The Lamborghini factory museum opened in a new glass walled
structure to the right of the main factory entrance in 2001, and
until recently there was free admission. However, presumably due
to the number of visitors, plus the staffing, administration and
maintenance costs, admission charges have been introduced.
The standard admission fee is 12 Euros, which to my mind
seems rather high for what is essentially a two storey car
showroom, when compared to the 15 Euros charged by the
Galleria Ferrari not a million miles away in Maranello. The Galleria
Ferrari is much larger, with a greater number and variety of cars,
artefacts and memorabilia, plus it normally also has a themed
exhibition running at any one time. However, for the Lamborghini
enthusiast the museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese is a must do
thing when in the area.
The exhibits trace the company’s history from the 350 GT
(although this model was not present during our recent visit, only
its signboard) to the present day, with a well laid out and
spacious display with good natural lighting. Apart from their
spectacular production road cars, on the first floor there are also a
couple of Lamborghini powered F1 cars, a Minardi M.191/l - 03
from 1992 and a Lola-Larousse LC 89 from 1989, plus power boat
engines. This floor also features a number of prototypes that never
made the production stage, including the Marcello Gandini
designed P 140 from 1988 plus his P147 – Gandini (“Acosta”)
and the P 147 Zagato (“Canto”) from 1997, both of which were
Diablo replacement proposals, the Luc Donckerwolke designed
Concept S from 2005, and the Muira Concept from 2006. Add in
a couple of GT racing models, an example of the Gallardo –
Polizia Stradale, plus a selection of engines, and you have every
Lamborghini enthusiasts dream.
One of the bonus features of Lamborghini is that, unlike Ferrari,
they welcome factory visits by the general public. You just need
to gather a group of 15 to 20 friends, and by prior arrangement
you can have a tour of the production lines, engine assembly area
and upholstery shop at a reasonable fee. The tour can be
arranged with a guide speaking either, Italian, English, French or
German. If you need souvenirs of your visit, then visit the
expansive boutique to the left of the main entrance, where there is
a wide range of Lamborghini licensed products available. Further
details can be found at www.visit.lamborghini.com
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday (except holidays) 09.30 – 12.30 & 13.30 –
17.00
Admission Prices
Adult – 12 Euros
Students, Senior Citizens and groups of 20+ - 9 Euros
Factory Guided Tour (Must be booked in advance for groups of 15
– 20 people) – 39 Euros per person or 29 Euros for parties of 20+
Keith Bluemel
03/2010
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