27/06/2025 - The Myth in Images

After the great success of its debut themed around Comics, the new “BEYOND” Exhibition Area at the Tazio Nuvolari Museum expands with a stunning new temporary exhibition, curated by Fabio Castagna:

“Tazio Beyond the Wheel” – an emotional journey through the many lives of the legendary champion, where the man, the icon, and the myth intersect with pop culture, advertising, music, and moving images.

The face of an era, the voice of a nation.

Who was Tazio Nuvolari really? Not just the greatest driver of all time, but a symbol who crossed into many worlds, becoming a testimonial for historic brands such as Bianchi (1926), Pirelli (1926), Abarth (1950), and Martini & Rossi (1932). He was an unexpected star in iconic advertising campaigns and even made appearances on the silver screen.

From Totò to the Giro d’Italia (1948), where he appeared alongside legends of cycling and sport, to references in Oscar-winning films like Life is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni (1997), and the recent cinematic tribute When Nuvolari Races by Tonino Zangardi (2018), Italian cinema has celebrated his indomitable spirit. Even Cars (Disney, 2006), set in the 1950s, features Lightning McQueen learning the art of drifting from the wise Doc Hudson, a former Piston Cup champion. One of the film's most iconic scenes shows Doc teaching Lightning to "turn right to go left" — a technique that involves mastering the drift to take corners more effectively. According to Enzo Ferrari, Nuvolari invented this very technique. His skill in handling drifts led to extraordinary victories, including the legendary 1935 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring — considered one of the greatest feats in racing history.

A soundtrack from another time. But Nuvolari was also music:

-The sudden inspiration of Secondo Casadei, who in 1928 wrote his song on a scrap of paper as the Mille Miglia passed by.

-The voice of Trio Lescano with “Arriva Tazio” (1937),

-The gritty lyrics of Lucio Dalla and Roberto Roversi in the cult song “Nuvolari” (1978),

-A one-of-a-kind playlist, available to listen to at the exhibition, narrating emotion and legend through the notes of different eras. An interactive, boundless exhibition.

Thanks to integration with the museum’s digital database, visitors will be able to:

-Listen to original recordings

-Watch film clips

-Read never-before-shared trivia and behind-the-scenes stories

-Discover rare objects and archive materials on display for the first time in the BEYOND section

Among the exhibited memorabilia, the curator explains how he recovered a rare track from a steel audio disc (AUDIO SCRIPTIONS, 1937): an interview with Nuvolari before racing the Vanderbilt Cup for the second time in New York, June 19, 1937 – recorded by the renowned American company on two 78 rpm steel discs.

An immersive, dynamic experience that goes beyond physical displays, opening up to an ever-evolving multimedia narrative. A journey enriched by digital content curated in collaboration with GlobalMedia.

Why visit “BEYOND – Tazio Beyond the Wheel”?

✔ Discover the lesser-known Nuvolari: star, muse, and icon

✔ Dive into vintage music, cinema, and advertising

✔ Enjoy a unique digital experience full of emotion and discovery

✔ Explore rare materials – listen, watch, read… and be inspired!

This expansion, confirms Museum Director Giuseppe Pottocar, not only celebrates Nuvolari’s sporting legacy but offers visitors an educational and interactive experience that blends tradition with technology. Fabio Castagna, renowned curator of international exhibitions, has worked to ensure an engaging and stimulating narrative for all – young and old.

BEYOND continues to amaze. Come discover Nivola’s world as you’ve never seen it before. We look forward to welcoming you to the Tazio Nuvolari Museum for a timeless journey through myth and reality.

BEYOND – The Myth in Images

Curator: Fabio Castagna (Head of Digital Bank MTN)

CEO GlobalMedia