Visiting the Museo Ferrari in Maranello: History, Experience, and Practical Travel Guide
Visiting the Museo Ferrari in Maranello is more than a museum stop—it is an immersion into one of Italy’s most powerful cultural symbols. As someone who has visited the museum in person, the experience feels both educational and emotional. Walking through the exhibits, surrounded by legendary cars and racing history, it becomes clear that Ferrari represents not just speed and luxury, but decades of innovation, ambition, and Italian identity.
F-1 on display in the grand foyer
This article combines researched background information with personal reflection and practical travel guidance, offering both an informative overview and a traveler’s perspective.
A Brief History of Ferrari
Ferrari was founded by Enzo Ferrari, born in Modena in 1898. His early career involved racing and managing teams for Alfa Romeo. In 1929, he established Scuderia Ferrari, initially as a racing team. After World War II, Enzo launched Ferrari as an automobile manufacturer, producing its first car, the Ferrari 125 S, in 1947.
One of the original Ferarri’s
Ferrari’s success in motorsport—especially Formula One—cemented its reputation. Over time, the brand evolved into a producer of high-performance road cars while maintaining its racing DNA. The Museo Ferrari in Maranello documents this journey through vehicles, engines, trophies, and immersive exhibits.
The Ferrari Logo
The Ferrari logo, the Cavallino Rampante (prancing horse), originally belonged to Italian World War I fighter pilot Francesco Baracca. After Baracca’s death, his parents suggested Enzo Ferrari use the symbol for good luck. Ferrari added a yellow background, representing Modena. Today, the emblem is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.
The iconic Ferrari Logo
Inside the Museo Ferrari (Maranello)
Located next to Ferrari’s factory and headquarters, the museum focuses on the brand’s racing achievements, engineering excellence, and design evolution.
One of the many internal components of what makes up a Ferrari on display
What You See
Formula One championship cars and trophies
Historic and modern Ferrari road cars
Concept cars and future-focused designs
Engine and technology exhibits
Interactive F1 simulators and multimedia displays
From personal experience, the Formula One section is particularly striking—seeing the cars up close makes the engineering feel tangible rather than abstract. The museum is well organized and easy to navigate, even for visitors who are not car experts.
How Long to Plan & When It’s Busy
Recommended visit time:
1.5–2 hours for a standard visit
2–3 hours if you include simulators or tours
Busy periods:
June through August
Weekends and school holidays
Visiting on a weekday morning or outside peak summer months provides a calmer, more enjoyable experience.
Opening Hours
April–May: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
June–August: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
September–October: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
November–March: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Closed on December 25 and January 1.
Getting to the Museo Ferrari
By Car
Bologna: ~45 minutes
Florence: ~1 hour
Verona: ~1.5 hours
Venice: ~2.5 hours
Parking is available near the museum.
By Train + Shuttle
Train to Modena Station
Shuttle bus or taxi to Maranello
Transportation from Major Italian Cities
From Florence
Train to Modena (~1.5 hours)
Shuttle or taxi to Maranello
Driving option: ~1 hour
From Verona
Train to Modena (~1.5 hours)
Shuttle or taxi onward
Driving option: ~1.5 hours
From Venice
High-speed train to Modena (~2–2.5 hours)
Shuttle or taxi to Maranello
Driving option: ~2.5 hours
1. Museo Ferrari Entry + Simulator (Skip-the-Line)
If you want priority entry and the chance to feel what it’s like to sit in a Ferrari simulator: Click here for a tour.
🔗 This tour lets you bypass queues and includes access to the museum’s highlights, from historic cars to interactive exhibits (rated ~4.5/5).
Find out what its like to drive a F-1 in this simulator.
2. Modena ↔ Maranello: Bus Transfer + Ferrari Museum Ticket
Perfect for public transit travelers: a comfortable round-trip shuttle from Modena (train station) directly to the Ferrari Museum entrance. Click here for tour information.
This is one of the highest-rated, simplest ways to combine rail travel with the museum visit (~4.6/5).
3. Combo Ticket: Ferrari Museums (Maranello + Modena) + Shuttle
If you’d like to experience both Ferrari hubs — the Maranello Museum and the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena — this tour connects the two with shuttle service. Click here for tour information.
It’s a wonderful way to get the full story: Maranello’s racing heritage and Modena’s founder history (~4.5/5).
4. Ferrari Museum + Fiorano Track/Shuttle Combo
Explore the museum plus a panoramic shuttle tour around the Fiorano test track and Ferrari factory lanes. Click here for tour information.
A great option if you want the feel of Ferrari beyond the exhibits (~4.5/5).
5. Ferrari Museum + Short Ferrari Road Test
For those who want goosebumps: museum entry plus a 15-minute Ferrari Portofino road test next to the museum. Click here for tour information.
A phenomenal way to live the Ferrari experience, not just see it. It’s one of the top-rated immersive options (~5/5).
(All of the above are available directly on getyourguide.com and consistently maintain ratings of 4.5 stars or higher.)
Combination Tours: Ferrari Plus Local Culture.
An additional and increasingly popular way to visit the Museo Ferrari is through combination tours offered by local guides in the Emilia-Romagna regions.
Many tours depart from Modena, Bologna, Parma, or surrounding towns and combine:
In addition to the standard Ferrari-focused tours above, there are combination tours that pair Ferrari with regional food and culture — perfect if you want a day-trip that feels truly Italian:
F-1 Pit Crew Mock Up
🍷 Optional Combination Experiences (Food + Ferrari Museum) — With Direct Links
If you want to turn your Ferrari Museum visit into a full Italian cultural day — sampling local food traditions, visiting farms, and tasting regional specialties — the tours below are excellent choices. Each includes a stop at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello along with other memorable experiences.
1. Parmesan and Balsamic Food Tour with Ferrari Museum
This highly-rated tour starts with visits to local producers — including a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese farm and a traditional balsamic vinegar estate — featuring guided tastings of cheese, vinegar, local wine, and more. It wraps up with skip-the-line entrance to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Click here for tour information.
⭐ Rating: ~4.8/5 (high praise for organization, tastings, and overall value)
2. Bologna/Modena: Parmesan, Ferrari, Balsamic & Wine Tour with Lunch
This full-day guided tour from Bologna or Modena includes:
A guided look at local Parmigiano Reggiano production,
Visit to a balsamic vinegar producer,
Lunch at a countryside farmhouse,
Skip-the-line ticket to the Ferrari Museum.
It’s a highly immersive way to experience Emilia-Romagna’s culinary traditions before exploring automotive history. Click here for tour information.
⭐ Rating: ~4.9/5 (excellent reviews highlight local food, wine, and the Ferrari visit)
Three Things I Would Do on a Return Visit
1. Spend More Time in the Formula One Section
On my visit, this was the most compelling area. Revisiting would allow a deeper look at the technical details and history behind each car.
2. Take the Factory and Fiorano Track Shuttle Tour
Seeing the environment where Ferraris are built and tested would add valuable context to the museum exhibits.
3. Visit the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena
The second museum focuses more on Enzo Ferrari’s personal story and early work, complementing the Maranello museum perfectly.
Conclusion
The Museo Ferrari in Maranello successfully balances history, technology, and emotion. From a personal perspective, the visit feels impactful even for those without deep automotive knowledge. The museum is accessible, well-curated, and surrounded by opportunities to expand the experience—whether through simulators, factory tours, combination food tours, or a visit to the second Ferrari museum in Modena.
With flexible transportation options from major Italian cities and a wide range of highly rated tours available, a visit to the Museo Ferrari can be easily tailored to fit different travel styles. It is not just a stop for car enthusiasts, but a meaningful cultural experience rooted in Italian heritage.
