Museo Nazionale del Cinema

It was...ok. I think Yelp's classification here is on the money. For context, I have a PhD in theatre and film, so I was really looking forward to getting to this museum while in town for a conference. It hit the mark on many fronts, but it was disappointing in other ways.

First, the signage for which line is which is not intuitive. If you want to go up the observation lift, there's a different line than if you just want to go to the museum. Again, the signs of where to go next are vague, and the museum staff don't necessarily wear a uniform, so be prepared for virtually anyone to ask for your ticket.

Second, there's a one-way path through the museum, and once you've gone through, they will not allow you back through. There's a beautiful area to sit and watch films during your visit, but it seems counterintuitive to go to that area quite early in your visit. There are no signs indicating you won't be allowed back to enjoy previous exhibits. That's a user design issue that really marred my impression.

Now for the good things. The museum has an excellent virtual film area that I recommend. It's obviously a nascent area of film and digital media, but this was very worth the time. The early film exhibits are world class. That alone is worth the price of admission. I wish I could take every film class to this museum! It is simply outstanding.

To summarize, some wonderful exhibits sandwiched in with meh exhibits (I could skip the two levels of film posters), and some hit or miss service. Still worth a visit, just be aware of its inconsistencies.

I'm a movie lover and this is one of the best museums I've ever been to. We literally spent the entire day here and still needed more time! This is a sprawling, multi-storied (5 levels comprising of 5,000 square feet), treasure trove of Italian movie history that I highly recommend to any film buff!

For just €11 admission, this place is a bargain. The museum starts with an incredible exhibit on the archaeology of cinema. Here's where you'll find a jaw-dropping collection of magic lanterns, optical boxes, phenakistiscope disks, and original 18th century "Peepshow" boxes. There's a crazy amount of photographs and videos that cover all things movie history. The top level has a cool movie poster gallery. Do NOT miss this if you are a fan of film art!

There are different areas and eras that are covered from indie cinema to experimental cinema to trash films to spaghetti westerns to giallo horror to neorealism to modern-day classics and more. Props from popular films, stop-motion demonstrations, and a fun atrium where you can lie down on sofas and watch film clips. Of course it's Italy-centric, but there are items from American films too.

Your ticket also includes a special exhibit. When I visited, it was an audio exhibit on film music throughout the ages (and it was awesome)!

We needed every second here, but we are huge film fans. There's a small cafeteria on the first floor for light snacks. The museum is so huge that even with large crowds, it never feels crowded.

I noticed some of the employees were gruff and impatient with visitors, especially if you didn't speak fluent Italian. We also saw some employees yelling at the large groups of Italian schoolchildren.

The biggest letdown here is the gift shop. It's okay, but is mostly filled with replica posters and boring knick-knacks that you can buy anywhere, even in the U.S.

Note that the museum is CLOSED on Tuesdays!

Unique museum, a real marvel in an out of this world setting. You'll never find anything like this anywhere in the world, from technically understanding how cinema works to immersing yourself in your favorite movie set, to relaxing looking up at the dome and the many screens.

If you are a cinema fan, this museum is a must. If you are even a casual film fan, as I am, it is still very much worth the visit to expand your appreciation of the science, art, and business of the film industry.

It's a sprawling museum with many interactive exhibits to entertain the young and old alike. I was actually the most fascinated by the first part of the museum focused on the historical development of the moving picture. The science of optics is explored along with early devices used to simulate "moving pictures", leading up to the Kinetoscope - and a chance to view some of those early movies yourself.

There is, naturally, a strong emphasis on Italian cinema over anything else - I had no idea that Turin was the capital of early Italian filmmaking but it was fun to sit back and watch some early Italian silent film clips along with more well-known world classics. Pay the extra fee and you can cap off (or begin) your visit with a trip up to the Mole's observation deck. It's worth it to get a bird's eye view of the city and appreciate the stunning views of the Alps.

This museum is easy to spot because it is at the base of the Mole Antonelli, that big tower that you see in all the Turin postcards. It is closed on Mondays and open until I think 8pm on other days. Like John F. said, a ticket for both the museum and elevator to the top of the mole is 9 euro, but you can just pay to go to the top of the mole, or just pay to see the museum. They have a free coat and bag check, so feel free to visit after a shopping spree, like we did.

Overall, we spent about two hours here, including our trip to the top of the Mole. Make sure you come here on a clear day for the best views of Torino.

The focus of this museum is definitely American cinema, so as an American, I might have enjoyed it more than an Italian. It is multi-level, and sort of maze-like. You'll be doing a lot of walking and there are stairs. They only allow disabled people to use the elevator. There is a section on the evolution of the moving picture, with the lantern shows, slide reels, shadow puppets, etc. There is a huge theater at the bottom with anti-gravity chairs with individual speakers on each chair and two projection screens.

Each level had a different theme, and I loved the interactive displays with different videos and special effects that you can see yourself in. They even had a small section dedicated to costumes.

The bottom floor had a book store/gift shop and a trendy looking cafe. You don't need a ticket to access the bottom floor.

Terrific museum about cinema. Includes a wonderful collection of early art forms which contributed to the evolution of the medium.
They had a huge archeological area with puppetry, shadow boxes, descriptions about optics.
The museum building itself in the Mole Antonelli is fantastic. There is a huge atrium that they use to their advantage by installing large screens to project films. Cool italian lounge chairs to recline on the watch the rolling film clips.
Currently they have an exhibit to celebrate/pay tribute to Academy Award winning actresses which has some gowns, lots of photos and film clips.
I spent around 3 hours here because there is so much to see. They also have a beautiful bar area. Passed up going in the elevator for the view.
Overall, this is the one place in Torino everyone should visit!

If you don't already appreciate all that Italian cinema has to offer, this museum will open your eyes ... and mind. But, it's not just Italian, or European, cinema that this museum highlights, it's all of film. From the history and science behind film's development, to the leading actors, actresses, and directors, and the greatest films, this museum is a real education. And, like most Italian museums of all kinds, it's a very hands-on education, with lots of interactive exhibits, movie sets and props, and devices to keep kids and adults intrigued and entertained. It's a big museum - you really get your money's worth here - so plan on spending at least 3 hours in it. And, if you want some live action, take the lift to the top for panoramic views of Turin, though be advised that the lines can be long, especially on weekends. Highly recommended - and not just for one visit!

The coolest museum I've been in so far. This is super interesting and a must visit if in Turin. A treat for anyone and everyone; whether you are really into cinematography or have no clue on the subject.

It contains loads of rooms with very different viewings spanning from the start of cinema. Its very interesting to walk through. Some cool machines like the ghost machine with an awesome sound system that makes it sounds like its on the ceiling. An open air cinema at the bottom with some sick chairs. The list goes on and on and on.

I think they got the museum for the masses spot on. Make it interactive and fun and simultaneously informative. An awesome take on museum

Omg, I love this place. This museum is so good. It's basically a sprawling, multi-leveled museum chock full of movie stuff. It's amazing. And if you pay extra you can take an elevator up top and get the most beautiful view of the city of Turin.

Wow, wow, WOW! This cinema museum was something else. An entire floor dedicated to film posters, two gigantic screens with loungers to relax in playing old movies on the main floor, plenty of exhibits that follow the evolution of film from old school shapes moving in cylinders all the way to today's technology... and then an elevator that takes you from the floor through the epicentre of the building to the tallest point for a lookout over Turin (Torino).

I also enjoyed the walk up the winding platform exhibiting and celebrating celebrating Oscar winning actresses... I spent my entire afternoon here. It was so far from what I expected a museum to be. Quite interactive, very interesting!