Monday, August 27, 2012

Turin - The Mole Antonelliana

Photo: © Bruna Biamino
The Mole Antonelliana is the most characteristic building in Turin and is the true symbol of the city, its spire reaches a height of 167 meters. It is situated in the historical centre of the city, between narrow streets, old apartments, shops, courtyards and porticoes. Designed by Alessandro Antonelli it was intended to be a synagogue. Building began in 1862 but was only finally completed in 1889 one year after the death of Antonelli. 

La Mole Antonelliana and the Italian Alps

Inside this bizarre building you can visit the National Cinema Museum. The building itself adds to a quite unique and spectacular presentation of worldwide cinema. Over 3000 square metres of exhibition space dedicated to every aspect of cinema, from a technical history through to original film artefacts, photographs and film posters all illustrating the international cinema scene. It is also a centre for events and acts as headquarters for the Torino Film Festival. On the ground floor a dark cinema atmosphere is presented at the Cabiria Café with screens at every table so you can view film clips whilst eating! The glass panoramic lift also departs from the ground floor. When it breaks through to the first floor you are suspended in the centre of the dome and can enjoy the view of the whole museum beneath you. At the top of the spire a 360 ° view of the city of Turin awaits you, and, the amphitheatre of the Italian Alps. 

The Italian Alps are also are a characteristic symbol associated with Turin and in the winter months they become snow-capped. Only an hours drive from the Milky Way skiing area, with over 200 km of slopes just waiting to be discovered, Turin is truly at home in a winter scenario. In 2006 the XX Winter Olympics where successfully hosted in Turin thanks to its proximity to the Alps and its winter sport traditions. 

Tea towel design showing the mountains in winter!

Links:
 
The National Cinema Museum


Read my article about Turin on page 27 of the first issue of MOYO magazine the first online magazine dedicated solely to surface pattern design.

Join me later in the week when I will be posting more beautiful images of Turin :) 

3 comments:

  1. History lesson first class.
    Can't wait for next installment

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  2. This is lovely Dawn, well done! :) Amole mio, la Mole!

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  3. Dear Polly and Tom
    Thank you so much for commenting on my post!
    xxx
    P.S. Amole mio... quite funny

    ReplyDelete