The Piaggio Museum: a journey through the history of Italian mobility
14/11/2023
Lisa Cavalli
The Piaggio Museum, located in Pontedera, Italy, is a must-see for motorbike enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of Italian mobility.
Founded in 2000, the museum is housed in a building that was once a tool workshop, one of the oldest and most fascinating industrial structures in the Pontedera industrial complex.
The museum is dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the historical and technological heritage of one of Italy’s oldest companies. Its objective is to reconstruct the history of Piaggio and the country as a whole, tracing economic transformations, traditions and industrial development through the display of its most famous and iconic products.
Today, the Piaggio Museum is the largest motorbike museum in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. With almost 5,000 m² of permanent collections and 340 m² of temporary exhibitions, it recounts over a century of great emotions, dreams and projects that have accompanied the economic and social development of a nation.
The collections inside include a number of vintage Vespa and Gilera models dating back to the 1950s, as well as modern pieces. Each piece on display tells a unique story, reflecting both the aesthetics and technical history of the company.
In addition to its permanent collections, it also hosts temporary exhibitions and organises special events. These activities offer visitors the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Piaggio’s history and its impact on Italian society.
Here are some of the most famous models on display:
Vespa 98cc (1946) the first Vespa model ever produced.
Vespa 125 (1951) used by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the film “Roman Holiday”.
Vespa “U” (1953), known as a “utilitarian”, was produced in only 7,000 examples and is now highly sought after by collectors.
Vespa GS 150 (1955) the first granturismo Vespa.
Vespa 50 (1963) known in Italy as “il Vespino”, it marked a milestone in the history of the world’s most famous scooter.
90 Super Sprint (1965) a legendary vehicle for young sportsmen.
125 Primavera (1967) a true cult object for young people of the time.
But it is the Spanish-made Vespa 150 S that is perhaps the most valuable in the world.
Here is its incredible story.
In 1962, two Spanish university students, Antonio Veciana and Santiago Guillem, decided to take a round-the-world trip on a Vespa in 79 days. Before leaving, they went to Cadaques, where Dali lived with his companion and muse Gala. The painter wanted to personalise the bodywork of the Vespa in his own bizarre and original style, putting his signature and Gala’s name on it. The Vespa was named “Dulcinea” in honour of the woman loved by Don Quixote, the famous character from Cervantes’ novel. Dali’s Vespa set off on its adventure, crossing several countries and continents, returning to Madrid on 12 October 1962, Spain’s national holiday.
Visits to the Piaggio Museum are possible ONLY BY ONLINE BOOKING.
The Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday and on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.
Closed on Mondays.
Visits will only be confirmed on receipt of an official email containing all the necessary information for access.
Morning
First group: from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. with the possibility of staying on to shop at the museum bookshop until 11.00 a.m.
Second group: from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. with the possibility of shopping in the museum bookshop until 1 p.m.
Afternoon
First group: from 2.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. with the possibility of staying on to shop at the museum bookshop until 3.30 p.m.
Second group: from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with the possibility of shopping in the museum bookshop until 5.30 p.m.
The free tour is free of charge. A voluntary liberal contribution will be appreciated.
The Piaggio Foundation is a non-profit organisation.
Guided tour: € 5.00
Informations Click here
Great! Your item has been added to the cart!
