For those who think of museums as stuffy, dry places filled with mind-numbing collections of portait paintings, or who take a "You've seen one, you've seen 'em all" view, the National Cinema Museum of Torino, Italy may just change your life. Housed in the Mole Antonelliana, one of the most recognizable symbols of Torino, the presentation of the exhibits in this museum is unlike any other experience you are likely to have while traveling. The tall spire of the Mole dominates the skyline of the city, so you will always be able to locate the museum, and you will love the twists and turns of the covered shopping arcades and alleys that lead you to its door.
Before you even view the film memorabilia and sets on hand, you will notice the crystal lift in the center of the building. In less than a minute, the lift whisks you up 85 meters to a platform with 360 degree views of the city of Torino. It's a heady rush and probably not best for those with a fear of heights, but for those with a taste for vertigo it is a definite thrill.
The center of the museum, the splashy Temple Hall, features plush recliners where guests can kick back and watch three films projected on to giant screens, showcasing compilations of the greatest achievements in dance on film, in silent films, and other historical accomplishments. Circling the floor are nooks and tunnels leading to exhibits on different themes of cinema history, such as horror, western, fantasy, and romance.
The exhibits are whimsical and unusual: for example, the romance section of the museum engages viewers by having them lay on a rotating bed to watch clips of great love scenes on the ceiling! If you don't find yourself giggling while laying on fluffy pillows next to elderly Italian ladies and watching some steamy scenes, you need to adjust your standards of fun.
The museum, which it will not surprise you to learn was crafted by a Swiss set designer, also contains epic collections of movie posters, costumes, props and artifacts and provides fascinating information about the technical side of movie-making past and present. You could easily spend an entire afternoon browsing the displays and special exhibits, and if you get hungry, there is of course a fanciful cafe on site (as well as several across the street from the museum which, while less fanciful, are also less expensive).
From Atlanta, Air France and KLM offer daily flights to Torino with one stop for around $1,000 round trip. Alternatively, you could also fly directly to Rome on Delta Airlines and take a longer, but still beautiful train ride to Torino.
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