National Automobile Museum

The National Automobile Museum of Turin, currently named after Gianni Agnelli, is one of the most important automotive museums in the world. Founded in 1932 by Cesare Goria Gatti and Roberto Biscaretti di Ruffia, it was created to celebrate the “Veterans of the Automobile” and was developed thanks to the commitment of Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia. Initially without a permanent location, the museum found its definitive home in 1960, in a building designed by Amedeo Albertini, located along the Po River. The museum’s growth has been marked by crucial moments such as the approval of the project in 1933 and the opening to the public in 1939, despite difficulties related to temporary locations and damage suffered during World War II. The post-war revival of the museum, with the support of the Italian automotive industry and the Agnelli family, led to the construction of the current headquarters. The building, characterized by a convex stone-clad facade, is a significant example of modern architecture. The structure consists of three volumes connected by suspended lateral modules, creating a winter garden in the inner courtyard. The 2011 renovation, designed by architect Cino Zucchi, further expanded and modernized the spaces, transforming the museum into a cutting-edge cultural hub. The museum houses a permanent collection of over 200 vehicles, representing automotive history from 1769 to 1996, produced by 80 automotive companies from ten countries. Among the most precious pieces are competition cars like Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F310 and the Alfa Romeo 179B. The exhibition path is organized on three floors, each with a specific theme: the history of the automobile, the relationship between man and automobile, and automotive design. The National Automobile Museum is not just an exhibition space, but also a documentation and research center with a library rich in texts, documents, and photographs. The library, divided into seven sections, offers a comprehensive overview of the history of transportation and automotive brands. The documentation center, designed by Studio LL.TT, collects over 7000 texts and a vast periodical library. The Restoration School, located in the basement of the new building, is a laboratory where the vehicles in the collection are restored, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of the museum’s heritage. The “Garage” houses vehicles not displayed in the permanent exhibition, which are rotated. One of the most fascinating aspects of the museum is its commitment to offering an interactive experience to visitors. The scenic and multimedia installations contextualize the exhibited cars, creating an immersive path that tells the evolution of the automobile and its impact on society. The celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy in 2011, which saw the presence of President Giorgio Napolitano, emphasized the museum’s role as a guardian of the country’s cultural and industrial heritage. Napolitano’s phrase, “Art and industry are our strength,” perfectly summarizes the museum’s mission: to combine artistic beauty and technical genius in a place that inspires and educates.