The museum was officially inaugurated on 18 December 1976. It is situated within the former Alfa Romeo Arese factory complex, a site where automobile production continued until 2002 and engine manufacturing persisted until 2006. Following its initial decades of operation, the museum closed in early 2009 for renovations, reopening briefly at the end of that year to mark the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo in 2010.
In February 2011, the facility closed again for an extended period. A formal renovation project was established in late 2013, with physical restoration beginning in the summer of 2014. This modernization added distinctive "Alfa red" projecting roofs to the original 1970s architecture. The museum officially reopened on 24 June 2015, an event synchronized with the press unveiling of the Alfa Romeo Giulia and a redesigned corporate logo. The public reopening followed on 30 June 2015.
The museum occupies 4,800 square metres (52,000 sq ft) across six floors. The exhibition space is organized into four thematic areas: a chronological review of road cars produced since 1910, a section for prototypes and "dream cars," a division for aircraft and aeronautical projects, and a collection of scale models and awards.
While the total collection exceeds 250 vehicles, the 2015 renewed exhibit features 69 specific cars on display. The inventory includes at least one example of every model produced by the company, alongside specialized racing machinery. Beyond the Arese facility, the museum maintains an active presence in the global automotive community by loaning vehicles to events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and the Mille Miglia.
The Scuderia del Portello is a sports association and official club based at the Museo Alfa Romeo. Founded on 3 February 1982 by journalist Luca Grandori alongside Edilberto Mandelli, Pietro Rondo, Giorgio Schoen, Stefano Senin, and Renato Ughi, the organization was established with the patronage of Alfa Romeo. Its name references the Milanese suburbs where the brand's original factories were located.
The Scuderia was originally conceived to provide technical assistance and support to drivers racing discontinued Alfa Romeo models. Its mission expanded in 1990 to include modern racing cars and brand communication. The club's logo is modeled after the radiator of the Alfa Romeo 1900. Under the leadership of current president and team principal Marco Cajani, the Scuderia serves as the official representative for the brand in historic competitions.
The Scuderia del Portello has secured numerous titles in FIA-sanctioned historic racing, including the European Cup for Historic GT Cars and the European Challenge for Historic Touring Cars. Domestically, the team has won eight Italian Historic Car Championships and recorded over 300 class victories in various national and European events.
Significant individual race results include:
Tour Auto: Victory in 1997 with a Giulietta Sprint Veloce driven by Cajani and Faraci.
Tour de España: Victories in 2004 (Jean Sage, Giulietta Ti), 2006 (Sage and Entremont, 1900 Ti), and 2007 (Cajani and Confaloni, 1900 CSS Zagato).
Carrera Panamericana: Awarded "best participating team" in 1991; category wins in 2002 for Arturo Merzario and Vinicio Marta (Sport Menor) and Prisca Taruffi and Antonio Maglione (Original Panamericana).
Le Mans Classic: In 2004, the Scuderia was the only team to enter all six classes, achieving a class victory with Phil Hill in an Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CMM.
In modern categories, the Scuderia has achieved success in the ISCS International Series (Group N), the Italian Superproduction Championship, and the 24 Hours Nürburgring, where it secured a class victory.
The museum's racing activities and the Scuderia del Portello have involved a variety of notable professional drivers, including:
Vic Elford
Nino Vaccarella
Sandro Munari
Carlo Facetti
Giovanni "Nanni" Galli
Prisca Taruffi
Bruno Bonini