The Ultimate Guide to Bologna Museums: Ferrari, Lamborghini & Ducati (2026)
Bologna has two very different sides.
On one side, you have the oldest university in the Western world, filled with medieval art, anatomical waxworks, and dusty libraries.
On the other side, you have the “Motor Valley”—the high-octane home of the world’s fastest supercars.
Whether you want to stare at a Renaissance painting or sit inside a Formula 1 car, this city has it covered.
Here is your ultimate guide to the Best Museums in Bologna, split into two categories: The Speed Freaks (Motor Valley) and The Culture Vultures (City Center).
Part 1: The Motor Valley (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati)
Emilia-Romagna is the Silicon Valley of supercars. These factories are not in Bologna city center, but they are easy day trips.
1. Ferrari (Maranello & Modena)
There are actually two Ferrari museums.
- Museo Enzo Ferrari (Modena): Focused on the man, Enzo Ferrari. It’s built around his childhood home and features a stunning futuristic yellow hall filled with classic cars.
- Museo Ferrari (Maranello): This is the main one next to the factory. It focuses on Formula 1, the racing team (Scuderia), and the modern supercars.
How to visit:
You can take the train to Modena and then a shuttle, but the factory tours sell out weeks in advance. Check the Day Trips Guide for helpful information!
Top Rated Experience: If you want to do both museums and lunch without the logistics headache, book a dedicated day tour from Bologna.
Book here the Ferrari Day Tour from Bologna with Tickets & Lunch (Includes Transport)!
2. Lamborghini (MUDETEC)
Location: Sant’Agata Bolognese (35 mins from Bologna).
The Lamborghini Museum (MUDETEC) is sharper, darker, and more aggressive than Ferrari. It showcases the history from the first tractor (yes, they started with tractors) to the Countach and the Aventador.
- The Factory Tour: You can actually walk the assembly line and see the V12 engines being built by hand. Note: Cameras are strictly forbidden on the factory floor (they tape over your phone lens!).
Insider Tip: Factory floor tours are rare and must be booked separately from the museum ticket.
Check here availability for the Lamborghini Museum & Factory Tour!
3. Ducati (Borgo Panigale)
Location: Borgo Panigale (Right on the edge of Bologna).
You can reach this one by a short bus ride/taxi from the city center. It is Mecca for motorcycle fans. The museum loops around a giant red curve displaying every racing bike in their history.
These museums make for an incredible day out. Check our Day Trips Guide for logistics on how to combine Modena, Ferrari, and food in one trip.
Part 2: Culture & History (City Center)
Prefer history to horsepower? Stay in the center and visit these gems.
4. The Anatomical Theatre (Archiginnasio)
I mentioned this in my Hidden Gems Guide, but it bears repeating. This 17th-century room carved entirely from spruce wood is where medical students watched dissections. It is spooky, beautiful, and unique to Bologna.
- Cost: ~€3.
- Tip: Go early (9:00 AM) to avoid the groups.
5. Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Art Gallery)
Location: University District.
This is Bologna’s version of the Uffizi (but empty of crowds). It houses the masters of the “Bolognese School,” including Guido Reni and the Carracci brothers.
- Must See: Raphael’s The Ecstasy of St. Cecilia.
6. MAMbo (Modern Art Museum)
Location: Near the Train Station.
A cool, industrial space (an old bakery factory) turned into a contemporary art hub. It’s a great break from the medieval vibes of the center.
- Good For: Rainy days and Morandi fans (it houses the Morandi Museum).
7. Palazzo Poggi (The “Weird” Science Museum)
Location: Via Zamboni.
As mentioned in our Hidden Gems guide, this university museum is full of old maps, model ships, and—most famously—the Obstetrics Museum with its wax anatomical models. It is fascinatingly weird.
Money Saving Hack: The “Bologna Welcome Card”
If you plan to visit the city museums (Archiginnasio, Pinacoteca, MAMbo), consider buying the Bologna Welcome Card.
- Cost: ~€25.
- Value: It gives you entry to most city museums plus a walking tour. It does not cover the Ferrari/Lambo museums (those are private).
