Cinema Museum

The National Cinema Museum of Turin is an institution of international relevance located in the historic Mole Antonelliana, a symbol of the city. Founded in 1958 by the cinema historian Maria Adriana Prolo, the museum represents a journey through the history of cinema, from its origins to the present day. The current headquarters in the Mole Antonelliana was inaugurated in July 2000, offering a unique setting that combines the historical architecture of the building with a modern and interactive exhibition designed by the Swiss set designer François Confino. The museum develops vertically through the structure of the Mole, with an exhibition path that spirals upwards. On the floor dedicated to the Archaeology of Cinema, visitors can explore eight thematic areas that illustrate optical shows and devices that preceded the invention of cinema, such as magic lanterns and shadow theaters. These devices, although belonging to the prehistory of cinema, show human ingenuity in creating illusions of movement and visual storytelling. The heart of the museum is the Temple Hall, a spectacular space surrounded by exhibition areas dedicated to the great film genres and masterpieces of Italian silent cinema, such as “Cabiria” by Giovanni Pastrone. From the Temple Hall, a helical ramp leads visitors towards the dome, offering a breathtaking view of the entire space and allowing them to admire the temporary exhibitions that are often set up along the path. One of the most engaging sections of the museum is the Cinema Machine, which illustrates the different phases of film production. Here visitors can discover the secrets of directing, screenwriting, special effects, and acting, through interactive exhibitions and multimedia stations. This section offers a complete view of the creative and technical process that leads to the making of a film, showing how complex and fascinating the film industry is. The museum also houses a vast collection of film posters, which trace the history of cinema through the posters of the most iconic films. These posters not only illustrate the evolution of aesthetic taste and advertising graphics, but also represent an important cultural testimony of their time, reflecting social and political changes through the language of cinema. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the National Cinema Museum is a lively cultural center that organizes numerous activities and events. Film festivals, meetings with authors and cinema protagonists, educational programs, and editorial initiatives enrich the cultural offer of the museum, making it a reference point for cinema enthusiasts and scholars. The museum is also actively involved in the restoration and preservation of film reels, collaborating with international institutions to safeguard the film heritage. The history of the museum is closely linked to the figure of Maria Adriana Prolo, who dedicated her life to collecting and preserving film memorabilia. Thanks to her passion and determination, the museum became a reality and, over the years, has continued to grow and evolve. Today, the Maria Adriana Prolo Foundation – National Cinema Museum continues the work started by its founder, promoting knowledge and love for cinema through its collections and activities. The choice of the Mole Antonelliana as the headquarters of the museum is not accidental. This monument, originally conceived as a synagogue, has become one of the symbols of Turin and offers a unique space for the exhibition of collections. The structure of the Mole, with its grandeur and distinctive character, creates a suggestive atmosphere that amplifies the visitors’ experience, making each visit an immersive journey through the history of cinema. The museum’s collection is extremely varied and includes not only objects related to film production, but also tools and devices that illustrate the evolution of visual technology. From ancient projectors to modern digital cameras, each piece tells a part of the history of cinema, showing how technology and art have evolved together over the decades.