A movie-like museum experience
The architecture of the Mole Antonelliana inspired the museum designers to create a special route through the building: as you follow the path around, you slowly descend into the dome. Combined with unexpected sound and image effects, the interactive presentations transform a visit to the museum into a movie-like experience. The ground floor displays provide an overview of the history of film by using historical props and equipment. Learn more about the ingenuity of early film technology. Antique magic lanterns create mysterious shadows on the screens and devils awaken from their 100-year slumber. Children will probably best enjoy the first floor, where they can watch clips in a setting of their own choosing – how about a 1950s living room? It feels as if you are stepping into a movie. The second floor showcases everything involved in making a movie. For example, experience what it feels like to be the director. You can also try your hand at some special effects. With a snap of your fingers you can put yourself into a movie scene. On the third floor, you will find a vast collection of old movie posters. Don’t forget to visit the lookout on top of the tower. To reach the lookout, take the glass lift (unfortunately not a prop from the Charlie and the Chocolate factory film).
Worthy of a capital
Completed in 1889, the 167-metre-high Mole Antonelliana tower is the symbol of Turin. The building is named after the architect who designed the structure, Alessandro Antonelli. Initially the Mole was supposed to be a synagogue, but in 1878 the municipality of Turin bought the building while it was still under construction. The aluminium spire would soon become the icon of Turin, and as the city in those days was still the capital of Italy, it is not an exaggeration to say that the Mole was also designed as the symbol of modern Italy.
