You see the Mole Antonelliana from almost everywhere in Turin, its slender spire rising high above the rooftops. Designed by the architect Alessandro Antonelli and begun in the 1860s as a synagogue, it grew taller and taller until the city took it over, and for a time it was the tallest brick building in the world. Today it holds the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, one of the most enjoyable museums in Italy. The heart of it is the great hall under the dome, where visitors lie back on red recliners to watch film clips projected high above, surrounded by spiralling ramps of costumes, posters, props and sets. Lower floors trace the archaeology of cinema, from shadow theatres and magic lanterns to early cameras. Separately, a glass panoramic lift climbs through the middle of the hall to a terrace near the top of the dome, with sweeping views over the city, the hills and, on clear days, the Alps.
How it works: the museum and the panoramic lift open from Monday and Wednesday to Sunday, from morning to early evening, and are closed on Tuesdays except for a few holiday openings. The ticket office closes an hour before the museum. The whole building is closed from 9 to 14 December 2026, and opening hours are extended around Christmas. Tickets can be for the museum, the lift or both, and booking online is strongly recommended because the lift has limited capacity and the queue can be closed early. The Tiqets venue page linked here lists the current options, including a guided tour and combinations with the hop-on hop-off bus.
What you see: start in the archaeology of cinema galleries, then walk up into the dome hall and spend time on the recliners before following the ramps past film memorabilia. The lift ride itself is part of the show, rising through the open hall to the terrace, where the whole grid of Turin lies below you.
Making the most of it: go up the lift on a clear morning for Alpine views, or late in the day for the city lights. Weekends are busiest, so a weekday visit is calmer. Via Po and Piazza Vittorio Veneto are a few minutes away for an aperitivo afterwards.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced visit through the cinema galleries and the great dome hall, plus a separate glass-lift ride to a panoramic terrace near the top.
Best time
A clear weekday morning for mountain views, or late afternoon for the city at dusk, and never on a Tuesday, the weekly closing day.
How long
About two hours in the museum, plus half an hour for the lift and terrace, including waiting time.
Tips
Book lift times in advance, check the calendar for the December closure and bring a layer, as the terrace is exposed to wind.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Film lovers, families, photographers and any first-time visitor who wants the classic Turin view.
- Families
- One of the best family museums in Italy, with interactive optical toys, clips and the fun of lying down to watch films.
- Couples
- Ride the lift together at sunset, then walk down to Piazza Vittorio Veneto by the river for an aperitivo.
- Pair with
- A stroll along the porticoes of Via Po and a drink in Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours for the museum and the lift.
Good questions
Is the Mole Antonelliana open on Tuesdays?+
No, the Cinema Museum and the panoramic lift are normally closed on Tuesdays. A few Tuesdays around the winter holidays are special openings, so check the official calendar.
Is the Mole closed in December 2026?+
Yes, the museum and lift are closed from 9 to 14 December 2026. Hours are extended on several days around Christmas and New Year.
Do I need a separate ticket for the panoramic lift?+
The lift and the museum can be booked separately or together. Booking ahead is wise because the lift has limited capacity.
How high does the lift go?+
The glass lift climbs through the middle of the dome hall to a panoramic terrace high up the building. On clear days you can see across the city to the Alps.
How long should I spend at the Cinema Museum?+
Allow about two hours for the museum and another half hour for the lift. Film fans can easily stay longer.