HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, inaugurated Ultraleggera: A Design Journey with Marcello Gandini Between Italy and Qatar, an exhibition co-produced by the future Qatar Auto Museum (QAM), the MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin, Italy, and VCUarts Qatar.
The exhibition was initiated by VCUarts Qatar Associate Professor Simone Carena, who in 2022 convinced Marcello Gandini to participate in his first-ever masterclass project in collaboration with QAM and VCUarts Qatar.
Attendees at the exhibition opening included Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, CEO of Qatar Museums, HE Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar, HE Paolo Toschi, Ambassador of Italy to the State of Qatar, Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region, and Stefano Lo Russo, Mayor of Turin.
Marcello Gandini (1938–2024), known as the inventor of the supercar, is the legendary designer behind iconic vehicles such as the Lamborghini Miura, Countach, Diablo, and Lancia Stratos. This exhibition is a tribute to his influential design career and legacy.
The project was co-curated by Professor Simone Carena and Marzia Gandini, daughter of Marcello Gandini and Founder of Think PR, in collaboration with author Gautam Sen. The exhibition showcases Gandini’s revolutionary lightweight design philosophy through models, sketches, and prototypes on loan from his studio.
Ultraleggera runs at the National Museum of Qatar from 22 April to 2 June 2025, and will then travel to MAUTO in Turin from 19 June to 31 August 2025. The exhibition includes works created by VCUarts Qatar students during the Moving Interiors With Marcello Gandini Masterclass, focusing on 3D-printed “moving interior” models.
HE Dr. Hessa Sultan Al Jaber, President of Qatar Auto Museum, described the exhibition as a meaningful dialogue between past and present, Italy and Qatar. Benedetto Camerana, President of MAUTO, emphasized the significance of this international collaboration.