MAUTO, the temple of the automobile in Turin: where history runs on four wheels

In the industrial and creative heart of Turin, cradle of Italian automotive history, stands one of the most important automobile museums in the world: the MAUTO – National Automobile Museum. It is not just an exhibition of vehicles, but a true narrative space where design, engineering, history, society, and culture intertwine in a fascinating story.

Founded in 1933 by Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia, the museum has undergone nearly a century of technical and cultural evolution, culminating in its 2011 transformation into a modern, interactive, and visually striking space. Located along Corso Unità d’Italia, near the Lingotto district, the MAUTO is today a landmark for anyone wishing to understand how the automobile has shaped Italian and European modernity.

A story that spans the 20th century and looks to the future

The history of MAUTO is deeply tied to that of Italy itself. It was born from the dream of Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia, not only one of the first Italian automotive theorists but also an eclectic and visionary collector. With the museum’s founding in 1933, his idea of a living archive dedicated to modern mobility took shape.

However, it was with the opening of the current location in 1960, and especially after the 2011 renovation, that the museum gained international acclaim. Thanks to architect Cino Zucchi and designer François Confino, MAUTO has become an immersive experience combining aesthetics and content, innovation and memory. The exhibition unfolds across three levels, guiding visitors through a temporal, thematic, and emotional journey — from horse-drawn carriages to the most advanced prototypes of electric and self-driving cars.

Why visit MAUTO: a museum for everyone, not just enthusiasts

The museum’s prestigious collection includes around 200 cars from 80 international brands, of which over 140 are permanently displayed. The remaining vehicles are housed in the underground “Open Garage,” accessible by reservation only.

The collection’s value lies not only in the rarity of the vehicles but also in the intersection of industrial, national, and cultural histories spanning two crucial centuries of human progress.

The exhibition is divided into 30 sections, offering visitors an engaging narrative that spans from the dawn of the automobile to the present day. Among the highlights are the Fiat 3½ HP (the company’s first model, built in 1900), the legendary Jamais Contente (the first electric car to exceed 100 km/h in 1899), and the Itala 35/45 HP that triumphed in the 1907 Peking-to-Paris raid. The collection also features Ferraris, racing Alfa Romeos, the Cisitalia 202 celebrated at New York’s MoMA, historic Lancias, futuristic prototypes, and even cars from films and TV series.

Each model is presented in a multisensory context enhanced by sound, visuals, and documents that enrich its historical meaning. What truly makes MAUTO special, however, is its ability to appeal to everyone — from curious tourists to experts, from families with children to students on school trips.

A living museum: activities, workshops, events, and restorations

MAUTO is not merely a guardian of automotive memory — it is a living cultural workshop, constantly evolving. Alongside its permanent collection, it regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that explore current themes such as sustainability, design, motorsport, and technology. These exhibits often include multimedia content and interactive installations, ensuring every visit feels unique.

In the museum’s lower level lies the “Garage of Wonders,” a space usually closed to the public that can be visited by reservation. Here, visitors can watch expert restorers at work, bringing vintage cars back to life — a behind-the-scenes experience made possible by collaboration with the Automobile Club d’Italia.

MAUTO also offers a wide range of educational programs designed for children, students, and families. From interactive school workshops on mechanics and environmental sustainability to creative labs where kids build miniature models and imagine the mobility of the future, the museum is a hub of edutainment. Adults, meanwhile, can join guided tours, expert talks, book presentations, and film screenings.

Moreover, MAUTO is a community center for car enthusiasts. It regularly hosts vintage car rallies, theme events, meet-and-greets with Formula 1 drivers and engineers, and celebrations dedicated to Italy’s iconic car manufacturers — turning the museum into a lively gathering place where the passion for four wheels takes on ever-new forms.

How to get there and plan your visit

Reaching MAUTO is easy thanks to its strategic location in the Lingotto district, well connected to Turin’s city center and main transport hubs.

• By train: get off at Porta Nuova or Porta Susa and continue by public transport — tram lines 8, 18, and 34 stop near the museum (Millefonti stop). The Lingotto metro station is about a 10-minute walk away.
• By car: large parking areas are available nearby, and the entire building is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.

The museum is open Monday to Sunday (with reduced hours on Mondays). Tickets can be purchased online or on site, with discounts for students, families, seniors, and groups.

For more information

Official website: www.museoauto.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +39 011 677666

Cover photo Andrea Guermani