Mole Antonelliana in Turin
Useful tips and all you need to know before you visit
The Mole Antonelliana is one of Turin’s most iconic landmarks. Tall and majestic, it was originally designed as a synagogue and now houses the National Museum of Cinema and a panoramic platform.
After having it on my to-do list forever, I finally made it to this must-see attraction and it exceeded all my expectations. Even if you’re not a movie or museum fan, like me, the Mole Antonelliana will surprise and amaze you.
Keep reading to find out why, some useful tips, and all you need to know before you visit.
Main Attractions Inside the Mole Antonelliana
The great thing about the Mole Antonelliana is, that it combines two highlights within one building. You do not have to visit and pay for both, but I honestly recommend it.
National Museum of Cinema / Museo Nazionale del Cinema
Inside the Mole Antonelliana, you’ll find the National Cinema Museum, one of the most important film museums in the world. Spread over several levels, it takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of cinema, from the earliest moving images to today’s Hollywood blockbusters.
The visit begins in the basement, where you walk through the early days of filmmaking. This part of the museum is dimly lit and full of atmosphere, perfect for setting the mood.
I really loved the several interactive stations where you can try out how movies are made and how special effects work.
At one point, I sat inside an old race car and watched myself on screen driving through a racetrack: super fun and surprisingly realistic!
Even if you’re not a die-hard movie buff, these hands-on experiences make the museum feel playful, engaging, and anything but dry.
At the end of the film history section, you push aside a heavy red curtain and suddenly step into a massive central hall.
The contrast couldn’t be greater: from the dark, maze-like corridors you emerge into a towering, light-filled cinema temple with giant screens playing classic films.
Around the hall, spiraling galleries wind their way up toward the dome. Right in the center, the panoramic elevator rises up to the viewing platform of the Mole. Stepping into that hall for the first time was honestly a wow-moment for me.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions focused on specific film genres, directors, or movements, which are usually displayed in this main space. It’s definitely worth checking the current program before your visit.
When I was there, the exhibition was called “Movie Icons” – filled with original props from superhero films like Superman, Batman, and Thor. A real highlight for any film fan!
The Panoramic Lift
My absolute highlight inside the Mole Antonelliana was, without a doubt, the panoramic elevator. It takes you 85 meters up to the viewing platform. Not quite to the very top of the tower, but definitely high enough for an incredible view.
And honestly, the ride itself is an experience: the glass elevator glides almost silently right through the center of the museum’s massive main hall.
I didn’t even know where to look first as we started going up – all around you are huge film screens, movie props, set pieces, and above you, a round opening in the ceiling that the elevator slowly rises toward. It felt surreal and cinematic in the best way.
At the top, you step out onto the observation platform with its 360-degree panoramic view over Turin and, on a clear day, all the way to the Alps.
When I visited, the weather was a bit hazy, but honestly, it didn’t matter. Seeing the entire city from up there was still completely worth it.
Tips for visiting Mole Antonelliana
Pre-booking Tickets
To make the most of your visit to the Mole Antonelliana, I highly recommend pre-booking your tickets a few days in advance. Not as essential for the museum but for the panorama lift. The cabin is small, for 6-7 people only per ride, and there is only one lift.
By purchasing your ticket online in advance, you can avoid the often long queues at the entrance, without any shade, by skipping the line and ensure a smooth start to your visit.
Punctuality
When booking your tickets, you will be asked to pick a specific time slot. It’s crucial to adhere to the specific entry time indicated. Absolute punctuality is recommended in respecting the timetable of the ticket purchased.
If you arrive late, entry cannot be guaranteed, so plan accordingly to avoid any disappointment.
Best Times to Visit
- Early Morning or Late Afternoon: To avoid the busiest times, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This can help you enjoy the exhibits and the panoramic lift with fewer crowds.
- Weekdays Over Weekends: If possible, visit during the weekdays, when it is generally less crowded compared to weekends.
How to visit Mole Antonelliana? In which order and what to expect?
Start by visiting the platform first. Right after the ticket booth, you will find the waiting line for the lift. By enjoying the view from the platform first, you will have that surprising effect by rising up through the great hall of the Cinema Museum.
Back on the ground floor, you will be taken on a tour through the history of the cinema. Very interesting, as exhibits recall for example the first moving images.
The walkway / Gallery leads to the main hall, from where the visitor’s path runs along a ramp that slowly rises.
On the left you will look down into the hall, while on the right you can see exhibits from popular movies, such as Thor’s hammer or the life jacket from Titanic. The visit ends high above the ground, on the 5th (?) floor.
How much time should you plan
Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the Mole Antonelliana. This will give you enough time to take the panoramic lift, and soak in the views from the top, and to enjoy the museum exhibits afterwards.
Opening Hours & Ticket Prices
Opening Times: Daily, except Tuesday, from 9am – 7pm. On Friday & Saturday until 8pm.
Price Museum: €15.00 per Person
Price Panorama Lift: €9.00 per Person
Price Museum & Panorama Lift: €20.00 per Person
⇨ Pre-Book your tickets here on the official Website
Turin+Piemonte Card owners get free admission for the Museum and a reduced entry fee for the Panoramic Lift ascent.
Some interesting Facts on History and Architecture
Originally commissioned as a synagogue for Turin’s Jewish community in 1863, the Mole was designed by the renowned architect Alessandro Antonelli.
Good to know: The Italian word “mole” does mean “very large structure”
The construction faced numerous challenges and delays due to Antonelli’s ambitious design and the building’s height, which led to structural and financial difficulties.
Eventually, the Jewish community donated the building to the city of Turin, and it was completed in 1889, with significant alterations from Antonelli’s original vision.
Alessandro Antonelli was known for his daring and innovative designs, and his vision for the Mole Antonelliana was to create the tallest building in the world at the time.
Standing at 167.5 meters (549 feet), it was the tallest brick building in the world upon completion. The structure features a large square base surmounted by a slender, towering spire, and its interior includes a central atrium that showcases the full height of the building.
Despite its turbulent construction history, the Mole Antonelliana has become a symbol of Turin, even appearing on the Italian two-cent euro coin.
In 1904, the spire was struck by lightning, causing significant damage, but it was subsequently repaired and reinforced.
In 2000, the building was repurposed to house the National Museum of Cinema, further cementing its status as a cultural landmark. It is believed to be the tallest museum in the world.
⇨ Address: Via Montebello, 20 10124 Torino, Italy
What’s next?
I hope I’ve shown you that you don’t need to be a film buff to enjoy the Mole Antonelliana. I’m not one either, and yet I was completely blown away by the building, the cinema museum – and of course, that incredible view.
Another Turin landmark you shouldn’t miss is the Royal Palace. I haven’t seen that much gold and glamour in one place in a long time!
And if you’d rather explore all of Turin’s highlights with a guide, here’s my article with everything you need to know about the different Turin city tours.
More Info for Turin
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– Turin Sightseeing Tours
– Is Turin worth visiting?
– Day Trips from Turin
