Museo Dell’Automobile MAUTO, Turin, Italy: A Comprehensive Visitor Guide
Date: 15/06/2025
Introduction
Located in Turin, the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile (MAUTO) is a world-class destination for automotive enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and families interested in Italy’s motoring legacy. Founded in the early 20th century, MAUTO has evolved into a dynamic museum, offering an extensive collection of over 200 vehicles from 80 brands across eight countries. The museum’s innovative exhibitions, educational programs, and accessibility initiatives make it a leading hub for both historical preservation and contemporary cultural engagement (Italia.it, Musei di Torino).
This guide provides everything you need to plan your visit — from opening hours and ticketing details to highlights of permanent and special exhibitions, travel tips, and accessibility information. Whether you’re passionate about automotive history, design innovation, or simply exploring Turin’s vibrant culture, MAUTO promises a memorable experience.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Background and Evolution
- Visiting MAUTO: Practical Information
- Visitor Experience and Services
- Exhibitions
- Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
- FAQs
- Summary and Call to Action
- References
Historical Background and Evolution
Origins and Founding Vision
The origins of MAUTO trace back to 1932, when Cesare Goria Gatti and Roberto Biscaretti di Ruffia, key figures in Italian motoring and co-founders of FIAT and the Turin Automobile Club, envisioned a museum dedicated to the automobile’s cultural and technological journey. Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia, Roberto’s son, played a pivotal role in compiling early automotive artifacts, including pioneering models like the 1854 Virginio Bordino steam vehicle, the 1893 Benz, and the first Peugeot imported to Italy (Carrozzieri Italiani).
Establishment and Early Years
Although the idea was conceived in the 1930s, the museum’s permanent headquarters was inaugurated in 1960 after Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia’s death. Architect Amedeo Albertini designed the building on Corso Unità d’Italia along the River Po. Early collections included rare vehicles such as the Bernardi (1896), Fiat (1899), and the Peugeot Type 3 (1892) — the first car to circulate in Italy (WhichMuseum).
Renovation and Modernization
From 2007 to 2011, MAUTO underwent extensive renovation and expansion in anticipation of Italy’s 150th anniversary of unification. Architects Cino Zucchi and François Confino reimagined the museum, expanding the exhibition space to 19,000 square meters and introducing immersive multimedia displays (Automotive Museum Guide). Recognition followed, with The Times listing MAUTO among the world’s most beautiful museums in 2013 (Italia.it).
Collection Highlights
MAUTO’s collection spans more than 200 vehicles from Italy, France, Germany, the UK, the United States, and beyond. Thematic and chronological displays trace the automobile’s evolution, featuring:
- Early prototypes like the 1893 Benz Victoria and 1894 Peugeot
- Pioneering Italian brands: FIAT, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari
- International classics: Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Ford
- Iconic racing and sports cars, concept vehicles, motorcycles, and rare engines
- Design masterpieces by Pininfarina and Zagato (Museoauto.com)
Educational and Cultural Role
MAUTO is also an educational center, offering workshops, school programs, and university partnerships. Its Documentation Centre and Library boast more than 9,000 monographs and rare works on automotive technology and history. The Restoration Centre, in collaboration with ACI (Automobile Club Italia), preserves historic vehicles for future generations (Automotive Museum Guide).
Visiting MAUTO: Practical Information
Location and Directions
- Address: Corso Unità d’Italia, 40, Turin, Italy
- Accessibility: Easily reached by public transport (bus lines 10, 63, 68), a 15-minute walk from Porta Nuova metro station, or by car (limited on-site parking; public parking nearby) (Turismo Torino portal)
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM)
- Closed on Mondays and select holidays
- Always check the official website for updates.
Ticket Prices
- Adults: €10 – €12 (varies by source and exhibition)
- Reduced (students, seniors): €7 – €8
- Children under 6: Free
- School groups: Special rates available
- Family and group packages: Available
- Torino + Piemonte Card holders: Free admission (Musei di Torino)
- Tickets are available online and at the entrance.
Accessibility
- Fully accessible for visitors with disabilities: ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and a wheelchair available
- Braille panels and audio guides provided
- Multilingual materials and digital resources for visitors with varied needs
Visitor Experience and Services
Guided Tours and Educational Activities
- Guided tours: Available by reservation (recommended at least one week in advance), including themed tours and exclusive access to restoration workshops
- Educational workshops: Tailored for schools, families, and adults, covering history, design, mechanics, and innovation
Amenities and Facilities
- Café and bookshop: On-site, offering refreshments and themed merchandise
- Rest areas: Throughout the museum
- Virtual tours and multimedia installations: Enhance the visitor experience
- Documentation and Research Centers: For scholars and enthusiasts (Museoauto.com)
Exhibitions
Permanent Collection
MAUTO’s permanent exhibition is arranged over three thematic floors:
- The Automobile and the Twentieth Century: Showcasing the evolution of the car, its technological breakthroughs, and its impact on society.
- Man and the Automobile: Exploring the interplay between people and cars, including social, economic, and cultural dimensions.
- Automobile and Design: Celebrating Italian and international design through iconic models and concept vehicles (Musei di Torino).
Special Exhibition: “125 times FIAT” (Nov 2024 – May 2025)
Marking FIAT’s 125th anniversary, MAUTO presents a major temporary exhibition titled “125 times FIAT. Modernity through the lens of FIAT’s imagination.” Curated with Centro Storico FIAT and Heritage HUB, the exhibit features historic vehicles, rare archives, artworks, and multimedia displays, illustrating FIAT’s role in shaping Italian culture and industry (Stellantis Media). Related programming includes panel discussions, workshops, and special events.
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
- Book tickets online to avoid queues
- Allow 2–3 hours for a complete visit
- Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience
- Check photography policies before taking pictures
Nearby Attractions
- Mole Antonelliana (National Cinema Museum)
- Palazzo Madama
- Parco del Valentino
- FIAT Lingotto complex
- Egyptian Museum (WhichMuseum)
Turin is rich in history, culture, and gastronomy, making it worthwhile to combine your MAUTO visit with other city highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are MAUTO’s opening hours?
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.
How much do tickets cost?
Adults: €10–€12; reductions for students and seniors; children under 6 free.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes. Full wheelchair accessibility, Braille panels, and audio guides are provided.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, they can be booked in advance for individuals, groups, or schools.
How do I get there?
Corso Unità d’Italia, 40, Turin. Accessible by bus, metro, or car (see directions above).
What special exhibitions are on?
The “125 times FIAT” exhibition runs from November 2024 to May 2025.
Summary and Call to Action
MAUTO is more than a museum — it is a vibrant cultural institution at the intersection of innovation, history, and design. From its world-class collection and acclaimed exhibitions to its educational programs and accessible facilities, MAUTO offers a rewarding experience for every visitor. Enhance your trip by exploring nearby Turin attractions and taking advantage of guided tours and interactive resources.
Stay updated on events, exhibitions, and travel tips by following MAUTO on social media and downloading the Audiala app for exclusive content and audio guides. Whether you’re an automotive enthusiast, a family, or a curious traveler, MAUTO guarantees a memorable journey through Italy’s automotive heritage and its ongoing evolution (Italia.it, Automotive Museum Guide, Musei di Torino, Museoauto.com, Tiqets, Stellantis Media).
