Opened in 2006 on the initiative of champion Fiorenzo Magni, the Museo del Ciclismo stands next to the Santuario della Madonna del Ghisallo and tells its story across three floors of memorabilia.
The museum, recognised as one of the official museums of the Lombardy Region, is located in the municipality of Magreglio, next to the Santuario della Madonna del Ghisallo, whose story it ideally continues: the Madonna has been the patron saint of cyclists since 1949, and the museum’s opening date, 14 October 2006, on the occasion of the Giro di Lombardia, is no coincidence — it echoes Pope Pius XII’s proclamation, which took place in the same month of 1949.
Collection
The exhibition is organised into five sections: the Grande Enciclopedia del Ciclismo (Great Encyclopedia of Cycling), historic memorabilia from champions, a section with around a hundred vintage cycling films (“Ciak e campioni”), an area dedicated to forty-eight great champions each presented in a circular setting, and a section on the design and technical evolution of the racing bicycle.
Practical information
- Seasonal opening, roughly from late February/early March to 1 November, with continuous hours.
- Paid admission with reductions for several categories (FAI and Touring Club members, groups, cyclists arriving by bike, under-26s, over-65s) and free entry for young children and people with disabilities; the museum takes part in the Abbonamento Musei Lombardia scheme.
- Hours and prices change seasonally: always check the official website before visiting.
- Official website: museodelghisallo.it — via Gino Bartali, Magreglio (CO).