Musée automobile PANINI — Attraction in Modena

Compared to what I saw in the pictures from before opening this new site (which was just a couple of days ago), I honestly felt disappointed. I expected to see more cars, more everything… Also, there is a huge misleading about the payment for the visit. The “old” reviews refer to the old location which was free of charge to visit. But the same confusion continues on their website where, at this very moment, the information about the admission fees is very general, limited, and hidden between the lines - to be fair and transparent, this requires much more highlight than it has right now. I have to keep in mind that this is a private collection, yet 15€ admission fee to see only 21 exhibits (which look good) sounds inappropriate compared to 15€ for the admission to the Alfa Romeo museum in Milan (which, in my opinion, is the benchmark for any car museum or collection that’s there; although I’m not an “alfista”). The place also felt like a furnace, without the air conditioning on such a hot day (33 C) so I couldn’t enjoy the visit, dripping sweat and rushing myself out. To sum up, I would have rated this place 3* only, same as the disappointing Lamborghini and Ferrari in the nearby (experience/value/quantity/money), but here at least I have to appreciate the efforts of the founder, the family’s love for Maserati, and the fact that this is an entirely private collection, not supported by the car brand. In fact, I think it should have been Maserati’s effort to preserve, organise, develop, or at least support the collection, so, dear Maserati, a big thumbs down for you here (with no reflection on this review). Although some harsh criticism, buona fortuna, guys, and keep doing what...

Summary: impressive kindness of staff and beautiful collection!

As the entrance is free, the experience was "surprisingly" amazing! Do not forget to bring cash to leave a donation for the most excellent and kind staff in the region!

The collection itself includes a wide variety of Maserati cars, some (motor)bikes and a couple of impressive, antique racing cars. Do not expect to walk into the latest Ferrari or Lamborghini, but for those who have a genuine interest in the history of everything concerning vehicles, this is as good as it gets!

Furthermore, it has to be said that the people working here are of the kindest kind. Walking into the office at the entrance, only a quick "buongiorno" suffices to start a conversation about anything regarding automuseums, the region and Formula 1. The gentlemen behind the desk are knowledgeable and spontaneous providing excellent information and conversation.

Following the conversation, we were even invited to the on-site Parmigiano Reggiano collection, hosting over 9,000 wheels of the highest quality Parmigiano Reggiano. Originally this place was closed, but (again) considering the kindness of the staff it was no surprise they opened it for us and gave us a 15 minute tour of the place.

Do not forget to buy a piece of prime quality Parmigiano at the shop (which, as you may expect, they opened especially for us) and some tools at a...

One of the best private collections of cars (Maserati, but also rare cars such as a Mercedes 300S Gull-wing and many others, including pre-production models) and Lamborghini tractors near Modena. Collection has been updated since last visit in 2016. Free access. And great cheese store nearby.

Cheese? Yes, this museum is located on a huge derry farm, because the owner also owned the huge farm and parmesan cheese makery (up until two years ago) and at the time, when Maserati was in financial troubles, bought the entire collection from them in order to prevent the cars from disappearing into various Middle Eastern sheik collections, never too be seen again by the public.

Due to the farm having been sold, the museum will be moving to another location, sometime in the future. However it seems they are not in a hurry.

Must see when...