The Ducati Museum, which is part of the Ducati headquarters, is dedicated to the history of this renowned Italian motorcycle company. In addition to checking out examples of various Ducati race bikes, visitors also get a glimpse of how Ducatis come together in the factory.

Established in 1926, Ducati started out as a small company that manufactured radio parts and other electronics. After World War II, Ducati turned its attention to fulfilling the demand for cheap, reliable transportation in Italy. Today the company is known for its innovative motorcycles, which regularly earn titles in the World Superbike and MotoGP championships.

Discover the story of this iconic company through well-organized displays, videos and mementos. Spread over 9,149 square feet (850 square meters), you’ll see Ducati’s top motorcycles organized around a central helmet-shaped theater. Be sure to explore the seven themed rooms that branch off the main room and present in-depth overviews of certain features.

As you admire the bikes, notice how the Ducati logo has changed over the decades. Keep an eye out for some of the museum’s most famous bikes, including Paul Smart’s Imola 750 and Mike Hailwood’s Isle of Man NCR.

Don’t miss the area dedicated to Ducati’s desmodromic valve system, which is known for revolutionizing the racing world. Stop by the gift shop and check out the extensive collection of Ducati clothing and accessories.

Sign up for the guided factory tour, which provides a first-hand perspective on how Ducati’s motorcycles are built. You can observe the factory’s staff expertly constructing bikes on a moving assembly line. If you’re lucky, you might get a peek through the window of the closely guarded Ducati development lab, where the newest innovations are brainstormed and tested.

The Ducati Museum is located on Via Antonio Cavalieri Ducati in the western part of Bologna. It can be reached by a short bus ride from the city’s main train station. The museum is open daily, with regular closures on Christmas and Easter.