Turin built the Italian car industry, and the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile, known as MAUTO, is where that story is told. The museum sits on Corso Unità d’Italia beside the Po, south of the centre near the old Fiat Lingotto factory, in a modern building redesigned and reopened in 2011 with dramatic, theatrical displays. The collection spans the whole history of motoring, from the earliest horseless carriages to Italian design classics and Formula 1 cars, with famous names such as Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati alongside cars from around the world. Rooms are themed around the car as an object of design, a social phenomenon and a racing machine, which makes the museum enjoyable even if you are not an enthusiast. Driving simulators add a hands-on extra for an additional fee. The museum is currently renovating parts of its exhibition route, but it remains open throughout the work.
How it works: MAUTO opens daily, with a short morning session on Mondays and a full day from Tuesday to Sunday. Last admission is an hour before closing. Tickets are sold for the museum and temporary exhibitions together, with reduced prices for young people, seniors and groups. Because the exhibition route is being renovated, a few vehicles may be temporarily off display, so check the official page if you are coming to see a specific car.
Getting there: take Metro Line 1 from Porta Nuova or Porta Susa to the Lingotto stop, then walk about ten minutes along Via Nizza and Via Garessio. Several buses and the City Sightseeing blue line also stop nearby, and the Eataly flagship and the Lingotto building are close by.
Making the most of it: allow two hours. Pair the visit with lunch at Eataly near Lingotto, or with a walk along the river and through the Valentino Park on the way back into town. The museum is a solid rainy-day choice and a favourite with families who have car-mad children.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit through themed galleries of historic cars, design icons and racing machines, with optional paid simulators.
Best time
A weekday afternoon from Tuesday to Friday, or a Monday morning, as the museum closes early on Mondays.
How long
About two hours, longer for serious car enthusiasts.
Tips
Take the metro to Lingotto, check for temporarily removed cars during the renovation and budget extra for the simulators.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Car lovers, design fans and families looking for an indoor plan.
- Families
- Children love the racing cars and the simulators, and the displays are lively rather than technical.
- Couples
- A stylish design museum that pairs well with a long lunch at Eataly nearby.
- Pair with
- Lunch at Eataly near Lingotto and a walk back through the Valentino Park.
- Time needed
- About two hours.
Good questions
How do I get to MAUTO in Turin?+
Take Metro Line 1 to the Lingotto stop and walk about ten minutes. Several city buses also stop nearby.
What are the opening hours of MAUTO?+
It opens in the morning only on Mondays and all day from Tuesday to Sunday. Last admission is an hour before closing.
Is MAUTO open during the renovation?+
Yes, the museum stays open while parts of the exhibition route are renovated. A few cars may be temporarily off display.
Is MAUTO good for children?+
Yes, the colourful displays and racing cars appeal to children. Driving simulators are available for an extra fee.
How long does a visit take?+
Plan on about two hours. Enthusiasts can stay much longer.