Ducati Museum, Bologna
The Ducati Museum (Museo Ducati) is a very high-tech and modern exhibition space in Bologna. It is the past and the future, the problems, and successes, the vision, and determination of the legendary Italian manufacturer of iron horses. In the end, it's a journey through the rich history of the motorcycle brand and the opportunity to encounter the world's most famous bikes.
History of the Ducati Museum
The museum is relatively young, the idea to found it was born in the late 20th century. It was first presented to the public at the first World Ducati Week on June 12, 1998. The official opening took place on October 16, 1998. And to celebrate the 90 years of the foundation of the company a small surprise was prepared: the museum was reorganized, making it ultramodern. The exhibition spaces were improved, new models of motorcycles appeared. A preliminary presentation took place in July, and the museum was opened to the public on September 23, 2016.
The museum organizes fairs and seminars to further develop the brand and attract attention to the history of motorcycles Ducati. It also cooperates with many Italian and foreign universities. In 2007 the museum together with Fondo Ducati launched the first school where the restoration of motorcycles was supposed to be taught.
Museum's exhibition
The museum is housed inside the factory, which produces the motorcycles. It covers an area of about 1000 square meters. The exhibition is organized in 7 multimedia rooms, they revolve around a large red helmet, which functions as a symbolic fulcrum. There is also a hall meant for conferences and presentations. Ducati racing motorcycles are listed in chronological order. This circular route is filled with drawings, photographs, films, advertisements, accessories and clothes owned by pilots. It starts with the memory wall (1926-1946) with various objects (radios, cameras, memorable pictures, documents). The whole tour through the exhibition is divided into 3 parts:
- Ducati Motorcycle Gallery. Here you can find the company’s 15 most significant motorcycle series which depict the socio-cultural evolution that occurred after the end of World War II.
- Racing motorcycles. This is an exhibition of sports motorcycles, as well as trophies and racing clothing of champions.
- History of Ducati. Here you can discover some facts and learn about people and technological innovations which represent a milestone in the history of the Italian manufacturer.
Besides the museum itself, the visitor has an excellent opportunity to visit the factory in Borgo Panigale and to see the process of creating modern motorcycles yourself. The museum is completely focused on the modern consumer. You just need to have a smartphone, and with it you can view all the accompanying information, which is presented in audio, images, text and video. At the museum, there is also a small cafe, an ammunition shop, and a bookstore. Moreover, the richest collection of technical documents of the museum was included in the National Archives by the Italian Ministry of Culture.
How to get
The museum is located on the western outskirts of Bologna, in the Borgo Panigale area, on Via Antonio Cavalieri Ducati, 3. There are several recreation parks and green spaces nearby. The closest bus stop is Ducati (buses 13, 54, 79, 80, 87).
Opening hours: the museum is open from 09:00 to 18:00. It is closed on Wednesdays, and from November to March – on Sundays as well. The factory is open: from November to March from 09:15 to 13:45, from April to October from 09:15 to 15:30. Closed on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Contact number for inquiries or booking: (+39) 051 641 3343.
Admission: the price of a full ticket to visit the museum is 15 euros, for groups of more than 10 people – 13 euros, reduced one (for owners Ducati, senior citizens over 65, children aged 11–18 years) – 10 euros. Tickets that allow entering both the museum and factory will cost 30, 26 and 20 euros respectively. Children under 11 are free of charge. The information about admission may be changed.
