Museo Officine Benelli

Museo Officine Benelli Pesaro, Italy: Hours, Tickets & Complete Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Museo Officine Benelli in Pesaro, Italy, is a unique destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, history buffs, and cultural travelers. Housed in the last surviving building of the historic Benelli factory, the museum serves as both a guardian of Italy’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer’s legacy and a vibrant center for local heritage. This guide provides all essential information—visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, highlights, and travel tips—while delving into the museum’s industrial significance and its role in Pesaro’s community and tourism landscape (pesarotravel.it; pesaromusei.it).

Benelli VLM 500 motorcycle from 1942 with side valve engine designed for Italian Army desert warfare

Benelli Motoleggera Tipo Sport 125cc motorcycle from 1925

Benelli 4-cylinder 1942 racing motorcycle with supercharger volumetric compressor

Detailed view of Giuseppe Benelli 250 single-overhead camshaft engine showing five distribution gears, four service gears, valve return springs, and small oil radiator

Close-up of a supercharged engine showing the intricate components and turbocharger

Entrance of Museo Benelli with a large arched doorway and red walls

Room dedicated to Giuseppe Benelli with vintage motorcycles on display

1950s Alejandro De Tomaso era motorcycle in Museo Benelli

ASI-Morbidelli collection room at Museo Benelli

Entrance of Museo Officine Benelli in Pesaro

Bronze bust of Tonino Benelli displayed at the historic Benelli factory site in Pesaro

The Benelli Story and Pesaro’s Industrial Heritage

Origins and the Benelli Brothers

Founded in 1911 by six enterprising brothers—Giuseppe, Giovanni, Filippo, Francesco, Domenico, and Antonio (Tonino)—the Benelli company began as a precision workshop in the heart of Pesaro. Their ambition quickly evolved from repairing and manufacturing mechanical parts to creating their own motorcycles. By 1919, they had produced their first 75 cc engine, and in 1921, the “Velomotore” marked Benelli’s entry into motorcycle manufacturing (moto.motorionline.com).

The factory at Viale Goffredo Mameli 22 became a symbol of local innovation, growing into a sprawling industrial complex. Although most of the original buildings no longer exist, the restored 1,000-square-meter site is now the museum, preserving Pesaro’s industrial and architectural heritage (it.wikipedia.org).

Evolution, Racing Success, and Motobi

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Benelli gained renown for technical innovation and racing prowess. The introduction of the 175 cc four-stroke engine and the racing achievements of Tonino Benelli elevated the brand’s status. Post-war, Benelli adapted military vehicles for civilian use and continued to innovate, releasing legendary models such as the “Leoncino” and achieving international racing success with Dario Ambrosini’s world championship in 1950 (pesarotravel.it).

The Motobi brand, founded by Giuseppe Benelli after a family split, later reunited with Benelli. This fusion enriched the local motorcycle tradition, and both brands’ histories are celebrated at the museum, alongside other notable regional manufacturers such as Morbidelli and MBA (pesarotravel.it).

Museum Highlights: Exhibits & Experience

Authentic Factory Setting

The museum is housed in the original Benelli factory, an outstanding example of industrial archaeology. The building’s adaptive reuse preserves its authentic atmosphere, allowing visitors to connect directly with the birthplace of Italian motorcycle innovation (pesaromusei.it; automotivemuseumguide.com).

Motorcycle Collection

The permanent collection features over 150 motorcycles, including rare Benelli and MotoBi models from the 1920s onward, as well as the prestigious ASI-Morbidelli collection with 71 historic bikes from 30 different manufacturers. Highlights include championship-winning race bikes, iconic prototypes, and unique Motobi and Molaroni machines (pesaromusei.it; La Luna di Carta).

Multimedia and Interactive Displays

Modern installations—including multimedia totems and large screens—allow visitors to explore archival images, videos, and original documents, enhancing understanding of each motorcycle’s historical context (Pesaro Musei).

Guided Tours and Storytelling

Guided tours, led by passionate Moto Club “T. Benelli” members or knowledgeable staff, bring the Benelli legacy to life. Tours are available in Italian and, upon request, in English and other languages. Advance booking is recommended, especially for groups and during peak seasons (Officine Benelli).

Special Events and Community Engagement

The museum regularly hosts events such as “Benelli Week,” historical rallies, restoration workshops, and regional tours. In 2025, the 25th anniversary is marked by a rich program of activities, making each visit unique (Radio Incontro).

Visiting Information

Location & Getting There

Address: Viale Goffredo Mameli 22, Pesaro, Italy (Pesaro Musei)
Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Pesaro is easy to reach by train or car, and local buses connect the museum to the city center. For cyclists, dedicated bike paths offer a scenic route (The Crazy Tourist).

Hours and Admission

June–September: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–13:00 and 16:30–19:00
October–May: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00–13:00 (closed Mondays)
Ticket Prices: Entry is included with the Pesaro Card (€3), providing access to multiple city attractions. General admission is €5; reduced rates (€3) apply with the Pesaro Cult Card or for children and groups. Children under 14 enter free (La Luna di Carta).
Ticket Purchase: Primarily on-site; check the official website for updates on online sales.

Facilities

Gift Shop: Exclusive Benelli and MotoBI merchandise, books, and souvenirs.
No on-site café, but restaurants and bars are within walking distance.
Contact: +39 0721 31508, [email protected]

Health and Safety

The museum adheres to current health guidelines; consult the official website for up-to-date information.

Family-Friendly and Educational Features

Museo Officine Benelli welcomes visitors of all ages, with interactive displays and a layout that encourages exploration. Educational programs and school tours are available, making it a popular destination for families and students (La Luna di Carta).

Cultural and Economic Impact

The museum is a hub for the community, supporting research, restoration training, and social interaction. Events such as Benelli Week attract visitors from across Europe, contributing to Pesaro’s economy and tourism sector. Its integration with other city attractions encourages longer stays and deeper engagement with local heritage (whichmuseum.com; terrapilotimotori.it).

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Historical Sites: Palazzo Ducale, Rossini Opera Festival, Cathedral of Pesaro
Beaches: Adriatic coastline nearby
Parks: Parco Naturale del Monte San Bartolo—ideal for outdoor activities
Local Cuisine: Numerous eateries offer Marche specialties
Plan Ahead: Use the Pesaro Card for multiple attractions; check event calendars for special happenings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Museo Officine Benelli’s visiting hours?
A: June–September: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–13:00 and 16:30–19:00. October–May: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00–13:00. Closed Mondays in low season.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: General admission €5; €3 with the Pesaro Card or Cult Card; children under 14 free.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, upon advance request.

Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: Most tickets are sold on-site; check the official website for updates.

Q: What else can I see in Pesaro?
A: Explore the city’s historical center, Adriatic beaches, and other museums such as Morbidelli.

Conclusion

The Museo Officine Benelli is more than a motorcycle museum—it is a living chronicle of Italian ingenuity, Pesaro’s industrial legacy, and the passion of a community united by two wheels. With authentic exhibits, immersive storytelling, and cultural programming, it stands as one of the region’s most rewarding destinations.

Plan your visit by checking the latest hours and ticket information on the official website, book a guided tour for a deeper experience, and consider combining your trip with Pesaro’s many historical and natural attractions.

Call to Action

Ready to explore Italy’s motorcycling heritage? Download the Audiala app for guided tours, follow Museo Officine Benelli on social media for updates, and browse our related articles to plan your perfect Pesaro itinerary. Share your experience using #MuseoOfficineBenelli to join the global community of enthusiasts.