Museum of Champions
Museum | Novi Ligure | Piemonte | Italy
The "Museo dei Campionissimi" in Novi Ligure, Piedmont, is a significant museum dedicated to the history of cycling and its outstanding personalities. It was opened in 2003 and is considered one of the largest cycling museums in Europe. The museum is located in a former industrial building from the early 20th century and covers an area of 3,000 square meters.
At the center of the museum is a central "track" that separates the different exhibition rooms and illustrates the evolution of road surfaces from clay to cobblestones to modern materials. The collection includes about 40 bicycles that document the evolution of the bike from the first wooden models designed by Leonardo da Vinci to the latest titanium prototypes.
A special focus of the museum is on the two cycling legends born in Novi Ligure, Fausto Coppi and Costante Girardengo. In the "Sala dei Campionissimi", memorabilia and unpublished testimonies of their glorious days as champions are presented. This includes vintage films and audiovisual materials documenting their successes and lives.
In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum also organizes temporary exhibitions that shed light on various aspects of cycling and bicycle history. It also offers a library and a museum shop, providing visitors with further information and souvenirs related to cycling.
The "Museo dei Campionissimi" is therefore a significant cultural destination for cycling enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive insight into the history and development of cycling as well as the lives of two of its greatest icons.
