Volandia
Museum | Somma Lombardo | Lombardia | Italy
Volandia - Parco e Museo del Volo in Somma Lombardo is the largest aviation museum in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. It is located in the historic buildings of the former Caproni factories, founded in 1913, and covers an area of approximately 60,000 m², of which 20,000 m² are covered.
Collections and Exhibitions
Volandia houses over 100 aircraft, including historical models such as the Caproni Ca.1, the first aircraft to take off from the Malpensa Moorland. Other notable exhibits include the Fiat G.91, the AMX Ghibli, the MB.326 and MB.339 trainers, and the SIAI-Marchetti S.211. The museum is dedicated not only to the history of aviation, but also to the development of space exploration and model aircraft. A special highlight is the planetarium in the Astronomy and Space Pavilion, equipped with a powerful projector and offering FullDome videos.
Educational Offerings and Events
Volandia offers interactive exhibitions and simulators that allow visitors of all ages to experience the world of aviation and space exploration up close. The museum regularly organizes events, workshops, and lectures that deepen understanding of the history and technology of aviation. A special area is dedicated to drones, where the GULLP association presents exhibitions and a UAV development laboratory.
Additional Facilities
In addition to the exhibitions, Volandia offers a spacious outdoor area with playgrounds for children, an indoor play area, and a café that allows visitors to take a pleasant break. The museum also has a well-stocked shop where models, books, and souvenirs can be purchased.
Overall, Volandia makes a significant contribution to the preservation and dissemination of aviation history and offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of aviation and space exploration.