Alessandro Antonelli's tower, begun in 1863 as a synagogue and completed in 1889, now the home of the Museo Nazionale del Cinema.
The Mole Antonelliana rises in the Vanchiglia district of Turin, Piedmont, Italy, at Via Montebello 20. The architect Alessandro Antonelli began it in 1863 for the Jewish community of Turin, who had gained civil rights in 1848 and wanted a large synagogue. Costs rose and the community withdrew, selling the unfinished building to the city in 1877. Antonelli continued work on behalf of the municipality until his death in 1888, and the structure was completed in 1889 with a height of about 167.5 metres.
The building is a masonry tower topped by a tall spire. Its square base, high cupola and slender metal-reinforced spire were daring for the time, and the structure suffered damage in a storm in 1953, when the spire collapsed and was rebuilt in steel. It was among the tallest brick buildings in the world, and the silhouette appears on the Italian two-cent euro coin.
Since 2000 the tower has housed the Museo Nazionale del Cinema. The panoramic lift rises through the central void of the dome to an outdoor viewing platform at about 85 metres, giving views over the city and the Alps. Inside, the museum follows a spiral ramp through the interior of the cupola, presenting the history of cinema from optical toys and magic lanterns to film sets and posters, in an immersive design.
The tower has been maintained through repeated restoration of its stone, plaster and structural elements, and is monitored for stability. Prices are about EUR 9 for the lift, EUR 16 for the museum and EUR 20 for the combined ticket. It is open daily except Tuesday, so confirm times at museocinema.it. Visitors with limited time may prefer to book timed lift entry in advance.
| Admission | Panoramic lift EUR 9 (approx. $10.35); museum EUR 16 (approx. $18.40); combined EUR 20 (approx. $23) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily about 9AM-7PM, closed Tuesday. Confirm at museocinema.it |
| Address | Via Montebello 20, 10124 Torino |
Why it matters
The Mole Antonelliana is the symbol of Turin and was among the tallest masonry buildings in Europe when completed. It reflects the ambitions of the Jewish community of newly emancipated Piedmont and the later cultural turn of the city toward cinema.
Location
Via Montebello 20, 10124 Torino
45.0690, 7.6930 View on map
Highlights
- Panoramic glass lift through the central dome
- 167.5 m tower and spire built 1863-1889
- Outdoor viewing platform over Turin and the Alps
- Spiral ramp museum inside the cupola
Tips for visiting
- The lift costs about EUR 9, the museum EUR 16 and the combined ticket EUR 20.
- The tower is closed on Tuesdays; confirm times at museocinema.it.
- Book timed lift entry in advance in peak season to avoid queues.
- Go on a clear morning for visibility of the Alps.
- Start with the museum, then take the lift for the finale.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mole English-language friendly?
Yes, museum labels and audio guides are available in English, and the website has English information.
How long does a full visit take?
The lift takes about 30 to 45 minutes with queuing, and the museum needs two to three hours.
Can children visit?
Yes, children usually enjoy the lift and film exhibits, with reduced tickets for younger visitors.