Free Wheel - The Bicycle in the Social Evolution of Italy

The journey begins with the draisine, designed in 1815 by Baron Karl von Drais, the first bicycle prototype born during a climate crisis that had reduced the use of horses. From an initial elitist object, the bicycle gradually became a popular means of transport, a work tool, daily transportation, and a key player in sport.

The exhibition features 62 historic and contemporary bicycles from public and private collections, including models associated with great cycling champions such as Gino Bartali, Tadej Pogačar, and Marco Pantani. Photographs, documents, and archival materials trace the technical evolution of the bicycle, from the first iron frames to the most recent technologies.

The exhibition also explores the impact of the bicycle on other industrial sectors, such as motorcycling, automobiles, and aeronautics, and reflects on its current role in sustainable mobility. Finally, a significant section is dedicated to women's emancipation, honoring iconic figures such as Alfonsina Strada, the only woman to participate in the men's Giro d'Italia in 1924.

Exhibition opening hours
From May 19 to August 30, 2026
Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm

Special openings: Monday, June 1st

TICKETS
Full price €7.00
Reduced €4.00
Reduced group price €3.00
Free admission: Children under 12; group leaders (1 per group); visiting teachers with pupils/students (2 per group); one companion for a disabled person; ICOM cardholders; FVG Card; journalists with valid National Order membership cards in service.

Reduced: FAI members, over 65s, 12-18s, students up to 26s, FVG card, disabled people

Reduced Groups: minimum 15, maximum 25 people, by reservation at bookshop@villamanin.it

Free: children up to 12 years old, group chaperones (one per group), teachers visiting with students (two per group), one chaperone for a disabled person, ICOM members, journalists with a card

The reduced ticket price applies on the first Sunday of the month.

Combined ticket for the exhibitions Ruota libera and Nuda veritas

Full €10.00 – Reduced €7.00 – Reduced Groups €5.00