday (closed) and heavy rain days (the view is limited).

After the visit, take a stroll: Piazza Castello is just a few minutes away and is the heart of Turin, with the Royal Palace and the Royal Library. Continue along Via Po, one of the most elegant streets, full of historic cafés and bookshops. If you have time, head down to the Po riverfront: a relaxing walk with views of the Mole in the distance. For dining, the area offers excellent restaurants serving Piedmontese cuisine.

After the visit, take a stroll: Piazza Castello is just a few minutes away and is the heart of Turin, with the Royal Palace and the Royal Library. Continue along Via Po, one of the most elegant streets, full of historic cafés and bookshops. If you have time, head down to the Po riverfront: a relaxing walk with views of the Mole in the distance. For dining, the area offers excellent restaurants serving Piedmontese cuisine.