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.

The exterior view of the Mole Antonelliana, showcasing its grand architecture with a tall spire against a cloudy sky. A crowd of people is gathered near the entrance, highlighting the building's popularity and significance as a landmark. — Mole Antonelliana

Linda with a backpack standing on an upper floor of the Mole Antonelliana, looking at the various exhibits displayed on multiple levels. The central area includes large posters and a screen, with visible structural elements of the building. — View from the Gallery

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

The Mole Antonelliana houses the National Museum of Cinema, one of the most significant museums of its kind in the world. Spread over several floors, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of cinema.

Exhibits and Collections: The museum showcases a vast collection of film artifacts, including interesting, very early movie equipment, props, posters, and costumes. It provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of cinema from its beginnings to the present day.

Interactive Displays: You can actually engage with numerous interactive exhibits that demonstrate the principles of film-making and special effects. These hands-on activities make the museum experience fun for visitors of all ages.

Special Exhibitions: The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that focus on specific genres, directors, or film movements. Check the museum’s schedule to see what’s on during your visit.

During my visit, there was the interesting Movie Icons Exhibition, with lots of props from superhero movies.

Cinematic Temple Hall: This grand hall features a unique architectural design with giant screens displaying classic films, creating an immersive cinematic experience. And in the middle, the Panorama Lift rises up to the viewing platform. I was really stunt when getting a first look at it.

Linda smiling at the camera with the interior of the Mole Antonelliana in Turin behind her. The multi-level museum showcases various exhibits and posters, with a large screen displaying a movie scene in the background. — On the Gallery’s 1st floor with view into the Hall

A museum exhibit featuring an old-fashioned film camera on a tripod, a director's chair labeled "REGISTA," and a projection screen showing a vintage movie scene. The display highlights the history of filmmaking with film reels placed nearby. — Exhibit

The Panoramic Lift

One of the highlights of the Mole Antonelliana is definitely the panoramic lift, which takes visitors 85 meters up to the viewing platform, not to the top of the tower.

Experience: The 59-second lift ride itself is a thrilling experience, as it ascends through the center of the building, offering a spectacular view of the Great Hall of the National Cinema Museum.

Viewing Platform: Once at the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of Turin and the surrounding Alps. Unfortunately, I was not that lucky, but I could see the entire city and that was already absolute fantastic.

Linda on the observation deck on Mole Antonelliana, looking out over the city of Turin. The view showcases a wide expanse of red-roofed buildings and city streets, with some taller structures and greenery visible. The deck is secured with horizontal safety bars. — View from the Mole Platform

Linda with a backpack standing on an observation deck, overlooking the cityscape of Turin with its distinctive red-tiled roofs and a few modern buildings in the distance. The deck is enclosed with safety bars, and a decorative finial is visible in the foreground. — Unfortunately no view of the Alps today

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.

A detailed scale model of the Mole Antonelliana, showcasing its architectural design and intricate structure. The model is accompanied by an informational display with diagrams and text, set against a backdrop of ornate architectural features. — Structure of the Mole Antonelliana

A long hallway in the National Film Museum displaying a series of framed prints and historical documents. Several exhibits feature artifacts, books, and early cinematic devices, with descriptive panels and touchscreen information displays along the length of the hall. — Exhibits of the movie history

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

The exterior view of the Mole Antonelliana in Turin, showcasing its grand architectural design with a tall spire reaching into the cloudy sky. The building's detailed facade and numerous windows highlight its historical significance and intricate construction. — Mole Antonelliana

The interior view of the Mole Antonelliana, looking up towards its ornate, high dome ceiling. The multi-level structure features various exhibits and a central elevator shaft, with a prominent sign displaying "The World of Tim Burton." — Panorama Lift raising up through the Film Museum

Conclusion

The Mole Antonelliana is a must-see landmark in Turin and part of every city sightseeing Tour. It offers a mix of history, impressive architecture, and a bit of movie magic.

Whether you’re fascinated by its towering structure, the interesting exhibits inside, or the amazing views from the top, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.

You don’t have to be a big movie fan to enjoy your visit to the Mole Antonelliana. I am not, it completely wowed me, and I am totally happy that I decided to explore everything and not only the platform of what this iconic monument has to offer!