Pay homage to the automobile at these manufacturer owned car and bike museums
The automobile has been around for over a century and it has single-handedly changed the way we commute. Ever evolving with the addition of new technologies, modern vehicles are constantly changing for the better with new smarter and more efficient commutes to cater to the new generation. If you’re jetting off to Europe soon, rest assured you can learn more about the history and evolution of these vehicles at these cool museums that celebrate the automobile.
Lamborghini Museum
Where: Bologna, Italy
Based at Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese, the museum's layout and displays have been completely renovated, providing a new visitor experience including multimedia displays and activities. The inauguration of the museum was held to coincide with the first stage of the Miura Tour, with owners' rally celebrating the iconic super sports car's 50th anniversary, with a journey of over 500km through the Italian regions of Emilia, Liguria and Tuscany.
Ducati Museum
Where: Borno Panigale, Italy
The Ducati Museum, which covers an area of 850 square metres, offers an impressive way to discover the origins of the company as well as admire the magnificent display of over 40 motorcycles that have been fundamentally important to the racing heritage of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer. Officially recognised in 2012 by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Regional Activities as a site of significant cultural value, the Ducati Museum regularly attracts over 40,000 passionate fans and visitors from around the world every year.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum
Where: Stuttgart, Germany
The museum owned and dedicated to the three-pointed star is the only one in the world that documents the 130-year-old auto history. Spread across nine levels and covering a total floor space of 16,500 square metres, the Mercedes-Benz Museum boasts over 1,500 exhibits along with well over 160 vehicles, many of which are so rare that only a handful are in existence throughout the world. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and an on-site restaurant for visitors to indulge at during their visit.
Volvo Museum
Where: Gothenburg, Sweden
The Swedish marque has an extensive history tied in with cars, trucks and buses and they all have an equal chance to shine at the Volvo Museum. Housed at the company’s headquarters in Gothenburg, visitors to this facility get the opportunity to view a large number of iconic cars and models up close. There are also exhibits dedicated to commercial vehicles as well as vehicle safety, which the Volvo brand helped spearhead. There is also a large gallery dedicated to the Volvo Ocean Race, which the brand pioneered.
BMW Welt
Where: Munich, Germany
Visitors of all ages can explore the past, present and future of the renowned German brand at BMW Welt. The vast facility is home to the BMW plant as well as museum, which presents the history of the marquee and showcasing their innovations for the future. The museum also explores the theme of mobility for the benefit of younger visitors. The Junior Museum organizes a special program for children and young people, basing its educational concept on learning through play. The museum is also one of the oldest automobile museums in Germany. It was declared a historic monument in 1999.
