MG factoryvisit

[Jurgen]

I want to visit the MG factory during the summer.  Can anyone give me the following information:

1. When does the factory go on summer vacation?
2. How does one arrange a visit (tour) of the factory?
3. Is there a special person to get in contact with?
4. Is English spoken there?

Thanks for any suggestions, Jürgen

[ritratto]

No, you can't visit the factory, only the museum. It is open one hour a day 3-4 p.m. and could well be closed in August, as much of Italy is.
If you are a large group, you may be able to schedule a tour of operations, but maybe only with some clout.
It is cool to see the museum and Mandello is a pretty little town and Como is beautiful. Nice folks all over the place.
Salute e buon viaggio!

[Jurgen]

No, you can't visit the factory, only the museum. It is open one hour a day 3-4 p.m. and could well be closed in August, as much of Italy is.
If you are a large group, you may be able to schedule a tour of operations, but maybe only with some clout.
It is cool to see the museum and Mandello is a pretty little town and Como is beautiful. Nice folks all over the place.
Salute e buon viaggio!

Thanks Ritratto, Too bad about not being able to visit the factory.  Many automobile factories open their doors to visitors, the Porsche factory was an eye opener with all their robotics.  Who can tell me when the museum is closed for holiday?  Regards, Jurgen

[rocker59]

the museum is in the factory, so you're visiting the factory.  You just have really limited access.

don't go in August.  Nothing will be open.

the museum is only open for one hour per day, so plan your day around that hour.  Or maybe a couple days.

[MotoMatt]

I just got back a few days ago from a visit to Italy and the Guzzi factory, It was amazing and I will try to post some pictures soon. This link gives information on the opening times. http://uk.motoguzzi.it/motoguzzi/UK/en/passion/Museo.html  In July it's actually open for 2 hours and doesn't say anything about being closed in August. For me one hour was barely enough, two would be much better. You don't need to do anything special to arrange the visit just be at the red gate at the opening time. The factory is right across from the train station. The guard that opens the gate spoke very good english as well as the lady who ran the gift shop. There is a guide who walks through the museum with visitors but he really didn't speak any english.

[Jurgen]

I just got back a few days ago from a visit to Italy and the Guzzi factory, It was amazing and I will try to post some pictures soon. This link gives information on the opening times. http://uk.motoguzzi.it/motoguzzi/UK/en/passion/Museo.html  In July it's actually open for 2 hours and doesn't say anything about being closed in August. For me one hour was barely enough, two would be much better. You don't need to do anything special to arrange the visit just be at the red gate at the opening time. The factory is right across from the train station. The guard that opens the gate spoke very good english as well as the lady who ran the gift shop. There is a guide who walks through the museum with visitors but he really didn't speak any english.

Thanks, everyone.  I'll be going in June, and looking forward to it.  Jurgen

[LaGrasta]

I very much want to this visit as well. I'll be in Itally in July, but only as far north as Rome and Florence. 

[lsrxc]

Spent 3 days out in Mandello just to visit the museum. AS mention by others, August is the worst time to go as all of Europe is on holiday. But since you're going in June, you should be good. If you plan on staying in Mandello, consider staying at the Antica Officina. The family that runs the B&B are descendants of Giorgio Ripamonti, who was the blacksmith that developed the first MG prototype. They have an old workshop and a small museum as well.

[ritratto]

I ditto what Isrxc wrote about the Antica Officina. A great place and nice folks to deal with. Not a grand hotel, but a nice little b&b with nice simple Italian folks running it. With the added bonus of being the place where the very first Guzzi was produced.

[giusto]

Thanks, everyone.  I'll be going in June, and looking forward to it.  Jurgen

Awesome you will have an amazing visit! Don't believe much of the info from the website...it's so typically Italian...the museum.. at the factory is open longer than 1 hour a day. It doesn't fall into to a rigid schedule...I walked up at around 1:30 pm on a June day.....right by the big red gate...there was a guard who asked first in Italian ...then English if I would like to see the Museum....big smile on our faces...yes we would....he asked where we were from and had us sign in....then said....go that way...(motions with hands) and look for the doors and the steps on the right (scale a destra). It was just us at first...the a few others...we were there for at least 3 hours...no one really around....hotter than blazes on the third floor. What a great place....I went back about a week later...2:00..maybe 2:15....same guard....same ritual and a bit cooler that day.   I spent quite a long time in Italy last summer...a few weeks around Como and a few weeks in Sicily...We stayed with family so I have no recommendations but ISRXC's place sounds great.
Make sure while you are in the area that you take a little water taxi out to Isola....a tiny little island with a restored church and artist community on it...my Uncle is the Architect that managed the restoration. Have a great time!!!!!!

[Damnyankee]

If you do stay at Antica Officina, say hi to Gianni for me, tell him Nelson is alive!  Great little place to stay, very close to the factory and Gianni is a hoot.

[azguzzirep]

What were the dates for the 95th birthday celebration?
Thx,,

Tom