The museum holds the original 1769 Cugnot steam carriage, considered one of the earliest self-propelled vehicles.
The collection includes the first Italian car, the 1896 Bernardi, featuring a distinct three-wheeled design.
The interior layout was curated by scenographer François Confino, who prioritized an emotional rather than purely technical narrative.
The site hosts a specialized library and documentation center containing thousands of historical photographs and technical drawings.
The museum building features a distinct glass façade that mirrors the nearby Po River and mountain landscape.
A dedicated section explores the 'Car Design' process, showcasing clay models and tools used by masters like Pininfarina.
The Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile, or MAUTO, houses one of the world's most significant automotive collections, featuring over 200 original vehicles from 80 different manufacturers. The current architectural complex, designed by Cino Zucchi, reopened in 2011 following a major redesign that emphasizes a narrative path through automotive evolution. Displays range from 18th-century steam carriages to modern concept cars and racing machines. The collection is organized across three floors, focusing on the interplay between technology, design, and societal impact. It includes significant artifacts related to the history of the Italian automotive industry, specifically focusing on the legacy of Turin as a major production hub. The exhibition design uses immersive audio-visual installations to contextualize vehicles within their historical eras.
The central glass staircase that provides a vertical perspective of the museum's multi-level exhibition halls.
Dedicate more time to the second floor, which contains the majority of the historic collection and interactive exhibits.
Check the museum's online calendar for rotating temporary exhibitions before planning your visit.
The museum's on-site cafeteria is situated in a glass-walled space offering views of the surrounding area.
Trying to read every technical placard; focus on the visual narratives of the displays to prevent museum fatigue.
Closed on Monday mornings; open for the remainder of the day.
