PRESS RELEASE
Italian Icons – The History of Bicycles Between Competition and Design
June 11 – July 16, 2026 | Edinburgh
The exhibition “Italian Icons – The History of Bicycles Between Competition and Design” was inaugurated on Thursday, June 11, at the premises of the Italian Cultural Institute in Edinburgh.
The exhibition project features 12 bicycles: 6 historic models from the collection of the Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Museum and 6 models loaned by Italian companies that have played a key role in the history of cycling.
Among the bicycles on display are an early twentieth-century Bianchi racing bicycle with rod brakes and a Legnano bicycle used by Gino Bartali during the 1938 Tour de France.
More than any other object, the bicycle represents the perfect fusion of ingenuity, elegance, and passion — values that are deeply rooted in Italian culture.
The Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Museum was inaugurated in 2006 and is located in Magreglio, near Como, next to the sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna del Ghisallo, proclaimed Patron Saint of Cyclists by Pope Pius XII in 1949.
The museum was strongly supported by Fiorenzo Magni, one of Italy’s greatest cycling champions, with the aim of creating a place to commemorate and celebrate cycling in all its forms.
Today, the museum houses an extraordinary collection of bicycles, jerseys, trophies, and historical documents once belonging to some of the greatest figures in the history of world cycling.
The inauguration was attended by Carola Gentilini, Director of the Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Museum and curator of the exhibition, Antonio Molteni, President of the Foundation of the Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Museum, and Marino Vigna, Olympic champion in the team pursuit at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games and former sporting director of Eddy Merckx.
To mark the occasion, a guided bicycle ride to the Italian Cultural Institute in Edinburgh was also organized in collaboration with the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling.
The inauguration also featured remarks by Stefano De Angelis, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Edinburgh.
In his speech, the Director emphasized how recounting the history and identity of Italian cycling also represents a valuable opportunity for dialogue between Italy and Scotland, highlighting the bicycle’s unique ability to unite cultures, territories, and different generations through a universal passion.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until July 16, 2026, with a special opening on Saturday, July 4.
Admission is free; booking is required during the following opening hours by emailing rsvp.iicedimburgo@esteri.it or calling +44 (0)131 668 2232.
Opening Hours for the Public
Monday to Thursday 9:30 am – 1:30 pm / 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Special Opening I Saturday, July 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
For further information, please contact Stefano De Angelis at stefano.deangelis@esteri.it.
Foto utilizzabili: https://transfer.esteri.it/index.php/s/gxMAL23QG8agD7Q
Photo credits: Claudia Scandella
Video: https://transfer.esteri.it/index.php/s/p6GrJ2bQCorFNHL
Video credits: Studio Hermitage
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