From the celebrated film Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck to The American, George Clooney’s latest thriller, an exciting exhibition at the Piaggio museum spotlights one of Italy’s best loved icons: the Vespa. Featuring 60 years of memorabilia, the show gives a glimpse at myriad hit movies featuring the iconic scooter, including even some of Bollywood’s biggest international hits.
Italy’s best-loved scooter has enjoyed unparalleled commercial success since its launch. The exhibition, which runs until January 15, 2011, at the Piaggio museum in Pontedera, tells the story of the Vespa through a collection of photographs, magazines and historical documents. Using touch-screen monitors, viewers can view Piaggio television commercials and enjoy ample footage from the Istituto Luce’s historical archives.
The Piaggio Foundation’s media library holds 800 films featuring the famed scooter. Visitors can enjoy images of stars, both on and off the set, including Lucia Bosè, Gary Cooper, Anthony Perkins, John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Charlton Heston, Anthony Quinn, and many more.
See www.museopiaggio.it for the museum’s extensive film screening calendar and appearances by special guests. Source: www.intoscana.it
The Vespa and the Cinema
Museo Piaggio Giovanni Alberto Agnelli
viale Rinaldo Piaggio, 7, Pontedera
Tel. 058/727171;
www.lavespaeilcinema.it
Free entrance; 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday
