{"id":10170,"date":"2016-02-09T16:47:58","date_gmt":"2016-02-09T15:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/museonicolis.com\/?page_id=10170"},"modified":"2025-12-16T15:07:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T14:07:47","slug":"the-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.museonicolis.com\/en\/the-museum\/the-history\/","title":{"rendered":"The History"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”189656″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]History, passion and design.<\/strong><\/span>
\nOne of the most exciting and impressive private exhibitions on the international scene, the Museo Nicolis in Verona<\/strong> tells the story of 20th century technology and design. Recognition of its excellence today comes from being awarded the most prestigious prizes in the world of classic cars: \u2018Museum of the Year\u2019<\/strong> at the Historic Motoring Awards in London, \u2018Best in Classic \u2013 Museum of the Year\u2019<\/strong> by Ruoteclassiche, Special Recognition FIVA<\/a> \u2013 F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale des V\u00e9hicules Anciens<\/strong>, the world\u2019s leading institution for the protection of historic vehicles, awarded for the long-standing and consistent dedication to the preservation, enhancement, and promotion of international motoring culture and the \u2018Excellence of the Year\u2019<\/strong> prize awarded by ACI Storico. Further proof of the value of its collections is provided by Villafranca\u2019s entry in the \u2018Citt\u00e0 dei Motori\u2019 circuit, the network that unites 27 Italian municipalities, which offer the best of Italy in this field such as international brands such as Pagani, Lamborghini, Ferrari. The Museo Nicolis offers authentic gems of 20th century mechanics in a scenographic and coherent itinerary: unprecedented and refined collections, milestones of creative ingenuity. A treasure chest of masterpieces of mechanics and style, fruit of the inspiration of visionary designers. Glorious brands such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lancia, Maserati, Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Avions Voisin, Darracq and Isotta Fraschini<\/strong> are represented.
\nUnique pieces that recount the evolution of the automobile with rigour and beauty, ideally forming a tangible and universal encyclopaedia that makes the Nicolis an exciting and contemporary place of widespread culture. The collections, selected with foresight by the founder, bear witness to man\u2019s ingenuity, his art: the automobile in its countless identities, mechanical technology in its most sophisticated form, a heritage handed down and returned to the community.<\/p>\n

Ten collections and hundreds of unique items.<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Museo owes its foundation to the enormous passion of Luciano Nicolis<\/strong>. The story of a lifetime that found its ideal location in a 6000 m\u00b2 exhibition area when it opened in the year 2000. The totally accessible and ultra-modern building enhances the quality of the exhibits on display and contributes to surprising and involving the spectator. The Car, Technology and Mechanics museum par excellence that conveys itself with extreme skill and delves its roots into technological excellence. Its masterpieces are divided into ten different collections with the aim of creating an organic, professionally qualified and structured itinerary to satisfy the most demanding visitor. The wide range of the collection patrimony represents an exclusive reality: over 200<\/strong> classic cars, 114<\/strong> bicycles, 104<\/strong> motorcycles; 500<\/strong> cameras and movie cameras, 100<\/strong> musical instruments and jukeboxes, 102<\/strong> typewriters, aeroplanes and instruments, a military area with First World War and Second World War relics, models of cars, aeroplanes and trains. A rare collection of driving accessories that includes 106 steering wheels from sophisticated one-seater Formula 1 racing cars and touring steering wheels. Innumerable works of human genius are displayed according to anthological, historical and stylistic itineraries. A sprawling museum in which the public can discover man\u2019s inventions and interpret them in every possible way.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom Buffalo Bill\u2019s telegraph to the De Lorean from \u2018Back to the Future\u2019. From the late 1800 velocipede to the first typewriter from the early 1900s. From the Queen of the Road Ferrari to the Master of the Skies aeroplane. And I could go on: the visitor\u2019s amazement bows before the magnificent reality of Museo Nicolis. Here, the unique passion of the collector has gathered together, like the tiles in a rare mosaic, the \u201cpieces\u201d of a wonderful never-ending story: that of mankind\u2019s progress, captured in the most vital instants and instincts of its creativity. Because what Museo Nicolis wants, and manages to be is the tangible proof of untiring evolution. And those who make this journey among the Nicolis halls and rooms, never tire of travelling on the path of the best memories<\/em>.\u201d Leo Turrini<\/p>\n

Corporate culture and brand heritage.<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Museo Nicolis is a unique virtuous example of modern Italian corporate culture<\/strong>, rooted in an entrepreneurial history that combines vision, responsibility and family values. More than 80 years ago, Luciano Nicolis was able to take up the legacy of his father Francesco<\/strong>, who in 1934<\/strong> started a small family business in Villafranca di Verona dedicated to paper recovery<\/strong>. It all began with a determined boy who, from a very young age, travelled the surrounding villages by bicycle to collect waste paper. With courage, spirit of initiative and an extraordinary ability to read the potential hidden in waste materials, Luciano chose to devote himself to a sector that was not considered then: giving value back to what others abandon<\/strong>. In 1963 Lamacart was founded, a leading company in paper recovery, a virtuous example of the circular economy.
\nThe same values of collecting and reuse also inspired his collecting: a tireless search for forgotten objects, restored and brought back to their former glory. Among the most representative pieces: the \u201cMotrice Pia\u201d, the first petrol combustion engine patented by Enrico Bernardi from Verona in 1882, the 1929 Isotta Fraschini (celebrated in films such as \u201cSunset Boulevard\u201d and by illustrious personalities such as Tsar Alexander, Rudolph Valentino and Isadora Duncan), the Lancia Astura Mille Miglia<\/strong>, unique in the world, built for Luigi Villoresi. Countless precious exhibits trace two centuries of technical and social history.<\/p>\n

A modern Corporate Museum.<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe talent of its founder only partly explains the success that the Nicolis has enjoyed over the years. The entrepreneurial management of Silvia Nicolis, President of the Museum, has made a decisive contribution to its success. She has boosted the development and cultural and tourist promotion of the area. In over twenty-five years of management, she has consolidated an innovative management model based on themed exhibitions, cultural activities and wide-ranging projects. Today, the Nicolis is a cultural centre with an international scope, ranging from mechanics to design, from craftsmanship to fashion, to cinema and art. A transversal heritage that makes it a globally recognised relational and creative centre. Promotional initiatives, services aimed at the public and the business community<\/strong> contribute to the sustainable development of the Museum, in homage to the heritage marketing philosophy that has always inspired it.
\nHence the membership of Museimpresa<\/strong>, the Italian Association of Business Archives and Museums promoted by Confindustria and Assolombarda, which networks the heritage of Italian companies that are bearers of a modern economic, social and civil culture. Silvia Nicolis is Vice-President of the association and member of the Technical Group for Business Culture in the national Confindustria.<\/p>\n

The Congress Centre and events.<\/strong><\/span>
\nNext to the exhibition area, Nicolis hosts a multifunctional conference center for conferences, business meetings and events, which can accommodate hundreds of people. It includes the \u201cVilloresi<\/strong>\u201d Meeting Room (110 sqm), soundproofed and equipped, with an adjoining private VIP Room<\/strong>. The \u201cVistotal<\/strong>\u201d Multipurpose Space (220 square meters), overlooking the panoramic terrace, is ideal for catering, exhibitions and photo shoots. On the ground floor there is an independent area, \u201cLo Spazio delle Idee<\/strong>\u201d (600 square meters), which can accommodate up to 350 people. Elegant and flexible, it is designed for companies, institutions and creative projects to be carried out in a distinctive context, enhanced by the setting of unique vintage cars. It is also the ideal venue for exhibitions, cultural and artistic events.<\/p>\n

The Documentation Centre.<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Nicolis Documentation Center is the beating heart of the Museum\u2019s historical memory. Created with the aim of preserving, cataloging and making accessible the vast documentary heritage, it plays a fundamental role in cultural enhancement and research. Through cataloging, digitization and dissemination activities, the Documentation Center contributes in a concrete way to the educational and cultural mission of the Nicolis Museum, becoming a living laboratory of knowledge and conservation.
\nInside you will find:
\nA Historical Archive<\/strong>, which preserves original documents, correspondence, technical drawings, certifications and paper materials related to the Museum\u2019s collections and the industrial activities of the founder, Luciano Nicolis, which are part of the Lamacart Group.
\nA specialized library<\/strong> with hundreds of volumes dedicated to the history of the automobile, mechanical engineering, industrial design and transport. Technical manuals, vintage magazines, biographies of pilots and builders, rare and out-of-print publications are a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts. Each document is subject to a scrupulous cataloging, digitization and conservation process.
\nA constantly updated bank of images<\/strong>, which collects thousands of historical and contemporary photographs relating to the exhibits, the events of the Museum, the restorations and the history of motoring. This iconographic heritage represents a visual archive of exceptional value.<\/p>\n

Photo Shooting and Media.<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Museo Nicolis is an exceptional location for photographic and audiovisual productions<\/strong>, thanks to the timeless charm of its collections and the unique setting of its exhibition spaces. Vintage cars, motorcycles, period objects, and industrial backdrops provide the perfect set for editorial photo shoots, advertising campaigns, music videos, television programs, and film productions<\/strong>. Over the years, the Museum has hosted numerous collaborations with major brands, international media, directors, photographers, and content creators, becoming a point of reference for those seeking an authentic, evocative setting rich in character. Each project is carefully overseen by the Museum\u2019s staff, who provide logistical and organizational support while ensuring the protection of the collections and spaces. This innovative and effective approach helps enhance the value of the Nicolis heritage beyond the physical boundaries of the Museum, strengthening its cultural and communicative identity.<\/p>\n

Education, Accessibility, and Inclusion.<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Museum develops educational projects for schools of all levels<\/strong>\u2014from primary schools to universities\u2014offering interactive learning experiences that spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking. Activities are tailored to the age and knowledge level of the students, turning each visit into an engaging and multidisciplinary educational journey. All areas of the Museum are accessible and designed to welcome a broad and diverse audience, with particular attention to individuals with motor, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Inclusion<\/strong> is a top priority<\/strong>: the Nicolis is an open, welcoming, and barrier-free space that fosters dialogue across generations, cultures, and perspectives, in the spirit of sharing knowledge and beauty.<\/p>\n

Bookstore.<\/strong><\/span>
\nThanks to its partnership with the prestigious Libreria dell\u2019Automobile<\/strong> in Milan, the Museum\u2019s Bookstore is one of the most well-stocked in the automotive field, offering rare books, biographies, and historic catalogues. Adjacent to it, an exclusive Vintage Store features original period items of significant collectible and cultural value.<\/p>\n

Tourism and Hospitality.<\/strong><\/span>
\nVisitor hospitality has always been one of the cornerstones of the Museo Nicolis\u2019s identity, positioning it as a meeting point between culture, the local territory, and a passion for mechanics. The Museum encourages the discovery of Italian excellence, inviting guests to explore the rich cultural, artistic, and culinary offerings of the surrounding area. Thanks to strong partnerships with leading tourism operators, the Nicolis actively promotes both national and international tourism, contributing to the global appreciation of Italy\u2019s heritage.
\nJust minutes from the Museum, visitors can reach some of Northern Italy\u2019s most captivating destinations: Lake Garda, the art cities of Verona and Mantua, the wine routes of Valpolicella, Soave, and Bardolino<\/strong>, and the land of rice, offering rural and cultural itineraries to enjoy in every season. Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also among the recommended destinations featured in the Nicolis itineraries.
\nThe Museum is easily accessible<\/strong> by car, train, and plane, and is fully integrated into the motor and cycle tourism networks, including its membership in the Verona Garda Bike initiative. A multilingual team<\/strong> welcomes visitors in Italian, English, and German, ensuring a curated, accessible, and high-quality experience aligned with international standards.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Structure<\/h2>\n

The design of the building that houses the Nicolis collection envisaged the creation of an architectural structure with free floors: the internal rooms can be arranged freely, adapting to the functional needs of the museum exhibition. The large glass facades allow light to enter the interior spaces of this modern building at will.<\/p>\n

The articulation of the building and its orientation allow for a continuous change of perspective during the approach and the possibility of frontal views of the facades from different observation points. One of the most significant characterizations of the visual impact is also given by a large covered gallery which marks the central pedestrian access to the Museum. A fresh, light architecture to preserve the marvels of the history of the car.<\/p>\n

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