"1000 Miglia by Mailander" is an exhibition showcasing significant photographs by Rodolfo Mailander, a renowned photojournalist and former FIAT international relations manager. Celebrating 100 years since his birth, this exhibit highlights the intersection of culture, society, and the automotive world in post-war Italy. The event opened to the public on May 17, 2024, and will be held across four major Italian automotive museums: Museo Mille Miglia in Brescia, Museo Nicolis in Villafranca di Verona, Museo Fratelli Cozzi in Legnano, and from June 6, 2024, Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin, in collaboration with the Gino Macaluso Foundation for Historic Cars.
"When I learned about this extraordinary initiative, I did not hesitate for a moment to support it," explains Nataša Grom Jerina, president of FIVA's Culture and Youth Commission. "Mailander's photographs take us on a unique journey into the world of automotive racing, capturing not only the essence of the cars but also the people who bring them to life. It is a true privilege to be part of this exhibition, which represents a tangible link between general culture and the fascinating world of automobiles. I sincerely thank the team and the Italian automotive museums for making this extraordinary event possible."
The exhibition features Mailander’s images from the 1951-1954 Mille Miglia, reflecting the event’s significance in the post-war Italian identity and automotive industry. The photos offer a neorealistic view of the race and its societal impact, with a focus on the elegance and evolution of racing cars and the increasing international participation in the event.
Each museum presents a unique aspect of Mailander’s work. The Museo Mille Miglia showcases the race’s evolving popularity and the aesthetics of racing cars. The Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile focuses on notable automotive personalities. The Museo Nicolis highlights the Marzotto brothers, known for their style and racing achievements. The Museo Fratelli Cozzi features Alfa Romeo’s contributions and successes in the Mille Miglia.
Mailander’s career spanned from photojournalism to roles at Daimler-Benz and FIAT. His collection, preserved by the Revs Institute in Florida, includes over 30,000 digitized negatives, providing a comprehensive visual history of automotive racing.
The Revs Institute is dedicated to preserving automotive history and provides access to an extensive digital archive of Mailander's work.
Natasa Grom Jerina's speech