Turin’s National Automobile Museum, known as MAUTO, traces the history of the car from early motoring experiments to contemporary design. Set near the River Po in the south of the city, it displays around 200 vehicles across three floors, with dramatic installations that make the collection engaging even for visitors who know little about engines.
The museum is rooted in Turin’s place at the heart of Italy’s automotive industry. Fiat was founded here in 1899, and manufacturers, coachbuilders and designers helped shape the city’s identity. Alongside rare cars from marques including Alfa Romeo and Lancia, the displays explore the wider culture of motoring, from industrial production and advertising to racing and everyday life.
MAUTO is as much a design and social history museum as a showcase of beautiful machines. Its theatrical lighting, films and themed displays give context to early vehicles, racing cars and futuristic concepts. Allow two to three hours for an unhurried visit, and consider a weekday morning for a quieter experience. The museum is accessible by bus or by walking from Lingotto metro station; check opening hours before you go, as they can vary by day.