Discover the history of the motor car, set against the backdrop of Turin’s past as an industrial city and a car-manufacturing hub, at the Museo dell’Automobile (or the Museum of the Automobile). Find the museum in Lingotto, the former home of Turin’s vast Fiat factory, now converted to a shopping and entertainment center.
Fiat co-founder Roberto Biscaretti di Ruffia and president of the Turin Automobile Club Cesare Goria Gatti were the men behind the initial idea for the museum. It opened in 1932, with the project being led by Biscaretti di Ruffia’s son, Carlo. The original displays consisted of some important historic vehicles, such as a steam-powered car designed by Virginio Bordino in 1854, and the first car built by Benz, which dates from 1893. See some of the highlights of this first collection still on show at the museum.
Visit the museum today and the sleek and modern layout you will find is the result of an extensive refurbishment carried out in 2011, led by the highly regarded architect Cino Zucchi. Explore three levels of exhibitions featuring cars from Italy, Europe more widely and beyond. As well as impressive modern-day creations, the reverence for the past remains, with a fantastic selection of vintage cars on show.
The museum lays out the process of car production, from initial concept to finished model, in a lively and accessible way that people of all ages are sure to find engaging. Bring the kids along and watch them learn via the interactive displays and multimedia facilities. Discover the history of Formula One and view prototypes for elaborate dream cars.
Find the Museum of the Automobile in Lingotto. Take the direct bus from the city center to get there in around 45 minutes, or travel using a mix of buses, trams and the metro in order to shorten your journey. The museum is open daily, but hours vary. Note that while there is an admission fee, reductions are available for seniors, groups and children under the age of 14. Children under the age of 6 enter for free.
