Centro Storico Fiat (Fiat Historic Center), Turin

The Fiat Historic Center (Centro Storico Fiat) offers visitors a deep dive into the legacy of one of Italy’s most influential automotive companies. Established in 1963 and opened to the public in 1965, the museum is housed in a former factory building dating back to 1907, located in Turin’s San Salvario district. This was Fiat’s first car manufacturing plant, where early models like the 3½ HP were produced. Today, the space has been carefully preserved and transformed into a cultural hub dedicated to the history of Fiat, showcasing how the company shaped Italian industry and modern mobility.

Inside, the museum holds a rich collection of vintage automobiles, from early 20th-century models to iconic vehicles that defined eras of Italian design. Cars such as the Fiat 501, 514, and the legendary Topolino are displayed alongside racing cars, commercial vehicles, and prototypes. Complementing the cars are collections of advertising posters, scale models, films, and historic documents that trace the brand’s impact not only on the automotive world but also on Italian society and lifestyle.

Visitors will also find exhibits on Fiat’s role in aviation, military production, and public transport, demonstrating the company’s broad technological reach. The architecture of the building itself, with its industrial character and historic atmosphere, adds to the experience by evoking the origins of Turin’s reputation as Italy’s “Motor City.”

The Fiat Historic Center is open free of charge on select Sundays each month, making it an accessible cultural stop for anyone exploring Turin. For car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, it provides an engaging look at the intersection of design, technology, and history that defined 20th-century Italy.