After five years of work, Moto Guzzi’s new manufacturing and exhibition buildings opened on Thursday. The factory and museum are located on the premises of the original Mandello del Lario factory where the motorcycle company was founded in 1921.

The factory spans 38,000 square meters with 380 m² of office space, while 5,500 m² consists of new industrial buildings. While most of the original factory remains intact, most notably the red gate on Via Parodi, machinery like the automated assembly lines are brand new. The last line leads to the engine workshop, where the bikes are collected by Piaggio Fast Forward’s four-wheeled Kilo flatbed robots and transported for testing.

Next to the plant sits the 3,000-m² Moto Guzzi Museum. 160 bikes are on display, including those used for racing, in films, and by media and police.

Around the campus include 4,200 m² of outdoor areas, a restored wind tunnel, and a terrace looking out over the central square with a mosaic of the company’s eagle. There’s also the 1,200-m² Motoplex Store with a café, shop, and auditorium.

American architect Greg Lynn spearheaded the design process.

“The turnout was well beyond all expectations, with a steady stream of visitors passing through the historic Via Parodi entrance from the moment the famous red gate opened on the first day of GMG – Moto Guzzi World Days 2026, which promises to be a truly memorable event,” said Moto Guzzi about the first day.

Moto Guzzi is the oldest continuously-operating European bike manufacturer. While mainly known for its pavement racing with 14 Grand Prix motorcycle titles before shutting down the factory team in 1957, the company also has a history in off-road disciplines.

Privateers raced Moto Guzzi bikes at the Dakar Rally as early as the inaugural edition in 1979 before Claudio Torri entered the 1985 race on a factory-prepped V65 TT, though he failed to finish due to electrical issues. Still, the twin-cylinder engine was impressive and encouraged a five-strong factory effort the following year, though none made it to the end. Torri’s bike was among those displayed by the ASO as part of the Desert Queens exhibit at EICMA last November.

Featured image credit: Moto Guzzi