Ducati celebrates 100 years of history: a citywide exhibition across iconic landmarks in Bologna

One hundred years of excellence, passion, and innovation, deeply rooted in the Emilia region. In the year of its historic Centenary, Ducati has chosen to pay tribute to its hometown of Bologna with an unprecedented cultural and narrative project.

Officially presented in Piazza Maggiore during the iconic Sotto le Stelle del Cinema film festival — in the presence of Strategy and Centro Stile Director Andrea Ferraresi, Marketing and Communication Director Patrizia Cianetti, and Ducati Corse Technical Director Davide Barana —the celebratory initiative will transform Bologna into a true open-air museum.

From September 5 to October 5, 2026, the visceral bond between the Rossa di Borgo Panigale and the Emilian capital will come alive through a widespread urban route created in close collaboration with local institutions and cultural organizations.

Five exceptional locations for five chapters of Ducati history

The route will span five symbolic locations across Bologna, each dedicated to a specific facet of the Ducati universe through photo exhibits, historical models, one-off builds, and contemporary motorcycles:

• Salaborsa (The Factory and Craftsmanship): a tribute to the human dimension of production. Through photos taken at the Borgo Panigale plant by photographer Giovanni De Sandre, the company’s manufacturing process will be brought to life. The icing on the cake will be the display of the Superleggera V4 Centenario alongside its mechanical base, representing the brand’s ultimate technological expression.

• Palazzo Pepoli (Memory): inside the Museum of the History of Bologna, Ducati’s past will intertwine with the city’s collective memory. Historic photos, videos, archival documents, and personal testimonies will recount stories and figures inextricably linked to the region.

• Galleria Cavour (Design): with the exhibition titled “Forma: feelings designed by Ducati”, visitors will be guided through the creative process — from the initial sketch on paper to 3D development and the birth of the motorcycle.

• Palazzo Boncompagni (Art and Historic Style): this venue will host the Collezione 100, featuring ten limited-edition models from the current lineup (restricted to just 100 units each) with liveries celebrating iconic moments in Ducati history. The bikes will be displayed alongside original historic models and dedicated artworks created by artist Ugo Nespolo.

• Stadio Renato Dall’Ara (The Racing Soul): Ducati’s sporting DNA enters the temple of Bolognese football with competitive race bikes on display during select Bologna FC home matches, uniting two of the city’s greatest passions.

A city painted in “Ducati Red”

The local involvement extends beyond the primary exhibition venues. Throughout the month of September, the historic center will be “painted red” thanks to the participation of twenty Ascom-affiliated businesses (hotels, bistros, shops) and Bologna Welcome spaces overlooking Piazza Maggiore, featuring special Centenary-themed displays.

The grand finale in Borgo Panigale

The celebrations will culminate on October 4, the feast day of San Petronio, Patron Saint of Bologna. On this occasion, the route will symbolically close in Borgo Panigale: the Ducati Museum will exceptionally open its doors to the public, welcoming residents and visitors into the sacred space that has always preserved the identity, victories, and future of one of the Motor Valley’s most beloved brands.

A century made of split seconds, racing victories, Hollywood appearances (including the iconic connection to The Matrix saga), and unmistakable design: Ducati and Bologna continue to race toward the future together.