Back in 1926, Antonio Cavalieri Ducati and his three sons, Adriano, Marcello, and Bruno founded a company in Bologna that dealt with the production of vacuum tubes, condensers, and other radio components. Named Societa Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati (now called Ducati), the company sustained well in the coming years before becoming a repeated target of Allied bombing during World War II. However, around the same time, Aldo Farinelli, a part of a small Turinese firm SIATA (Societa Italiana per Applicazioni Tecniche Auto-Aviatorie), was working towards developing a small pushrod engine for mounting on bicycles.
Such great minds coming together led to the resurgence of Ducati in the years that followed. The immediate success witnessed the introduction of some classic Ducati motorcycles. While most of us may not have witnessed these classics first-hand back then, the Italian motorcycle brand gives its fans a chance to relive the nostalgia as well as the experience of motor making. Sounds like music to your ears? We know that feeling. Ducati’s famous museum and factory tours have reopened full-time to in-person visitors.
Let’s find out what Ducati’s museum and factory tours are all about.
The Ducati Museum Now Open For Visitors
Located in the heart of Bologna in Italy, the Ducati museum provides a 360-degree experience to Ducati lovers. The motorcycle museum was established in 1998 and houses a collection of Ducati motorcycles and trophies. It covers every little detail about Ducati’s history. From the past to the future, as well as the company’s challenges, success, vision, and determination, the museum gives you a peek into the Italian motorcycle brand’s 90 years of history. The Italian brand has always been famous for its combination of style and performance and the museum will give you a similar vibe. Ducati’s exclusive 360-degree experience is for those who are passionate about Ducati motorcycles. It has been designed to tell you the tale of the Italian motorcycle brand’s rich history with the help of four different routes. These exclusive routes will guide you through Ducati’s journey right from its origins to the present day.
First up is something called ‘Ducati Moments’. Ducati Moments talks about all the relevant facts, people, and innovations that have contributed to the evolution of the Italian motorcycle giant. You will also discover interesting facts about the company’s most iconic bikes such as the Scrambler, the Monster series, and more. You will learn about why Ducati associates so strongly with the color ‘Red’ and intricate details such as the company’s first-ever MotoGP win. Next, ‘The Origins’ narrates the first twenty years in the early 20th century when Antonio Cavalieri Ducati founded the company and the events that followed. This is followed by a program that is focused on the history of Ducati motorcycles. Termed ‘The History of Road Motorcycles’, this route covers the 20 most iconic models that have made Ducati’s history memorable. These 20 motorcycles are spread across 4 different halls of the museum. Goes without saying that all these motorcycles are stunning to look at. Last but not least, the final route is called the ‘Ducati History In Competitions’. This narrative route is based on the display of a vast collection of racing motorcycles. Each of these models tells a different story about a rider and their victory back in the day. Also, on display are some trophies and racing suits belonging to some great champions in Ducati’s history.
The Ducati Factory Tour
If you are ever in Bologna, Italy, a visit to Ducati’s factory is a must. It has been Ducati’s headquarters since its inception in 1936. It is this place where most Ducati motorcycles are designed, assembled, and then, shipped all over the world. To experience it all would be simply surreal. During your factory tour, you will be accompanied by one of Ducati’s guides. The tour guide will show you everything that happens at the factory: where and how the bikes are conceived, the mechanical department, the Ducati engine assembly area, assembly lineups, as well as the testing, and shipping areas.
Since its reopening, Ducati museum and factory tours are available seven days a week, except for public holidays. You can book your museum entry for as little as €17. Children under 11 years of age can enter the museum for free.
Read Next
About The Author
