Our Italian journey of speed took us deep into the heart of automotive passion, where we experienced the thrill of visiting two of the world’s most iconic car museums: Lamborghini and Ferrari. From the roar of engines to the rich heritage of design and innovation, every moment in these museums brought us closer to understanding why these brands symbolize speed, luxury, and the spirit of Italian craftsmanship. Join us as we explore the stories behind these legendary cars, the people who built them, and the powerful emotions that resonate in every exhibit.
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First stop: Ferrari
Our journey through Italy this year began in a city synonymous with speed, elegance, and technical excellence – in the heart of the motoring world, Maranello. This unassuming corner of Italy, home to the famous Ferrari car company, has been transformed into a mecca for car lovers from all over the world.
Arrival in Maranello
As soon as we pulled off the motorway, the atmosphere of the city drew us into a world where dreams of speed become reality. A roundabout adorned with the iconic Black Stallion, Ferrari’s symbol, suggested that the finish was within reach, and the excitement in our crew grew steadily.
Our crew of four – myself, my husband, and our two sons – couldn’t have been more diverse in terms of expectations. From the beginning, my husband and both boys were thrilled at the prospect of seeing cars that fulfill childhood dreams and dominate race tracks around the world. Their excitement was almost palpable, especially with our sons counting down each turn leading to the museum.
It should be noted that if our youngest member hadn’t fallen asleep an hour before our arrival, his constant questions of “When will we be there?” would have been met with the grace of a hungry lion.
Inside the Ferrari Museum
The museum is definitely worth a visit, offering a spectacle unlike anything you can experience elsewhere. Perhaps the most powerful moment came in the Hall of Fame, where numerous trophies (because Ferrari!), photographs of drivers, and, of course, the iconic Formula 1 car were on display.
Alongside historic cars like the Ferrari 166 MM, the Berlinetta, and the legendary Ferrari 250 LM, you’ll also come across every mortal’s dream supercar. This is where everyone’s heart skips a beat, whether you’re an engine enthusiast or not. Standing next to the red predator La Ferrari simply won’t leave you indifferent.
Comparing Ferrari and Lamborghini Museums
Compared to the Lamborghini Museum in Modena, the difference is significant, with a 50% difference in both admission and gift shop prices. To give you an idea, we bought a cap at the Ferrari museum for €60, whereas at the Lamborghini museum the cap came to €30. Still, I have to say the experience was worth it 😊.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Finally, I’d like to share some practical tips for your visit. Parking is easy – I recommend using the paid parking lot across the street, which has parking meters. Also, consider purchasing tickets online directly from the Ferrari Museums website (Ferrari.com). This will help you avoid long lines at the box office and get you into the museum much faster.
The Gift Shop and Café
Naturally, we couldn’t skip the gift shop. We picked up a cap for my older son and two espresso cups for myself. You can then refresh yourself at the Ferrari Museum café – though expect prices to match the brand, meaning they are on the higher side.
Maranello: An Unforgettable Experience
Maranello provided us with an unforgettable experience that was definitely worth it. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking for a unique place to visit, this city offers a charm you won’t want to miss.
We spent our first night at the Hotel Rosso Frizzante in Sorbara. The room was spacious and absolutely perfect for an overnight stay. As a bonus, we appreciated the spacious whirlpool tub and the rich, delicious breakfast buffet. There was a kettle in the room with a wide selection of teas, which was a pleasant surprise.
You can park for free in the hotel’s outdoor car park or for an additional fee in the indoor garage – definitely a plus in the summer months.
Heading to the Lamborghini Museum
After a hearty breakfast, we headed to the Lamborghini Museum in Modena. We bought our tickets online, and you have to book a specific time to visit. Heads up! If you’re not someone who arrives half an hour early rather than a minute late, you run the risk of missing your reservation. We can’t confirm how strict the staff are about exact entry times, as we preferred to leave an hour early – and it paid off!
Parking Challenges
The parking lot in front of the museum is primarily for the employees of the museum and the factory next door. On the roads around, you’ll see one Lamborghini after another being tested, as unlike Ferrari, they don’t have a test track here. For fans of these cars, it’s an exciting extra experience.
Next, we looked for parking… There were several parking lots available on the map, but they were all full. Panic was rising – was our trip really going to fail for lack of parking? After 40 minutes and several doses of panic, we finally found a free spot.
If you’re not always sure about paid parking abroad, I recommend the EasyPark app. You can find out in seconds if parking is charged, set a time, and extend it at any time if needed. Payment is taken automatically, so no extra worries.
A Break Before the Museum
We parked about 1.3 km from the museum, which can seem like an insurmountable distance in temperatures approaching boiling point. Luckily, we found a small café near the museum where we encountered factory employees, completely dressed in Lamborghini apparel. It would be hard to find nicer work uniforms.
Entering Lamborghini Heaven
Before entering, we were greeted, as expected, by a statue of a bull. We walked through the glass doors, presented our valid tickets at the reception desk, and entered heaven…
The Lamborghini Museum is smaller than the one in Maranello, but that doesn’t detract from its charm. We were pleasantly impressed by the lower level with older models. Then, on the first floor, emotions ran high, like New Year’s Eve fireworks in New York.
Iconic Models Up Close
Here we were treated to a unique spectacle – Sesto Elemento, Veneno, and Reventón side by side and within touching distance. Being so close to these machines is an experience that even non-car enthusiasts will appreciate.
A Pleasant Surprise in the Gift Shop
Admission here is lower than at the Ferrari Museum, as are the prices in the gift shop, which was another pleasant surprise.
An Unforgettable Visit to Modena
The visit to Modena and the Lamborghini Museum exceeded our expectations. The combination of modern technology and the history of automotive design in the heart of Italian motoring culture left an unforgettable impression. For car fans, but also for those who simply want to experience something special, Modena and its motoring heritage is an ideal destination.
We already know we haven’t looked back – Italy still has so much to offer, and its motoring passion is infectious.