The Enzo Ferrari Museum is on Via Paolo Ferrari in Modena, a short walk from the train station, on the site where Enzo Ferrari was born. The visit has two parts: the restored house and workshop tied to his family, and a modern pavilion whose yellow roof is shaped like a car bonnet, designed by Czech architect Jan Kaplický. Inside, a changing selection of classic and current Ferraris stands beside engines and trophies, and a film on Enzo's life is projected across the hall. The museum opened in March 2012.
Two buildings on the site of Enzo's birthplace
The museum is built around the house where Enzo Ferrari was born, and the old workshop attached to it has been restored. Next to it is a newer pavilion of more than 2,500 square metres, designed by Czech architect Jan Kaplický. Its yellow roof is shaped like a louvred car bonnet, and its curving glass front reflects the red brick of the Ferrari family home.
The Fondazione Casa di Enzo Ferrari-Museo opened the museum on 10 March 2012. Its stated aim is to promote and preserve the history of motoring in Modena. An art gallery in the complex hosts temporary exhibitions on Ferrari's career, its cars and the drivers and races that made the marque known.
Inside the pavilion
The main hall is where the cars are. The selection rotates, so what you see depends on the season. Models mentioned by visitors include the F40 LM and the GTO. Each car is lit and placed like a sculpture, and classic V8 and V12 engines are shown alongside them.
One feature of the hall is a film on Enzo's life, projected across the walls and repeated through the day, with archive footage and milestones from the history of the Prancing Horse. Past temporary exhibitions have included a display of classic Ferraris once owned by famous musicians. Some of the exhibits explain how classic Ferraris are maintained and restored.
An interactive Formula 1 experience is also available. It is a paid extra, as is the photo in a car.
The workshop and the story of the man
The older part of the museum is about Enzo himself. The restored workshop belonging to his father is the starting point, and films, photographs and a range of objects trace his life from a young driver to a team manager known for his uncompromising standards. Trophies and engines from different eras show how the racing side of the company grew.
This section is quieter and more documentary than the pavilion. If you like to read and watch, the video presentations and historical documents repay a slower pace. It is also the part that explains why Modena, and not only nearby Maranello, belongs in the Ferrari story: Enzo lived here, and this is the house where he was born.
Getting there and what is on site
The museum is on the northern edge of the centre, about a 5 to 10 minute walk from Modena train station. From the old town you can also reach it on foot through the Ducal Gardens, passing the Ducal Palace on the way.
There is a restaurant on site and a free car park. The entrance, elevator, restrooms and parking are wheelchair accessible, and the museum has changing tables. It is also a good stop with children, and some young visitors have enjoyed turning the steering wheel of the exhibits that allow it.
The Ferrari museum in Maranello, with the production site and the racing team nearby, is about 18 km from Modena. Many visitors combine the two, and a joint ticket exists for that purpose.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee at the Enzo Ferrari Museum?
Yes. An adult ticket was €32 in summer. Visitors who arrive by train can get a reduced €20 entry with that day's train ticket, bought at the desk and not online.
How long do you need at the Enzo Ferrari Museum?
Plan 2 to 3 hours if you want to watch the film, read the displays in the workshop and look closely at the cars.
How far is the museum from Modena train station?
It is about a 5 to 10 minute walk from the station, on the northern edge of the centre.
Can I visit the Ferrari museum in Maranello with the same ticket?
A joint ticket covers both the Modena museum and the Ferrari museum in Maranello, which is about 18 km away.
Is the museum suitable for children and wheelchair users?
Yes to both. The museum is suitable for children, and the entrance, elevator, restrooms and parking are wheelchair accessible.
