Enzo Ferrari was born in Modena, Italy
on 18 February 1898. Just south of Modena is Maranello the present headquarters of
Ferrari. Ferrari currently employs approximately 1,800 people of which 450 are involved
with the Formula 1 team. 
Many of his employees are second generation and come from the surrounding area. In fact
you can see the Ferrari presence throughout the town. Fiorano, Ferrari’s test track,
is situated close by. According to legend Ferrari wanted to see his cars being tested from
his office. On the way to Maranello I could
tell that I was getting close because many of the local buildings proudly displayed the
prancing horse. Getting closer I was met by various Ferrari road cars being driven by new
owners after having taken delivery from the factory. Arriving at the factory gates I could
not help but feel as if I was outside of a Hollywood studio unable to get in.
Unfortunately factory tours are only available through special arrangements and since I
did not have the spare cash on hand to buy one of these beautiful machines I had to resign
myself to visiting some of the other buildings in the area.
Across the street from the factory are the Ferrari
restaurant and the official Formula One shop.  The restaurant was started in the early 1970’s and is
frequented by many of the factory workers including the old man, Enzo Ferrari, himself
when he was alive. The private room at the back of the restaurant is for family members
only. Around the corner is the Galleria Ferrari built in 1988 and officially inaugurated
on the 18th February 1990, 92 years after the birth of the "Grand Old
Gentleman". The museum was built by the local government in collaboration with
Ferrari S.P.A. Unofficially known as the temple to the red road gods, this modern
two story building houses exhibits of both racing and road cars. The walls are covered
with historical information and there are display cases of various trophies won by the
marquee including some won by Enzo Ferrari himself. Included in the list of racing cars
are the Indy car, and one of the cars driven by Gilles Villeneuve.  O n the second floor is a recreation
of the great man’s study from his days in Modena. Scattered amongst the cars are
other bits and pieces including a steering wheel with gearshift paddles and various
engines. The shear amount of information contained within the walls of this open and airy
structure is truly amazing. One of my favorite aspects of this museum is the complete
absence of ropes or other barriers. The museum shop contains books and other memorabilia
including hand built die-cast models of various Ferraris.
Times
The Galleria is open every day from 09.30 to 18.00
Prices (from 1st June to 31st December 2004):
Full ticket 12.00 euro
Concessions: Children (6-10 years old) 7.00 euro
Ferrari Club members, Students, over 65, 9.00 euro
Information
Tel: +39 0536 943204 - Fax: +39 0536 949714 - E. mail:
Galleria@ferrari.it
Address
via Dino Ferrari, 43 - 41053 Maranello (Mo)
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