Visit the Cinema Museum,
a vertical exhibition hall unique in the world
Turin has always been a key city in Italian cinema history, serving as the setting for classics like Scent of a Woman and the Best of Youth. That heritage is one of the reasons why the city hosts Italy's largest cinema museum, making it a fantastic destination for all fans of the big screen.
If you are heading to Turin with be sure to check out the National Cinema Museum if you have a spare afternoon. Getting there is simple with Air Dolomiti, with plenty of flights from Frankfurt and Munich to the city.
Situated in the cavernous Mole Antonelliana, the Cinema Museum of Turin offers visitors a completely unique experience that contrasts completely with the usual gallery layout. The Mole Antonelliana is an icon of the city thanks to its spectacular spire that soars 121 metres into the sky. Built to serve as a synagogue, it was renovated in 2000 under the expert guidance of architect François Confino. The idea was to create a "temple" of cinema that immerses visitors completely in the experience of film.
Some sections are dedicated to the early years of cinema that feature equipment used by some of the earliest directors. Other exhibits deal with the process of movie-making, including the cameras, microphones, editing equipment, lights and computers needed to turn ideas into moving images. There are also plenty of poster galleries and areas dedicated to photography.
Visitors can also lie back and watch special shows on big screens inside the main body of the museum, or ascend to the very tip of the Mole's tower in a transparent elevator, allowing you to see the whole museum at once. The museum isn't all about exhibits and education. It also features an advanced HD cinema, which screens the latest art-house releases as well as retrospectives of famous film-makers.
The Cinema Museum of Turin also plays host to film festivals throughout the year. Visit in November to enjoy the Turin Film Festival or in late May and early June to catch the world cinema on offer at Cinemambiente.
Opening hours run from 9:00-19:00 Monday to Sunday and from 9:00-19:00 on Saturdays (the museum is closed on Tuesday). You can also arrange guided tours of the entire building.
