National Cinema Museum Turin: panoramic elevator and Temple Hall in the Mole Antonelliana

Climbing the Mole Antonelliana to visit the National Cinema Museum is an experience that stays with you. It’s not just a museum; it’s a vertical journey through the history of cinema, with that mix of bold architecture and spectacular installations that make you feel like you’re inside a movie. The first thing that strikes you is the central hall with its dizzying dome, where you seem to float among projections and installations. Then, of course, there’s the view from up there: Turin spreads out at your feet, with the Alps in the background. For me, it’s one of those places that combines culture and pure emotion, without too many frills. If you love cinema or simply seek something different from the usual museum, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.

The history of this museum is closely linked to the Mole Antonelliana, built between 1863 and 1889 as a synagogue before becoming a city monument. The museum was founded in 1953 but only found its home here in 2000, following a restoration that transformed the space into something unique. This is no dusty collection: it’s an interactive journey starting from magic lanterns and reaching digital cinema, with a collection of over 20,000 pieces including posters, costumes, and cameras. I like to think that, in a way, it also tells the story of Turin, a city that has always had a strong connection with industry and innovation.

• 1863-1889: Construction of the Mole Antonelliana
• 1953: Foundation of the National Museum of Cinema
• 2000: Opening in its current location
• Today: One of Italy’s most visited museums, with temporary exhibitions and live events

One of the things that makes this museum special is the glass elevator that takes you to the top of the Mole. It’s not just a means of transport: it’s an experience in itself, with a slow ascent that lets you admire the internal structure, that tangle of beams and cables that seems straight out of a Verne novel. Once at the top, the dome is a spectacle. There are comfortable seats where you can lie back and watch the projections on the vault, while light filters through the windows. I was there on a sunny afternoon, and the effect was magical: shadows and colors danced on the walls, like in an open-air cinema hall. It’s a detail that perhaps not everyone notices, but for me, it’s worth the ticket price alone.

Here you don’t just look, you do. The museum is full of stations where you can test yourself: there are booths for dubbing famous scenes, green screens to insert yourself into historical films, and even a section dedicated to special effects with props to touch. For families, it’s a paradise because children can play with shadow puppets or try creating a cartoon. I spent half an hour dubbing a scene from a western, and it was incredibly fun. The setup is designed to engage, without being overly educational. If you fear boring museums, you’ll change your mind here: it’s lively, noisy at times, and makes you feel part of the story.

First, because it’s one of the few museums in the world entirely dedicated to cinema, and it does so in an unconventional way, blending art, technology, and spectacle. Second, for the panoramic terrace: from up there, you see Turin in a unique way, with a sweeping view that ranges from Baroque rooftops to the mountains. Third, for the temporary exhibitions: they often feature original costumes or behind-the-scenes from recent films, so there’s always something new. I’d go back just for that suspended silence in the dome hall, which makes you forget the city’s hustle and bustle.

The best time? I’d suggest late afternoon, around closing time. Why? The setting sun shines through the dome, creating incredible light displays in the halls, and the terrace is less crowded. In winter, with shorter days, the atmosphere becomes even more magical: you step out into the dark, and Turin lights up below you. Summers can be hot, but the air conditioning works well. In short, avoid peak weekend hours if you don’t want queues, but generally, it’s enjoyable anytime.

After leaving the museum, take a short stroll to Piazza San Carlo, Turin’s elegant living room, for a coffee at one of the historic cafes under the arcades. Nearby, you’ll find the Egyptian Museum, one of the most important in the world after Cairo’s: if you love history, it’s a perfect pairing with cinema. Alternatively, if you prefer something lighter, head to Valentino Park for a walk along the Po River. Turin is compact, and these places are within walking distance, ideal for building a stress-free cultural-themed day.