The "Museo Piaggio"located in the heart of the beautiful Tuscany region (not far from the city of Pisa), in Italy, is a unique and fascinating place for lovers of history and the famous Vespa scooter brand. With a rich history and a multitude of exhibits and collections to discover, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to take a trip back in time to explore the many milestones of this iconic company. In this article, we present everything you need to know about the Museo Piaggio Here you'll find information on the museum's history, ticket prices, contents, interesting exhibitions, visitor reviews and practical tips for planning your visit. If you're considering vespa rental in Tuscany and wander the winding roads between the vineyards around Florence, why not drop in for a visit!
History of the Museo Piaggio
Founded in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio, thePiaggio company initially specialized in the production of railcars, streetcars, ships and aircraft. It was only after the Second World War that the company turned to the production of motorized scooters, to meet the growing demand for affordable, reliable personal transport.
The Vespa, born in 1946, quickly became a symbol of freedom and mobility for an entire generation. Since then, the Vespa brand has been synonymous with joie de vivre, Italian style and quality craftsmanship.
The Museo Piaggio has been inaugurated in 2000 (and totally renovated in 2018!) to celebrate the heritage and evolution of this iconic company over the course of the 20th century. It is located in the historic Pontedera factory, where the first Vespa was produced.
Ticket prices and opening times
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm, closed 1pm to 2pm. It has already welcomed 800,000 visitors, but few people complain about its affluence: it's rather quiet.
The morning
First group: from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with the option of staying and making purchases in the museum bookshop until 11:00 a.m.. This is the least crowded time slot, and we recommend it during the summer.
Second group: from 11.30am to 12.30pm, with the option of staying and shopping in the museum bookshop until 1pm.
In the afternoon
First group: from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with the possibility of staying and making purchases in the museum bookshop until 3:30 pm.
Second group: from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with the possibility of staying and making purchases in the museum bookshop until 5:30 pm.
Admission is very affordable: it's free (without guided tour)!
The Piaggio Foundation is non-profit-making, but a voluntary contribution is welcome (5eur/pers).
If you request a private tour, i.e. you won't be sharing your guide with strangers, the total cost for a group of up to 10 people will be 50 euros.
In August, you can only book the self-guided tour. Guided tours are not available.
And why not take advantage of the Vespa experience in Tuscany with a 2-wheel activity: ?
Museum contents and collections
The Museo Piaggio offers visitors a unique experience to discover the evolution of the Vespa brand through the decades, and admire some emblematic models up close. Over 250 vehicles are on display, ranging from early prototypes to the latest models, as well as machines used in sporting competitions. Here are some of the museum's highlights:
The Vespa collection
Without doubt, the museum's centerpiece is its vast collection of Vespa scooters. Here you can admire the first models dating back to 1946, alongside the most popular and emblematic models, such as the Vespa Primavera or the Vespa PX.
The Piaggio Ape collection
The museum also presents the history and evolution of Piaggio's famous utility vehicle, the Ape, which is a close cousin of the Vespa and has been a huge success in Italy and around the world since its creation in 1948.
Gilera motorcycles and competition machines
The Gilera brand, now part of the Piaggio Group, has a long history in the world of two-wheelers and sports competitions. The museum exhibits several historic models of this prestigious brand, as well as machines that have taken part in various international competitions, such as the legendary Bol d'Or and the Tourist Trophy.
Is it worth it?
In addition to the richness and quality of the collections on display, the Museo Piaggio stands out for its playful, immersive approach. Thematic areas allow visitors to delve deep into the history of the brand and discover the different facets of Vespa culture:
- The fact that it is located on the original site of the former Piaggio factory!
- A wide range of models, in collector's condition
- The Poster and Graphics Gallery: this section features an extensive collection of advertising posters, graphic documents and photographs testifying to Vespa's longevity and cultural impact over the decades.
What do we think?
Frankly, we enjoyed the Museo Piaggio for the richness of its collections (superb models that will revive this nostalgia) and the remarkable scenography. Last year, we did a vespa outing in the vineyards and fell in love with these little jewels of history and charm.
The comments and reviews left by visitors also highlight the warm, competent welcome provided by the museum's staff, as well as the beauty of the premises, which provide an ideal setting in which to discover the history and world of Vespa.
Practical information
It's forbidden to touch the vehicles, but 2 of them (including a Vespa "side car"!) allow you to take a photo inside, for a souvenir! I recommend it!
Please note dogs of all sizes are welcome. Water bowls are available on request... we told you they were nice!
To get to the Museo Piaggio in Tuscanyseveral options are available to you:
- By car: the museum is about 30 minutes by car from Pisa (in the direction of Florence) and 1 hour from Florence. Free parking is available nearby.
- By train: Pontedera-Casciana Terme station is just a few minutes' walk from the museum. Regular trains run from Florence and Pisa.
Address: Viale Rinaldo Piaggio, 7 - 56025 Pontedera (Pisa) - Italia
Website : https://www.museopiaggio.it/
Don't wait any longer to discover this emblematic Tuscan site and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Vespa!
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