However, it expands far beyond forms of transport, with a wide variety of other equipment, many of which
are art forms in themselves, including a vast collection of typewriters, spanning from their invention in the
late 19th century to today, with some 100 examples on display. Musical instruments and forms of playing
music, from pianos to juke boxes, telescopes and cameras are other prominent feature displays of the
museum on the top floor, surrounded by a wide variety of historical artefacts including scale models, dolls,
toy boats, books etc, the list is almost endless. This diverse array of offerings makes it a perfect place for
family visits, as there is bound to be something to suit every interest or taste within it.
On the automobile front the offerings are equally diverse as with the other exhibitions, with a number of long
lost marques represented. These include Bianchi, Isotta Fraschini and OM from Italy, including a
spectacular 1929 Isotta Fraschini 8AS Coupé de Ville by Castagna, and an OM Superba 665 SSMM from
1931, with a rare Zedel from Switzerland amongst them. There is a nice selection of sixties and seventies
Maseratis including a 3500 GT Vignale Spider and a Ghibli, whilst the array of Alfa Romeos and Lancias,
predominantly pre-war, is impressive. Amongst them are a very elegant blue and silver 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C
1750 Castagna bodied cabriolet, together with a 1938 Lancia Astura Spider. The car display areas are
complimented by mannequins in period costumes and a wide variety of assorted ephemera, which all adds
to the ambience of the museum. Not to be forgotten are the display cabinets on the ground floor housing a
collection of F1 steering wheels, a journey through time in themselves. The museum also has its own
conference centre, including panoramic terrace and bar, capable of accommodating parties of up to 350
people for all types of functions.
The museum is situated in Villafranca di Verona, on the main SS62 road between Verona and Mantova, on
the right side just after you enter the town from the north. It is close to Verona airport, quite literally a few
minutes drive away, and also easily accessible from the Milano – Venezia and Brennero – Modena
autostrade.
It is open daily from 10.00 to 18.00, apart from Monday, whilst further details with full opening times and
admission prices can be found at www.museonicolis.com
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