Museo del Ciclismo Madonna del Ghisallo

About the museum

The museum was founded and opened in October 2006 at the wish of Fiorenzo Magni, the “Lion of Flanders”. Its last stone was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI on 31 May 2006 and bears the inscription “Omnia vincit amor”. It stands on the Ghisallo hill, next to the 17th-century sanctuary that houses the image of the Madonna del Ghisallo.

The link between cycling and the sanctuary goes back to 1949, when Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Madonna del Ghisallo patron saint of cyclists; the year before he had blessed and lit a bronze torch in Rome, which was then placed in the sanctuary. The Ghisallo climb has several times been the finish and decisive moment of races such as the Giro d’Italia and the Giro di Lombardia.

The museum is run by the Fondazione Museo del Ciclismo – Madonna del Ghisallo and spreads over several floors, with about 570 square metres of exhibition space: military bicycles, a large collection of pink jerseys from the Giro d’Italia, the mechanic’s workshop inspired by the tools of the Legnano craftsman Giannino Albè, the racing and record bicycles of champions, the “Muro della Memoria” (Wall of Memory) dedicated to cyclists who have died, and a section on cinema. The basement hosts temporary exhibitions, a conference room and a library that can be consulted on request.

Highlights

• Central display case with the bicycles of Bartali, Coppi and Magni
• Large collection of pink jerseys from the Giro d’Italia
• Military bicycles, including a folding Bianchi of the Bersaglieri
• Record and track bicycles, including those of Coppi and Moser
• Muro della Memoria dedicated to cyclists who have died
• Mechanic’s workshop inspired by the tools of Giannino Albè

Founded

2006

Operated by

Fondazione Museo del Ciclismo – Madonna del Ghisallo

Visitors per year

approx. 13,285

Admission & discounts

Reduced to €4 for AIDO and AVIS donors and for FAI members over 65. Free admission also for residents of Magreglio, press and ICOM members. The Abbonamento Musei Lombardia and Piemonte includes admission. Annual cards give access all year and support the museum. On the day of a birthday (or up to two days before or after), young people aged 9 to 17 enter free and adults pay €3.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The building is free of architectural barriers and a ramp leads to the exhibition rooms; a lift takes people with disabilities to a safe area outside in case of emergency. Dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum offers activities for families, the downloadable Kids guide, “Una notte al museo” and birthday parties (free admission for young people aged 9 to 17 on their birthday; aperitif and family parties on request).

Getting there & parking

The museum is next to the sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo, on the Ghisallo climb in Magreglio.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi (ask the staff for the password). Shop with a separate entrance (books, cycling clothing, gadgets) and an online shop. Information point at the entrance with a map in 7 languages, bicycle parking with free padlocks on request, and a picnic area.

Events & venue rental

The basement hosts a conference room; the website does not publish hire conditions.

Plan your visit