Vespa Museum

About

The Piaggio Museum opened in 2000 inside the company’s former tool-shop. The Museum tells the history of Piaggio, and through it, the development of Italian industry, economy and society. While the Vespa collection, with rare prototypes, including the company’s first attempt at a scooter, is the main draw for many, there are also examples of the company’s production prior to the launch of the Vespa in 1946. Visitors are greeted by a MC2 54 train engine, and a P148 airplane at the entrance. Inside the museum, two stellar plane engines, built in the 1930s, dominate the central hall. Another part of the Museum is dedicated to the historic motorcycle manufacturer Arcore, including the record breaking 1937 “faired” Rondine. While it might sound like something for machine lovers on paper, what you’re really experiencing is the development of an iconic piece of Italian culture.