La Mole, Turin's most distinctive landmark, is one of the largest masonry structures in Europe. It now houses the excellent National Museum of Cinema. The structure is 530-ft/16-m high, and there is a lift to the top for panoramic views of the city. The lift ascends through the center of the cinema museum, taking 59 seconds to reach the viewing platform. It holds only nine people per trip, so there is often a wait of 30-45 minutes; if the line extends outside, your wait will be closer to 90 minutes.
The cinema museum is one of the best in the world. Films are shown on large screens on the walls of the cavernous interior. Exhibits are arranged around the perimeter of the structure and are spread across three levels: ground floor exhibits are about different types of films—romantic films are depicted with a giant 1960s-style round bed; the fantasy exhibit features a large fridge with giant carrots and enormous celery; exhibits on upper floors show how films are made and illustrate what each department does, from makeup to wardrobe to special effects. Every 45 minutes, the interior screens lift to showcase the architecture of the Mole structure. Great fun for the whole family. Tuesday-Friday and Sunday 9 am-8 pm, Saturday 9 am-11 pm. Lift and museum 8 euros, lift only 3.62 euros, museum 5.20 euros. Via Montebello 20, Turin. Phone 011-812-5658. http://www.museonazionaledelcinema.it.
