Lingotto

Lingotto Turin: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Lingotto, situated in the southern district of Turin, Italy, is a landmark of industrial innovation and urban transformation. Originally built between 1915 and 1923 as Fiat’s revolutionary automobile factory, Lingotto was celebrated for its pioneering “vertical factory” design and iconic rooftop test track. Today, following a visionary redevelopment led by architect Renzo Piano, Lingotto is a vibrant hub for culture, shopping, hospitality, events, and green spaces—an essential destination for travelers seeking to experience Turin’s rich industrial heritage and dynamic present (Academia.edu, Wikipedia, RPBW).

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Lingotto’s history, architecture, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, key attractions, and practical travel tips.

Historical Overview
Architectural Significance and Transformation
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Amenities
Main Attractions
Practical Travel Tips
Cultural and Social Impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
Sources

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Development

The construction of Lingotto marked a turning point for Turin’s industrial landscape. Built as Fiat’s flagship factory, it introduced unprecedented architectural and manufacturing innovations to Europe. Lingotto’s five-story, reinforced concrete structure allowed assembly to progress vertically, culminating in the unique rooftop test track—an engineering feat that drew international acclaim (Academia.edu, Wikipedia).

The Factory Years and Decline

For over sixty years, Lingotto was the center of Fiat’s automotive empire, producing iconic models and employing thousands. By the late 1970s, however, changes in manufacturing rendered the vertical factory model obsolete. Production shifted to the newer Mirafiori plant, and Lingotto ceased operations in 1982 (Wikipedia). The closure triggered a public debate about preserving and reimagining the historic complex.

Transformation and Adaptive Reuse

Fiat launched an international competition to determine Lingotto’s future. Renzo Piano’s winning proposal transformed the abandoned factory into a multifunctional complex, integrating retail, cultural, hospitality, and event spaces while preserving key architectural features, including the test track and helical ramps (RPBW, Domus).

Architectural Significance and Transformation

Innovations by Giacomo Matté-Trucco

Vertical Factory Model: Production moved upward through five floors, with finished cars tested on the rooftop track (Wikipedia, RPBW).
Structural Advances: Among the first large European buildings to use reinforced concrete on a massive scale, resulting in open-plan interiors and a grid of modular pillars (LinkedIn).
Rooftop Test Track: The 1.2 km rooftop circuit enabled immediate vehicle testing and became a symbol of modernity, famously praised by Le Corbusier (Italy Segreta).

Renzo Piano’s Redevelopment

Respect for Heritage: The building’s exterior and essential architectural identity were preserved, maintaining Lingotto’s place in Turin’s skyline (RPBW).
Diverse Functions: The redevelopment introduced a shopping mall, hotels, offices, conference and exhibition centers, the Pinacoteca Agnelli art gallery, and new public spaces (NSS Magazine).
The “Bubble” (Bolla): A transparent meeting room on the rooftop offers panoramic city views, symbolizing the dialogue between past and present (Italy Segreta).
Phased Opening: The complex reopened in phases from 1992 to 2003, integrating new functions while sustaining community engagement (RPBW).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Amenities

Opening Hours (June 2025)

Venue	Days	Opening Hours
Pinacoteca Agnelli	Tue–Sun	10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
La Pista 500 (Rooftop)	Daily (seasonal)	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Casa 500	Tue–Sun	10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Shopping Mall	Mon–Sat; Sun	9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Conference/Events	Varies	By event schedule

Always check the official website for the latest updates and special event hours.

Tickets and Admission

Pinacoteca Agnelli: €12 (general), €8 (reduced: students, seniors), free for children under 12 (Turismo Torino)
La Pista 500: Included with Pinacoteca ticket or €5 standalone
Casa 500: Included with Pinacoteca ticket
Shopping Mall & Rooftop Garden: Free entry
Guided Tours: Available at additional cost; advance booking recommended

Tickets can be purchased online (Turismo Torino), via the official Lingotto site, or at the venue.

Accessibility

Full wheelchair access (elevators, ramps)
Tactile and audio guides for visually impaired visitors
Assistance available for guests with special needs (notify in advance)
Small dogs allowed in carriers in designated areas (Pinacoteca Agnelli)

Getting There

Metro: Lingotto station (Line 1) adjacent to the complex
Train: Turin Lingotto and Porta Nuova stations nearby
Bus/Tram: Several city lines serve Lingotto
Car: Paid parking on-site

Nearby Attractions

MAUTO – National Automobile Museum: Celebrates automotive history nearby (Turismo Torino)
Eataly Torino: Renowned Italian food market within walking distance
Green Pea: Sustainable retail park, a few minutes away

Main Attractions

La Pista 500 (Rooftop Garden & Test Track)

Transformed from the legendary rooftop circuit, La Pista 500 is now Europe’s largest hanging garden, with 40,000 plants, contemporary art installations, and unique city views. It’s a model of sustainable urban redevelopment and a must-see highlight (Wallpaper).

Pinacoteca Agnelli

Housed in a striking glass structure designed by Renzo Piano, this private gallery showcases masterpieces by Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, and Canaletto, alongside temporary exhibitions (Smart Tourism Capital).

Casa 500

An immersive museum dedicated to the Fiat 500, tracing its design, cultural legacy, and continued influence on Italian life (Wallpaper).

Shopping and Gastronomy

Centro Commerciale Lingotto: Italian and international brands, specialty boutiques, and eateries (Wanderlog).
Eataly: Market, restaurants, and culinary workshops celebrating Italian gastronomy.

Cultural Venues

Auditorium & Conference Center: Concerts, business events, and exhibitions (Tomorrow.City).
Multiplex Cinema: Modern movie complex for entertainment.

Hotels

Two hotels integrated into the complex, blending historical character with contemporary comfort (Wallpaper).

Music & Nightlife

Hosts the annual C2C (Club To Club) Festival, a leading European electronic music event (Lonely Planet).

Practical Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds (Wanderlust Chloe).
Advance Booking: Recommended for art galleries, tours, and special events.
Sustainability: The redevelopment emphasizes eco-friendly design and biodiversity (Wallpaper).
Local Experiences: Enjoy aperitivo at on-site bars or sample local chocolate and pastries.

Lingotto’s transformation is a milestone in urban regeneration and adaptive reuse, blending Turin’s industrial legacy with a forward-looking cultural identity. The site fosters community engagement, tourism, innovation, and sustainability, serving as a model for similar projects worldwide (Vanolo & Colombino, 2016, City of Turin Urban Regeneration).

Major events such as Artissima (Italy’s top contemporary art fair) and the Movement Torino Music Festival reinforce Lingotto’s status as a creative and social hub (Vanolo & Colombino, 2016).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Lingotto’s visiting hours?
A: Pinacoteca Agnelli: Tue–Sun, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM. La Pista 500: Daily, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (seasonal). Shopping mall: Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sun, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase online (Turismo Torino), via the official Lingotto site, or at the venue. Advance booking is advised for special exhibitions and events.

Q: Is Lingotto accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, including elevators, ramps, and accessible facilities. Please notify staff in advance for special assistance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, with options focusing on architecture, history, and art. Check official websites for schedules and booking.

Q: Is the rooftop test track open to visitors?
A: Yes, as La Pista 500, accessible with a Pinacoteca Agnelli ticket or standalone entry.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Lingotto is a remarkable example of industrial heritage transformed for the 21st century. Its blend of history, architecture, art, shopping, and green spaces offers something for every visitor. Plan your visit by checking opening hours and booking tickets in advance for the best experience. For real-time updates, guided tours, and exclusive offers, download the Audiala app and follow Lingotto’s official channels.