Leone 1857 opens 'The Factory of Happiness' in Collegno: museum, production and experience in 7 thousand square meters

A factory that continues to produce sweets and chocolate, but at the same time becomes a place to visit. Leone 1857 has opened to the public in Collegno, on the outskirts of Turin, a new space of 7 thousand square meters that brings together production, museum and experiential activities. It is called "The Factory of Happiness" and was built next to the company's factory with the aim of transforming almost 170 years of industrial history into an itinerary accessible to visitors.

The project, signed by the Milanese studio Piuarch, is part of a trend that in recent years has led several food companies to enhance their factories, archives and production processes also from a tourism perspective. In the case of Leone, the peculiarity lies above all in the integration between the story of the brand and the factory: during the visit it is in fact possible to directly observe some of the company's historical processes.

A museum overlooking the production lines

The museum itinerary is spread over two floors, alternating immersive environments, interactive installations and views of production. At the center of the story are the ingredients, products and techniques used to make the brand's specialties, from pastilles to chocolate.

One of the main points of the visit is the Theatre, a space from which you can observe the production lines of pastilles and chocolate, where vintage machinery coexists with contemporary technologies. The journey ends with a tasting of the products. There are also workshops dedicated to Leone specialities, as well as free and guided visits.

Welcoming visitors in the atrium is the monumental reproduction of the historic yellow Leone tin. Here you will find the flagship store, built inside a greenhouse, and the café, both accessible even without purchasing a museum ticket. Even the food offer, whose management as regards the cafeteria and catering services is entrusted to Pop Up, is built around the company's products, used for some preparations, while a selection of Turin vermouths is offered in combination with the different types of Leone chocolate.

From production to business tourism

Opening to the public allows Leone 1857 to use its industrial heritage as a storytelling tool and, at the same time, as a new element of the area's tourist offering. The structure was in fact conceived to fit into the cultural and tourist panorama of Turin and Piedmont, combining production with activities aimed at families, groups, schools, travel agencies and tour operators.

"La Fabbrica della Felicità was born from a dream that has accompanied our family since 2018, when we acquired Leone 1857: to preserve, pass on and share with the public, a beautiful Italian story. We immediately felt the responsibility of preserving its identity, heritage and values, carefully accompanying them towards the future", explain Michela Petronio and Luca Barilla, who together acquired the company in 2018.

The project also includes spaces intended for corporate events and private initiatives, thus expanding the functions of the plant beyond production and museum visits.

A building designed with an environmental focus

The factory, designed to achieve Leed Gold certification, includes photovoltaic systems, rainwater recovery systems and the use of natural and recyclable materials. The architectural project also focuses on the entry of natural light and the presence of internal and external green areas.