1853-2023: 170 YEARS SINCE THE INVENTION OF THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
The initiatives of the Barsanti and Matteucci Foundation
June 5, 2023 marks the 170th anniversary of the invention of the internal combustion engine by the two scientists from Lucca, Eugenio Barsanti and Felice Matteucci, and at the same time the 20th anniversary of the Barsanti and Matteucci Foundation is celebrated.
To celebrate the two anniversaries, the Foundation has organized a large program of initiatives which, from March to November, will mark 2023, offering a schedule capable of involving students, enthusiasts, professionals, the curious, families, tourists and anyone who wants to discover something more about those who changed the world of transportation and beyond.
Starting from 1 April, the “Barsanti e Matteucci” internal combustion engine museum, located in Lucca in via Sant’Andrea 58, will resume its regular opening to the public [go to the timetables].
The activities described below will also be organised, which are widely presented and promptly updated on this site.
ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOLS
“A logo for the 170th anniversary of the Barsanti and Matteucci internal combustion engine” Competition reserved for students of the Passaglia Artistic High School in Lucca; submission deadline 20 March 2023, announcement of winners 31 March 2023, award ceremony 4 June [go to announcement]
“The future of the alternative internal combustion engine in the perspective of energy sustainability” Competition for master’s degree theses or equivalent developed in the period January 2022 – December 2023; announcement of winners 31 March 2024 [go to announcement]
PUBLICATIONS
Publication of the volume “Barsanti and Matteucci and the invention of the internal combustion engine”, by prof. eng. Paolo Di Marco (University of Pisa), prof. eng. Giovanni Ferrara and Adriano Milazzo (University of Florence), Maria Pacini Fazzi Editore, Lucca (September 2023).
Publication of the comic volume by Bigo on the history of the internal combustion engine by Barsanti and Matteucci (September 2023); the participation of students from two schools in Lucca is expected in the key phases of the drafting.
EVENTS
4 June morning: Conference on engines and vehicles: in an artistic key with Paolo Bolpagni (Fondazione Ragghianti), and in a scientific-dissemination key during a debate in which distinguished researchers engaged in the themes of the sustainable future of transport will participate.
At the same time, valuable vintage vehicles will be exhibited in some squares of the historic center as part of an event organized in collaboration with ACI Storico, Club Balestrero Veicoli d’Epoca of Lucca and with the Club Moto d’Epoca Fiorentino.
September 30: Participation in the Researchers’ Night in Florence
Presentation of the volume “Barsanti and Matteucci and the invention of the internal combustion engine”, projection of the video on the history of the invention of the internal combustion engine by Barsanti and Matteucci.
ACTIVITIES
15 April, 13 May, 17 June, 8 July, 30 September, 14 October: Mornings at the Museum, in collaboration with the “Museums of Smiles” Festival – Guided tours and meetings with the artists Elio Lutri, Lucia Morelli, Michele Neri.
29 April: Participation in the Lucca Classica Music Festival: guided tour of the internal combustion engine museum preceded by a musical moment.
12 October: Participation in Monrace GV CUP 2023 with exhibition of the Barsanti and Matteucci engine model at the starting point; guided tour of the Museum reserved for participating crews.
1 – 5 November: Participation in Lucca Comics & Games 2023.
