Museo del motore a scoppio Barsanti e Matteucci
Museum in the Antica Loggetta dei Guinigi telling the story of the first internal combustion engine by the Lucca inventors Barsanti and Matteucci, with models in motion and videos.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo del motore a scoppio is run by the Fondazione Barsanti e Matteucci, established on 4 June 2003 on the initiative of the Rotary Club Lucca to mark the 150th anniversary of the invention of the internal combustion engine. The foundation aims to make known the history of the two Lucca scientists, Eugenio Barsanti and Felice Matteucci, and of the first working internal combustion engine.
The museum is housed in the Antica Loggetta dei Guinigi, in via Sant’Andrea, a short walk from the Torre Guinigi. The route illustrates the studies and results of the two inventors, from 1843, with the first experiments at the Scuole Pie in Volterra, to 1864, when the Bauer engine was set in motion at Seraing, in Belgium.
On the first floor, video clips on the lives and works of the two scientists are screened, alongside models of the devices used in the first experiments and reproductions of the main documents. On the ground floor, large-scale models reproduce in motion the engines designed by Barsanti and Matteucci. The museum has been recognised as being of regional significance by the Regione Toscana.
Highlights
- Large-scale models of the Barsanti and Matteucci engines, shown in motion
- Animated video clips on the experiments from 1843 to 1864
- Reproductions of the documents and patents of the two inventors
- Located in the Antica Loggetta dei Guinigi, near the Torre Guinigi
- Free admission and films with Italian and English subtitles
Permanent exhibition
- Percorso permanente sul motore Barsanti e Matteucci – Models of the engines in motion, animated video clips and reproductions of documents on the studies of Barsanti and Matteucci from 1843 to 1864.
- Founded
- 2013
- Operated by
- Fondazione Barsanti e Matteucci ETS
- Visitors per year
- approx. 8,000
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free during regular opening hours, although a voluntary donation is possible. A contribution is required for visits by appointment.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The ground floor is fully accessible to people with disabilities; the printed and audiovisual content of the first floor can be consulted at an equipped station on the ground floor. The films have Italian and English subtitles for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Stazione di Lucca · 11-min walk
About 11 minutes’ walk from Lucca railway station and 14 minutes’ walk from the Piazzale Verdi bus terminal.
By car
Paid parking
Paid car parks nearby: Piazza San Ponziano, Parcheggio Mazzini, Viale Giusti, Cittadella.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours and activities for schools by appointment: +39 0583 467 870, info@barsantiematteucci.it. The foundation’s publications are available at the museum. |
