Turin Attractions

Venue: National Museum of Cinema    When: Daily; not Mon

The 1941-founded National Museum of Cinema (Museo Nazionale del Cinema, MNC) was relocated in 2000 inside the 167-metre Mole Antonelliana, the bizarre skyscraper-like building representing the city of Turin. A must-see for any cinema-goer, it offers a thematic journey through the history of moving pictures.

Its five levels are dedicated to the archaeology of cinema (the Prolo and Barnes collections), the history of photography (equipment and accessories, photographic documents) and to cinema memorabilia (posters, equipment, props, recordings). It also boasts a comprehensive collection of magic lanterns, optical boxes, pictures and sketches, as well as video installations.

François Confino's spectacular setting has turned the MNC into a unique vertical museum. A spiral stair hanging on the Mole's dome leads visitors through the exhibitions, and a panoramic lift allows a breathtaking 360° view of the city from the top of the spire. The ongoing programme of shows at the multiplex cinema Massimo includes a good selection of foreign movies.

Designed by Alessandro Antonelli and for a long time the tallest building in Europe, the Mole Antonelliana was originally conceived as a synagogue, but financial troubles forced the Turin Jewish community to sell the site. The building was changed to its present aspect and dedicated to King Vittorio Emanuele II. On the top of the spire, Antonelli put a winged statue, which Turin's inhabitants used to call the Angel.