The Italian temple of the automobile, where history meets passion
The raw concrete of this modern building contrasts with the elegance of the shiny car bodies inside. Welcome to MAUTO, one of the oldest automobile museums in the world, where every vehicle tells a chapter of Italy's industrial story. Here in the Lingotto district, just a short distance from the former Fiat factory, more than 200 vehicles await visitors for a fascinating trip through time.
Why this museum is a must in Turin
Founded in 1932 by two motorsport pioneers, Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia and Cesare Goria Gatti, the museum opened to the public in 1960. Turin was not chosen by accident. As Italy's automotive capital and the birthplace of Fiat, the city has been humming with engine noise for over a century.
The 2011 renovation transformed the site into a modern 19,000 square meter exhibition space. Swiss architect François Confino, who also designed the National Cinema Museum inside the Mole Antonelliana, orchestrated an immersive experience where 1960s pop songs blend with the roar of Formula 1 engines.
A journey through three centuries of innovation
The pioneers of the road
The visit starts on the second floor with the ancestors of our modern cars. The 1854 Bordino steam carriage sits alongside the first Fiat 4 HP from 1899, a testament to the technological audacity of the time. You will also find a replica of the 1769 Cugnot machine, one of the very first self-propelled vehicles in history.
The golden age of car design
The first floor celebrates the relationship between people and their cars. Visionary prototypes like the Lancia Stratos Zero (1970) interact with icons of Italian design. The legendary Ferrari F40 from 1987, the iconic Jaguar E-Type, and creations from major coachbuilders like Pininfarina and Bertone illustrate the stylistic evolution of the automobile.
Racing machines
Motorsport fans will be in their element with an impressive collection of race cars. The Ferrari F310 driven by Michael Schumacher in 1996, the Maserati 250F, and several Alfa Romeo single-seaters highlight the Italian passion for speed and performance.
Thematic collections and interactive spaces
The museum organizes its collection into three major sections: the automobile and the 20th century, the relationship between man and car, and the automobile as design. Each area explores a different aspect of this industrial revolution that transformed our societies.
Digital installations enrich the experience with multimedia displays, a dedicated app with free Wi-Fi, and even driving simulators that let you take the virtual wheel of three iconic models on historic tracks. It is a fun space that appeals to both children and adults.
Insider tip: Do not miss the Open Garage, a basement space that houses 70 additional vehicles arranged chronologically. This restoration and conservation workshop is accessible by reservation only, but it offers a unique look behind the scenes and allows you to observe the cars in their active workspace.
Practical information for your visit
Note that the museum is currently updating its exhibition path, though it remains open to the public. This transition period is a unique opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes of this transformation. Some iconic pieces may be temporarily removed from display.
A few tips:
- Visit on weekday mornings to avoid the crowds.
- Admission is included in the Torino+Piemonte Card, a great investment if you plan to visit multiple sites.
- Audio guides are available for free via the mobile app.
- The museum is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
- Plan for about 2 to 3 hours for a complete visit.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
As a fan of the automotive world and its history, I was really happy to visit. The best part is clearly the scenography, and I think it is the best I have seen in all the car museums I have been to (sorry, Porsche museum). It is easy to get to, and I took the metro. There are a lot of temporary exhibits that enrich the museum, and I caught the one for the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna's death. I am definitely going to have to come back. Another thing that is pretty overlooked is that the neighborhood around the museum is really nice, especially for finding some authentic little local bars and restaurants.