Volandia Parco e Museo del Volo is one of Europe’s largest aviation museum, located beside Milan Malpensa Airport, offering a unique blend of history, technology, and family-friendly experiences.
Volandia, situated in Somma Lombardo just a short walk from Malpensa Terminal 1, is housed in the historic Officine Caproni buildings, once the beating heart of Italian aeronautical innovation. The museum spans over 2 kilometers of exhibition space, making it one of the most extensive aviation museums in Europe. Its mission is to tell the story of humankind’s dream of flight, from the pioneering aircraft of the early 1900s to futuristic concepts like the AW609 convertiplane. Visitors encounter more than 100 aircraft, including replicas of the Bleriot XI, Italian classics like the Macchi MC-202 Folgore, Cold War icons such as the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, and modern trainers like the Aermacchi M-346 Master.
️ Thematic Areas
Volandia is divided into seven themed zones:
- Forms of Flight – balloons, gliders, and early experiments. This zone introduces visitors to humanity’s earliest attempts to conquer the skies, tracing the evolution from hot‑air balloons and gliders to the first experimental aircraft. It highlights the creativity and daring of aviation pioneers, showing how simple ideas gradually transformed into controlled, powered flight. The exhibits emphasize the fundamental principles that make flight possible and set the stage for the rest of the museum’s journey
- Fixed Wing – historic and modern airplanes. This area showcases the development of fixed‑wing aviation from the early 1900s to modern aircraft. Visitors encounter historic models, commercial planes, and military aircraft that illustrate how engineering advances have shaped speed, safety, and performance. The zone celebrates the companies and designers who helped Italy and the world push the boundaries of horizontal flight
- Rotary Wing – helicopters and rotorcraft. This section explores the world of helicopters and other rotary‑wing aircraft, focusing on the mechanics and innovation behind vertical flight. Exhibits reveal how rotorcraft evolved to meet needs ranging from rescue operations to military missions and civilian transport. The zone highlights the unique capabilities of helicopters, including hovering and vertical takeoff, which revolutionized aviation in the 20th century.
- Space Pavilion – dedicated to astronautics and exploration. The Space Pavilion transports visitors beyond Earth’s atmosphere, tracing the milestones of space exploration. It covers the technological breakthroughs that enabled humans to reach orbit and explore the cosmos, offering a look at rockets, satellites, and the science behind space travel. This area underscores the connection between aeronautics and astronautics, showing how flight innovation ultimately led to the conquest of space.
- Drones & Aeromodelling – showcasing unmanned flight. This modern zone focuses on unmanned aerial vehicles, highlighting their rapid rise in both professional and recreational contexts. Exhibits explain how drones operate, their diverse applications—from photography to emergency response—and the technological advances that make them increasingly capable. The area reflects the cutting‑edge future of aviation, where autonomy and remote control play central roles.
- Ogliari Transport Museum – trams, trains, and cars, including the ASI-Bertone collection.
- Children’s Area – over 1,000 m² of indoor and outdoor play spaces. Designed especially for young visitors, Baby Volandia is a playful, interactive area where children can explore the world of flight through hands‑on activities. With kid‑friendly exhibits, small‑scale aircraft, and imaginative play spaces, it introduces aviation concepts in a fun and accessible way. This zone ensures that even the youngest guests feel included in the museum’s journey through the skies.
This structure ensures that both enthusiasts and casual visitors can explore aviation from multiple perspectives.
Interactive Experiences
Volandia is not just about static displays. It offers:
- Flight simulators where visitors can try piloting an aircraft.
- A planetarium for exploring the cosmos.
- Weekly demonstrations such as the live ignition of a Hunting Jet Provost, a rare spectacle in Italy.
- A library, film screenings, and multimedia exhibits for deeper learning.
These interactive elements make the museum appealing to families, schools, and aviation professionals alike.
Relaxation and Community
Beyond aviation, Volandia embraces the “park and museum” hybrid model, inspired by American-style institutions. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, cafés, and restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire day on site.
Educational programs range from “Little Astronauts” for kindergartens to advanced flight simulation workshops for high school students, reinforcing Volandia’s role as both a cultural and educational hub.
Why Volandia Matters
Volandia is more than a museum—it is a living tribute to Italy’s aeronautical heritage. By preserving aircraft from Caproni, Aermacchi, Agusta, Fiat, and others, it highlights the nation’s contribution to global aviation. Its location beside Malpensa Airport underscores the continuity between past innovation and present-day air travel.
In summary: Volandia Parco e Museo del Volo is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts and families alike, combining history, interactivity, and leisure in one of Europe’s most significant aviation heritage sites.
More Information on the museum can be found here
Article by Matt Sudol
© South West Aviation Photographers 2026