Museo Nazionale del Cinema

Overview

Housed inside the soaring Mole Antonelliana, the Museo Nazionale del Cinema is one of the world's most inventive film museums. Its vertical layout spirals up through the building's cavernous interior, creating an immersive journey through cinema history from shadow puppets to digital effects.

Highlights

• Temple Hall: The cathedral-like central space where visitors recline in chaise longues watching clips projected on giant screens — a uniquely atmospheric experience.
• Shadow and light: Hands-on exhibits exploring pre-cinema optical illusions, magic lanterns, and early film experiments.
• Memorabilia: Original costumes, props, and posters from Metropolis to Star Wars.

History

Founded in 1941 by Maria Adriana Prolo, who spent decades collecting cinema artifacts. The museum moved into the Mole Antonelliana in 2000 following a complete interior redesign by Swiss architect François Confino, who transformed the industrial space into a theatrical cinematic universe.

Visitor Tips

• Panoramic lift: Buy a combined museum + lift ticket for the full experience.
• Evening screenings: Check the schedule for special film events and festivals, especially during the Torino Film Festival in November.
• Duration: 2–2.5 hours.