What the Oval Lingotto is
The Oval Lingotto is a landmark venue in Turin’s Lingotto district, connecting the city’s industrial heritage with its contemporary cultural life. Co-designed by Populous and Studio Zoppini Associati, it is a sail-shaped glass-and-steel structure with over 20,000 square meters of pillar-free indoor space. Today it hosts trade fairs, conventions, concerts and exhibitions.
The wider Lingotto district includes the former Fiat factory and rooftop test track, the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli, Eataly and Green Pea. The area reflects Turin’s post-industrial redevelopment and can be reached by metro and train.
History and transformation
The Lingotto complex was designed by Giacomo Matté-Trucco between 1916 and 1923 as a Fiat car factory. Its distinctive rooftop test track was completed in 1927. Architect Le Corbusier called the factory “one of the most impressive spectacles that industry has ever offered” (Italy Segreta: Turin’s Fiat Neighborhoods).
The former factory was later transformed into a complex of hotels, galleries and conference centers through a post-industrial redevelopment led by Renzo Piano. The Oval, built in 2005, is part of that wider renewal, which has made the district a model of adaptive reuse and sustainable development (Archiobjects: Lingotto Building in Turin; AEFI: Lingotto Fiere District).
Built as the speed-skating venue for the 2006 Winter Olympics, the Oval accommodated up to 8,500 spectators. It no longer hosts ice skating, but its Olympic design and facilities have since supported major sports and cultural events, including the World Fencing Championships and European Athletics Championships (Turismo Torino: The Olympic Venues; Le Olimpiadi d’Italia: Oval Lingotto; Academia.edu: Urban Policies for Mega Events—Turin 2006).
What to see
Oval Lingotto architecture
The Oval measures 210 meters long and 90 meters wide, with more than 20,000 square meters of uninterrupted interior space and 15,000 square meters of glass for natural light. Its steel structure supports the glass panels, while the absence of internal pillars provides flexible space and unobstructed sightlines. The venue also has advanced utility grids, multiple drive-in entrances and 21,000 square meters of outdoor space, and is integrated with the Lingotto Fiere exhibition center (GL Events: Oval Lingotto; Lingotto Fiere; Hyroxy: HYROX Turin Event Guide; Wikipedia).
Lingotto district attractions
- Rooftop test track The circuit atop the old Fiat factory, featured in The Italian Job, offers panoramic views of Turin.
- Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli An art gallery with works by Picasso, Matisse and Canaletto.
- The Bolla (Bubble) Renzo Piano’s transparent rooftop meeting room, with 360-degree city views.
- Green Pea and Eataly Concepts in sustainable retail and Italian gastronomy.
- Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile (MAUTO) A museum focused on Turin’s automotive history.
Practical visiting information
Opening hours and tickets
- Lingotto complex Generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; hours may vary for individual attractions.
- Oval Lingotto Open to the public during scheduled events. Opening hours and ticket prices depend on the event; tickets are available online or at the venue, depending on the event. Check the official Lingotto Fiere website or the GL Events website for details.
- Rooftop test track Accessible through guided tours on weekends and public holidays. Tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for children under 12.
- Pinacoteca Agnelli Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Admission is €12, with discounts for students and seniors.
- Guided tours Multilingual tours are available for the Oval and surrounding attractions; advance booking is recommended.
Getting there, accessibility and amenities
- Metro Take the M1 line to Lingotto station, 500 meters from the complex.
- Train Lingotto train station is adjacent.
- Car Underground parking is available; fees apply. The Lingotto area has 3,300 parking spaces and is served by major highways.
- Accessibility The complex is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms. Assistance services are available on request.
- Facilities Amenities include ATMs, medical services and information points. Hotels, shops and restaurants are nearby. The city center is ten minutes away by metro.
For visitor planning, see Turismo Torino: MAUTO and Fiat Lingotto District Tour and Lonely Planet: Things to Know Before Traveling to Turin.
Visitor tips and suggested itinerary
- Visit early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
- The rooftop test track is a photo opportunity at sunrise or sunset.
- Wear comfortable footwear; the complex covers a large area.
- Check event calendars and ticket options before visiting, and follow official channels for updates. The Audiala app is also suggested for updates.
- Combine the Oval with other attractions in the Lingotto district.
Suggested itinerary:
- Morning Visit the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile.
- Midday Tour the Pinacoteca Agnelli and the rooftop test track.
- Afternoon Have lunch and shop at Eataly, then explore Green Pea.
- Evening Attend an event at the Oval Lingotto or discover local dining.
Nearby places
- Parco del Valentino A scenic park along the Po River.
- Egyptian Museum A leading collection of Egyptian antiquities.
- Mole Antonelliana An iconic landmark housing the National Cinema Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the Oval’s visiting hours?
Hours vary by event. Check the GL Events website for details.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are available online or at the venue, depending on the event.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. The venue has ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms.
Are guided tours offered?
Yes. Multilingual tours are available for the Oval and surrounding attractions; advance booking is recommended.
Can I park at Lingotto?
Yes. There are 3,300 parking spaces, including underground parking where fees apply.
