Credit: turismobrescia.it
Classic cars are more than modes of transportation. They are works of art that should be admired for their beauty. Some classic cars are so stylish that they are put on display and many can be viewed in museums. There are various classic car museums across the globe, with one of the most interesting being the Mille Miglia Museum based in Brescia. It’s the only car museum to be housed within a monastery and also celebrates the legendary Mille Miglia race. We’re looking into the history of the museum.
A tribute to an iconic race
The museum was opened in 2004 in order to celebrate the Mille Miglia race that took place from 1927 to 1957. The race covered a thousand miles and pushed the endurance of drivers and their cars to the limits. After two fatal crashes, the Mille Miglia was banned, but it was revived as a rally event in 1982.
The museum has preserved the heritage of the race and is located inside the Monastery of Saint Eufemia. The building is a historical landmark which further adds to the prestige of the exhibition space.
Step inside and you’ll find an armada of classic cars that can be appreciated for their design. The cars either participated in historic races or are of the kind that could have taken part. Each car is privately owned, which means that the display changes regularly, due to the owners needing their vehicles for events.
There are various displays that explain the history of the Mille Miglia. Photographs and written information shows how the race was shaped by the surrounding area of Brescia. Therefore, the Mille Miglia museum goes beyond the world of cars.
A celebration of Italian culture
In addition to vehicle displays, the museum is filled with exhibitions that celebrate Italian culture. They include information on famous Italian books, films and Italian history. For example, you can learn about how Mussolini’s fascist regime placed a ban on anything jazz related entering the country. There are technological displays, including an exhibition on the construction of the Naples to Salerno motorway.
The museum also features plenty of women related exhibitions, such as a tribute to Nobel Prize winner Grazia Deledda. Other famous figures include aviation pioneer Carina Massone Negrone, who set a world flying record in 1935.
The Mille Miglia museum is one of the most exciting classic car venues in the world and is definitely worth a visit. You’ll come away with a greater appreciation of Italian culture.
For more information visit http://www.museomillemiglia.it/mille-miglia-museum/
