The Lingotto’s structure was influenced by the Fordist theories studied by Giovanni Agnelli, the family owning FIAT in the last century, while on a trip to America. The production stages followed a vertical progression, from the ground to the top floor until the models reached the rooftop where they were tested on the 1.5 km roof track.
The asphalt on which Fiat’s Barilla and Topolinos once used to drive is today transformed into a large natural garden. A park for the citizens of Turin, under the sky and open on all sides with spectacular views of the Alps and the city.
The snow on the mountain peaks glistens in the Italian sun while we walk the track. La Pista 500 is more than just a garden, it is a project that uses green spaces to tell the story of the NEW 500 world, the new green mission of Stellantis and of the city of Turin’s drive towards sustainability.
Situated 28 meters above the ground, La Pista 500 is the largest hanging garden in Europe with 7,000 square meters of greenery growing under the Torino sun. The test track was designed by Benedetto Camerano. Today, the most advanced electric cars pass through a natural garden with over 40,000 plants representing 130 species. Several charging stations show the importance of testing electric cars for future clients of the Stellantis vehicles.
Featuring an amazing collection of art from all over the world, the top floors host an artwork from Julius von Bismarck (Germany). The “Mimik der Thetys” (The Expression of Thetys) consists of a buoy seeming to float high in the center of the iconic helicoidal ramp of the Lingotto. Its movement evokes that of waves, the MOTION evolves into a kind of hypnotic rhythm, almost like the waves of an ocean.
Add to the Pista 500 an ambitious outdoor art project enriching the top floors with a surprising exhibition. Here you’ll find an amazing series of artistic and environmental installations presenting the architecture, landscape and symbols of a vibrant Turin.
The Pinacoteca Agnelli's program extends outside the museum's spaces, making it accessible to everyone, whether a local inhabitant or a visitor to the former capital of Italy, Turin. This artowrok is called SUPERFLEX ‘It Is Not The End Of The World, 2019-2022’ edited by Sarah Cosulich & Lucrezia Calabrò Visconti.
The various floors of the building were connected by lifts and, subsequently, by the two spiral ramps at each end of the complex. The FIAT Factory was described by Le Corbusier as “one of the most impressive spectacles the industry has ever offered”.
The former FIAT factory is located not far from Turin’s exhibition halls and is open seven days a week. In addition to the breathtaking views of the nearby mountains, little things tell of the industrial heritage of Italian automotive glory. The square in front of the building displays industrial tiles and yet this view from above of these rather simple structures is fascinating.
