Ducati Museum (Museo Ducati)
The Basics
A visit to the Ducati Museum is a popular stop on Motor Valley tours from Bologna. Visitors can learn about the origins of Italy’s famed Ducati motorcycles, which were introduced in 1926; marvel over the impressive collection of vintage and modern motorcycles; admire the large display of trophies, photos, and memorabilia; discover key engineering milestones such as the introduction of the Desmodromic system, the L-twin engine, and the Trellis frame; and hear about iconic Ducati riders such as Troy Bayliss and Casey Stoner. One particularly interesting highlight is the illuminated race track featuring 33 iconic bikes. Visits to the Ducati Museum are often part of full-day tours that also include the nearby Ferrari Museum, the Fiorano Test Track, and the Lamborghini factory.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Ducati Museum was completely renovated in 2016; today, a gift shop sells official branded clothing, toys, and other memorabilia.
You can pair a museum visit with a guided tour of the Ducati factory—just be sure to book in advance.
Museum visitors can download the Ducati Museum app for a multimedia guide with audio, images, text, and video further explaining the history and technical information of the motorcycles on display.
A visit to the Ducati Museum is especially fun for kids and motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages.
How to Get There
The Ducati Museum, located at the Ducati factory on the outskirts of Bologna, isn’t easy to reach by public transportation. Consider booking a private Motor Valley tour, which offers transportation to the museum along with other automobile museums in the area.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The museum and factory are both closed on Wednesdays year round and on Sundays in winter; the factory is also closed on Saturdays year round. A visit to the museum and factory is an unforgettable way to spend a rainy day—both the collection and shop are indoors.
Cars and Food Emilia-Romagna’s Two Passions
Emilia-Romagna is famous for two things: timeless automotive design and unrivaled cuisine. This region is home to Parmesan cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham, and balsamic vinegar from Modena; to really experience Emilia-Romagna’s crown jewels in a single day, combine a Ducati Museum visit with a food tour.
- Things to do in Emilia-Romagna
- Things to do in Modena
- Things to do in Ferrara
- Things to do in Ravenna
- Things to do in Florence
- Things to do in Chianti
- Things to do in Parma
- Things to do in Verona
- Things to do in Pisa
- Things to do in Venice
- Things to do in Siena
- Things to do in Genoa
- Things to do in Milan
- Things to do in Tuscany
- Things to do in Veneto
- National Gallery of Bologna (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna)
- Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca (Santuario della Madonna di San Luca)
- Albergati Palace (Palazzo Albergati)
- Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno)
- Bologna Piazza Maggiore
- San Petronio Basilica (Basilica di San Petronio)
- Prendiparte Tower (Torre Prendiparte)
- Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio (Teatro Anatomico dell'Archiginnasio)
- Oratory of Santa Cecilia (Oratorio Di Santa Cecilia)
- Two Towers (Due Torri)
- Basilica of San Domenico (Basilica di San Domenico)
- Bologna University Quarter
- Basilica of Santo Stefano (Basilica di Santo Stefano)
- Marconi Museum (Museo Marconi)
- Lamborghini Museum (Museo Lamborghini)